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On-Vehicle Inspection

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  1. INSPECT REFRIGERANT PRESSURE WITH MANIFOLD GAUGE SET 
    1. This is a method to specify trouble areas by using a manifold gauge set. Read the manifold gauge pressure when the following conditions are established.

      Test conditions:

      • Engine has been warmed up.
      • All doors are fully open.
      • A/C switch is ON.
      • Engine is running at 1,500 rpm.
      • Air inlet mode selector damper is set at recirculation.
      • Temperature control switch is in MAX. COLD position.
      • Blower speed control switch is in HI position.
      • Air temperature at the air inlet is 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F).

      Gauge readings (Reference)

      Fig 1: Pressure Graph
      G04411364Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      1. When the refrigerant volume is proper:

        Gauge reading: 

        Low pressure side: 0.15 to 0.25 MPa (1.5 to 2.5 kgf/cm 2  ) 

        High pressure side: 1.37 to 1.57 MPa (14 to 16 kgf/cm 2  ) 

        Fig 2: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (1 Of 9)
        G04411365Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. When there is moisture in the refrigeration system:
        Fig 3: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (2 Of 9)
        G04411366Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        PROBABLE CAUSE SYMPTOM TABLE

        Symptoms Probable Cause Diagnosis Corrective Actions
        During operation, pressure on low pressure side cycles between normal and vacuum Moisture in refrigeration system freezes at expansion valve orifice, causing temporary stop of cycle.
        However, when melted, normal state restored
        • Drier overly saturated
        • Moisture in refrigeration system freezes at expansion valve orifice and blocks refrigerant circulation
        1. Replace cooler drier
        2. Remove moisture from cycle by repeatedly evacuating air
        3. Supply appropriate volume of new refrigerant
      3. When cooling is insufficient:
        Fig 4: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (3 Of 9)
        G04411367Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        PROBABLE CAUSE SYMPTOM TABLE

        Symptoms Probable Cause Diagnosis Corrective Actions
        • Pressure low on both low and high pressure sides
        • Cooling performance insufficient
        Gas leakage from refrigeration system
        • Insufficient refrigerant
        • Refrigerant leakage
        1. Check for gas leakage and repair if necessary
        2. Supply appropriate volume of new refrigerant
        3. If indicated pressure value close to 0 when connected to gauge, create vacuum after inspecting and repairing the location of leakage
      4. When the circulation of the refrigerant is poor:
        Fig 5: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (4 Of 9)
        G04411368Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        PROBABLE CAUSE SYMPTOM TABLE

        Symptoms Probable Cause Diagnosis Corrective Action
        • Pressure low on both low and high pressure sides
        • Frost exists on piping from condenser to A/C unit
        Refrigerant flow obstructed by dirt in condenser Condenser clogged Replace condenser
      5. When the refrigerant does not circulate:
        Fig 6: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (5 Of 9)
        G04411369Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        PROBABLE CAUSE SYMPTOM TABLE

        Symptoms Probable Causes Diagnosis Corrective Actions
        • Vacuum indicated on low pressure side, and extremely low pressure indicated on high pressure side
        • Frost or condensation seen on piping on both sides of condenser or expansion valve
        • Refrigerant flow obstructed by moisture or dirt in refrigeration system
        • Refrigerant flow obstructed by gas leakage from expansion valve
        Refrigerant does not circulate
        1. Check expansion valve
        2. Clean expansion valve by blowing air
        3. Replace condenser
        4. Evacuate air and charge appropriate volume of new refrigerant
        5. For gas leakage from expansion valve, replace expansion valve
      6. When the refrigerant is overcharged or cooling of condenser is insufficient:
        Fig 7: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (6 Of 9)
        G04411370Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        PROBABLE CAUSE SYMPTOM TABLE

        Symptoms Probable Causes Diagnosis Corrective Actions
        Pressure extremely high on both low and high pressure sides
        • Excessive refrigerant
        • Cooling performance of condenser insufficient
        • Excessive refrigerant
        • Cooling performance of condenser insufficient
        1. Clean condenser
        2. Check condenser fan motor operation
        3. If 1 and 2 normal, check the amount of refrigerant and supply appropriate volume of refrigerant
      7. When there is air in the refrigeration system:
        Fig 8: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (7 Of 9)
        G04411371Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        PROBABLE CAUSE SYMPTOM TABLE

        Symptoms Probable Cause Diagnosis Corrective Actions
        • Pressure extremely high on both low and high pressure sides
        • The low pressure piping too hot to touch
        Air in refrigeration system
        • Air in refrigeration system
        • Vacuum purging insufficient
        1. Check whether compressor oil dirty or insufficient
        2. Evacuate air and charge new refrigerant
      8. When the expansion valve malfunctions:
        Fig 9: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (8 Of 9)
        G04411372Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        PROBABLE CAUSE SYMPTOM TABLE

        Symptoms Probable Cause Diagnosis Corrective Action
        • Pressure extremely high on both low and high pressure sides
        • Frost or condensation on piping on low pressure side
        Trouble in expansion valve
        • Excessive refrigerant in low pressure piping
        • Expansion valve too wide open
        Replace expansion valve
      9. When the compressor is defective:
        Fig 10: Checking Refrigerant Pressure (9 Of 9)
        G04411373Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        PROBABLE CAUSE SYMPTOM TABLE

        Symptoms Probable Cause Diagnosis Corrective Action
        • Pressure extremely high on both low and high pressure sides
        • Pressure extremely low on high pressure side
        Internal leakage in compressor
        • Compression failure
        • Leakage from damaged valve or broken sliding parts
        Repair or replace compressor