GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Functional Test

The following conditions indicate that the electrical circuits are functioning properly:

    • The A/C blower operates correctly at all speeds
    • The A/C compressor clutch engages

The operating system is properly charged when the A/C evaporator inlet pipe and the A/C accumulator surface are the same (hand-felt) temperature.

The air conditioning control head distributes air from the designed outlets during normal operation.

Performance Test

Tools Required

J 21213-A Four Jack Dual Range Temperature Tester

  1. Park the vehicle inside a building or in a shaded area.
  2. Open the doors or the windows of the vehicle in order to ventilate the interior of the vehicle.
  3. Vent the engine exhaust, if necessary.
  4. Open the hood of the vehicle.
  5. Install the high and low side pressure gauges.
  6. Route the lines over the rear hood seal.
  7. Tape the gauges to the windshield. Ensure that the gauges are visible from inside the vehicle.
  8. Close the hood.
  9. Important: Record the relative humidity and ambient temperature conditions at the time of the test.

  10. Record the ambient temperature at the vehicle.
  11. Use one of the following methods in order to record the relative humidity:
  12. • A psychrometer
    • Consult the local weather bureau
  13. Close the doors or the windows.
  14. Press the A/C button.
  15. Adjust the blower speed to HI.
  16. Adjust the temperature to full COLD.
  17. Open the air conditioning outlets.
  18. Install the J 21213-A or the equivalent, into the right center air conditioning outlet.
  19. Place the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL.
  20. Start the engine.
  21. Stabilize the engine speed at 2000 rpm.
  22. Start the timer.
  23. Run the air conditioning system until the outlet air reaches the lowest temperature (approximately 3 minutes).
  24. Record the outlet air temperature.
  25. Record the high side pressures.
  26. Record the low side pressures.
  27. Turn the engine off.
  28. Compare the readings.
  29. Ensure that specified levels are not exceeded.
  30. If a malfunction in the refrigerant system is suspected due to abnormal system pressures, complete the following inspection procedure:
  31. 28.1. Inspect the outer surfaces of the radiator and the A/C condenser cores. Verify that dirt or other foreign material does not block the air flow.
    28.2. Inspect for blockage between the A/C condenser and the radiator as well as the outer surfaces.
    28.3. Inspect the following areas for restrictions or kinks:
       • The A/C evaporator core
       • The A/C condenser core
       • The hoses
       • The tubes
       • Other related areas
    28.4. Inspect for any refrigerant leaks.
    28.5. Inspect the air ducts for leaks or restrictions. A low airflow rate may indicate that the A/C evaporator core is restricted.
    28.6. Inspect the A/C compressor clutch for slippage.
    28.7. Inspect the drive belt for improper tension.
    28.8. Inspect the A/C accumulator for plugging.
    28.9. Inspect the A/C expansion (orifice) tube for plugging.

Odor Diagnosis

Problem

Possible Cause

Correction

Musty Smell

    • Water leaks (body)
    • The evaporator drain is blocked.
    • There is mold or mildew on the evaporator core.
    • Locate and repair any water leaks.
    • Clean the evaporator drain.
    • Clean the evaporator.

Coolant Smell

    • The heater core is leaking.
    • The heater core pipes or hoses are leaking.
    • Replace the heater core.
    • Replace the heater core pipes or hoses.

Refrigerant Oil Smell

The evaporator core is leaking.

Replace the evaporator core.

Mold/mildew odor problem -- Under certain climate and operating conditions a musty odor can develop. The odor is caused by a microbial growth in the evaporator core. This odor is generally temporary, and as climate conditions change, the odor will disappear. Should the odor persist it may become necessary to clean the evaporator core with an appropriate cleaner.