A/C System Performance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1998 Honda Prelude. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Park vehicle out of direct sunlight. Open engine hood and front doors. Connect manifold pressure gauge set to high and low side pressure ports of system. Determine relative humidity and ambient air temperature.
Set temperature control to maximum cool, mode control to vent, and recirculation control switch to recirculated air position. Insert thermometer in center vent outlet. Turn blower switch to highest position. Start and run engine at 1500 RPM. Ensure nobody is inside vehicle.
After running A/C for 10 minutes, check thermometer reading in center vent outlet and high and low side system pressures to determine if A/C system is operating within range. See Fig 1 and Fig 2 .

Fig 1: A/C System Performance Test Chart (F & psi)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 2: A/C System Performance Test Chart (C & kg/cm)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.