GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: Discharge High Pressure Abnormally High
Table 2: Discharge Pressure Abnormally Low
Table 3: Suction Low Pressure Abnormally Low
Table 4: Suction Pressure Abnormally High
Table 5: Suction and Discharge Pressure Abnormally High
Table 6: Suction and Discharge Pressure Abnormally Low
Table 7: Refrigerant Leaks

Discharge High Pressure Abnormally High

Symptoms

Checks

Actions

After stopping the compressor, the pressure drops quickly, then fails gradually.

There is air in the system.

Recover, evacuate, and recharge the system with the specified amount of refrigerant.

The condenser is excessively hot.

There is excessive refrigerant in the system.

Recover, evacuate, and recharge the system with the specified amount of refrigerant.

Reduced or no air flow through the condenser

The condenser or the radiator fins are clogged.

Clean the condenser or the radiator fins.

The condenser or the radiator fan is not working properly.

    • Check the voltage and the fan RPM.
    • Check the fan direction.

The line to the condenser is excessively hot.

Restricted flow of refrigerant in the system

Locate and repair the restriction.

Discharge Pressure Abnormally Low

Symptoms

Checks

Actions

The condenser is not hot.

Insufficient refrigerant in the system

    • Check the system for a leak.
    • Charge the system.

High and low pressures are balanced soon after stopping the compressor. Low side pressure is higher than normal.

Faulty compressor

Repair or replace the compressor.

The outlet of the expansion valve is not frosted, low pressure gage indicates vacuum.

Faulty expansion valve

Replace the expansion valve.

Moisture in the system

Recover, evacuate, and recharge the system.

Suction Low Pressure Abnormally Low

Symptoms

Checks

Actions

The condenser is not hot.

Insufficient refrigerant in the system

Repair the leaks. Recover, evacuate, and recharge the system.

The expansion valve is not frosted and the low pressure line is not cold. Low pressure gage indicates a vacuum.

Frozen/Faulty expansion valve

Replace the expansion valve.

Discharge temperature is low and the air flow from the vents is restricted.

The evaporator is frozen.

Clear the restricted evaporator case drain.

The expansion valve is frosted.

The expansion valve is clogged.

Clean or replace the expansion valve.

The receiver/dryer outlet is cool and the inlet is warm.

The receiver/dryer is clogged.

Replace the receiver/dryer.

Suction Pressure Abnormally High

Symptoms

Checks

Actions

Low pressure hose and check joint are cooler than the temperature around the evaporator.

The expansion valve is opened for too long.

Replace the expansion valve.

Suction pressure is lowered when the condenser is cooled by water.

There is excessive refrigerant in the system.

Recover, evacuate, and recharge the system.

Suction and Discharge Pressure Abnormally High

Symptoms

Checks

Actions

Reduced airflow through the condenser

The condenser or the radiator fins are clogged.

Clean the condenser and the radiator.

The radiator cooling fans are not working properly.

    • Check the condenser and the radiator.
    • Check the fan direction.

The condenser is excessively hot.

There is excessive refrigerant in the system.

Recover, evacuate, and recharge the system.

Suction and Discharge Pressure Abnormally Low

Symptoms

Checks

Actions

Low pressure hose and metal end areas are cooler than the evaporator.

Clogged or kinked low pressure hose

Repair or replace the low pressure hose.

Temperature around the expansion valve is low compared to that around the receiver/drier.

The high pressure line is clogged.

Repair or replace the high pressure line.

Refrigerant Leaks

Symptoms

Checks

Actions

The compressor clutch is dirty.

The compressor shaft seal is leaking.

Repair or replace the compressor.

The compressor bolts are dirty.

Leaking around a compressor housing bolt

Tighten the bolts or replace the compressor.

The compressor gasket is wet with oil.

    • The compressor gasket is leaking.
    • Poor tightening in the system
    • The O-ring is faulty.
    • Repair or replace the compressor.
    • Retighten the connection--coupling, bolt, etc.
    • Replace the O-ring.