A/C System Performance
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1996 Buick Roadmaster. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Park vehicle out of direct sunlight. Connect tachometer. Install manifold gauge set. Start engine. Turn A/C on. Place mode selector in A/C position, temperature control on maximum cooling and blower motor switch in HI position.
- Close doors and windows and open hood. Place a high volume fan in front of radiator to ensure maximum airflow across condenser. Insert thermometer in right center air outlet. Idle engine for 10 minutes. Increase idle to 2000 RPM and measure temperature. Temperatures and pressures should be within correct range. See A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE SPECIFICATIONS and A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS tables.
A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE TEMPERATURE SPECIFICATIONS
| Ambient Temp. °F (°C) |
Outlet Vent Temp. °F (°C) |
| 70 (21) |
42 (6) |
| 70 (21) |
43-52 (6-11) |
| 80 (27) |
50-52 (10-11) |
| 80 (27) |
54-62 (12-17) |
| 90 (32) |
54-56 (12-13) |
| 90 (32) |
60-72 (15-22) |
| 100 (38) |
57-64 (14-18) |
| 100 (38) |
69-78 (21-26) |
A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS
| Ambient Temp. °F (°C) |
High Side psi (kg/cm2
) |
Low Side psi (kg/cm2
) |
| 70 (21) |
190-200 (13.4-14.1) |
23 (1.6) |
| 70 (21) |
200-275 (14.1-19.3) |
23-32 (1.6-2.2) |
| 80 (27) |
250-285 (17.6-20.0) |
30 (2.1) |
| 80 (27) |
300-345 (21.1-24.3) |
33-41 (2.3-2.9) |
| 90 (32) |
300-320 (21.1-22.5) |
35 (2.5) |
| 90 (32) |
340-380 (23.9-26.7) |
39-49 (2.7-3.4) |
| 100 (38) |
330-370 (23.2-26.0) |
37-43 (2.6-3.0) |
| 100 (38) |
375-385 (26.4-27.1) |
47-55 (3.3-3.9) |