Refrigerant Check - R-12

The following procedure can be used to quickly determine whether or not the A/C system has the proper charge of Refrigerant-12 (providing ambient temperature is above 21°C (70°F). This check can be made in a matter of minutes, simplifying system diagnosis by pinpointing the problem to the amount of R-12 charge in the system or by eliminating low charge possibility from the over-all checkout.

1. Start engine and allow to warm up.

2. Hood and body doors open.

3. Set at 60°F and Auto.

4. "Hand-Feel" temperature of evaporator inlet pipe after the orifice tube, and accumulator surface, with compressor engaged.

A. BOTH SAME TEMPERATURE AND BOTH SAME DEGREE COOLER THAN AMBIENT--Proper condition: Refer to ECC Functional Test. Functional Test/Check

B. IN LET PIPE COOLER than accumulator surface--low refrigerant charge.

^ Discharge, evacuate, and charge to 3.50 lbs.

C. INLET PIPE HAS FROST ACCUMULATION--Accumulator surface warmer; proceed as in Step B above.