On-Vehicle Inspection: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus SC 430. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT REFRIGERANT VOLUME
1. Observe the sight glass on the liquid tube.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Sight Glass
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Test conditions:
  - Running engine at 1,500 rpm
  - Blower speed control switch at "HI"
  - A/C switch ON
  - Temperature control dial at "MAX. COOL"
  - Fully open the doors
    
    Fig 2: Refrigerant Symptoms Table
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT REFRIGERANT PRESSURE WITH MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
1. This is a method in witch the trouble is located by using a manifold gauge set. Read the manifold gauge pressure when the these conditions are established.
  Test conditions:
  - Temperature at the air inlet with the switch set at RECIRC is 30 - 35°C (86 - 95°F)
  - Engine running at 1500 rpm
  - Blower speed control switch at "HI" position
  - Temperature control dial at "COOL" position
  - A/C switch ON
  - Fully open doors
  1. Normally functioning refrigeration system.
    Gauge reading:
    
    Low pressure side:
    
    0.15 - 0.25 MPa (1.5 - 2.5 kgf/cm ² )
    
    High pressure side:
    
    1.37 - 1.57 MPa (14 - 16 kgf/cm ² )
    
    Fig 3: Identifying Gauge Reading For Normally Functioning Refrigeration System
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. Moisture present in refrigeration system.
    
    Fig 4: Identifying Gauge Reading For Moisture Present In Refrigeration System
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 5: Symptom Cause Table - Moisture Present In Refrigeration System
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. Insufficient cooling
    
    Fig 6: Identifying Gauge Reading For Insufficient Cooling
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 7: Symptom Cause Table - Insufficient Cooling
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Poor circulation of refrigerant
    
    Fig 8: Identifying Gauge Reading For Poor Circulation Of Refrigerant
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 9: Symptom Cause Table - Poor Circulation Of Refrigerant
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  5. Refrigerant does not circulate
    
    Fig 10: Identifying Gauge Reading For Refrigerant Does Not Circulate
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 11: Symptom Cause Table - Refrigerant Does Not Circulate
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  6. Refrigerant overcharged or insufficient cooling of condenser
    
    Fig 12: Identifying Gauge Reading For Refrigerant Overcharged Or Insufficient Cooling Of Condenser
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 13: Symptom Cause Table - Refrigerant Overcharged Or Insufficient Cooling Of Condenser
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  7. Air present in refrigeration system
    
    Fig 14: Identifying Gauge Reading For Air Present In Refrigeration System
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 15: Symptom Cause Table - Air Present In Refrigeration System
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  8. Expansion valve improperly
    
    Fig 16: Identifying Gauge Reading For Expansion Valve Improperly
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 17: Symptom Cause Table - Expansion Valve Improperly
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  9. Defective compression compressor
    
    Fig 18: Identifying Gauge Reading For Defective Compression Compressor
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 19: Symptom Cause Table - Defective Compression Compressor
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002