General system check
If you have any doubts about the serviceability of the cooling system, you should carry out the following check:
Check the outer surfaces of the radiator and condenser cores to ensure they are not covered with dirt, lint or other foreign matter. Be sure to check the areas between the condenser and the radiator, as well as the outer surfaces.
Check for obstructions or bends in the condenser core, hoses, pipes, etc.
Check the operation of the blower fan.
Check all air ducts for leaks or obstructions. Low air flow rate may indicate that there is an obstruction in the evaporator core.
Check if the compressor clutch is slipping.
Is the drive belt tension correct relative to the compressor?.
Procedure for performing a quick check when cooling is insufficient
To determine approximately how much refrigerant is in the air conditioning system (assuming the air temperature is above 21°C), the "touch" method can be used on most models. This test can be done in a matter of minutes and can simplify troubleshooting of the system by pinpointing the cause as low refrigerant and eliminating the cause, avoiding a general check of all parts.
- The engine should be warm and running at normal idle speed.
- The hood and doors of the body are open.
- The selection (mode) button is set to the middle position.
- Temperature controller - for cooling.
- Blower - on high speed.
Check the temperature of the evaporator suction pipe and behind the outlet pipe, as well as the surface of the accumulator with your hand, while the compressor must be on. The normal position is considered to be when the temperature at the evaporator suction pipe (behind the exhaust pipe) and on the surface of the battery it is the same, and it is several degrees lower than the surrounding air. Check for other faults.
If a leak is found, discharge and repair the air conditioning system.
Attention: We recommend that all operations that require depressurizing the air conditioning system circuit be carried out in specialized workshops.