Manifold Gauge Set Method

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Eagle Vision, 1995 Dodge Intrepid, 1995 Chrysler New Yorker, 1995 Chrysler LHS, and 1995 Chrysler Concorde. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Attach clamp-on thermocouple to liquid line as close to condenser outlet as possible. Attach manifold gauge set to high-side and low-side connectors.
Set parking brake, and place transaxle in Park. Idle engine at 700 RPM. Set A/C controls to outside air, full cool and high blower speed. Turn A/C on, and open windows. Operate system for a few minutes to allow system to stabilize.
Place a piece of cardboard over part of condenser to set A/C pressure to 260 psi (18.3 kg/cm² ). This will stop cooling fans from alternating speeds and maintain constant pressure.
Record temperature readings at liquid line and discharge pressure readings on gauges. Compare readings with values in REFRIGERANT CHARGE LEVEL table.
Depending on system charge condition, corrections are made 2 ounces at a time. Each time a correction is made, recheck readings to ensure proper charge. Total system capacity is 28 ounces.

REFRIGERANT CHARGE LEVEL ⁽¹⁾

Liquid Line Temperature °F (°C)

Discharge Pressure psi (kg/cm² )

40 (4.4)

53-75 (37.3-52.7)

60 (15.6)

81-104 (57.0-73.1)

80 (26.7)

111-142 (78.0-99.8)

100 (37.8)

156-194 (109.7-136.4)

120 (48.9)

208-259 (146.2-182.1)

140 (60.0)

272-331 (191.2-232.7)

160 (71.1)

353-420 (248.2-295.3)

180 (82.2)

447-516 (314.3-362.8)

⁽¹⁾	When pressure is lower than specified, system is undercharged. When pressure is higher than specified, system is overcharged.