{"id":363,"date":"2019-04-17T08:43:35","date_gmt":"2019-04-17T15:43:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/?p=363"},"modified":"2023-01-14T10:54:51","modified_gmt":"2023-01-14T18:54:51","slug":"ac-pressure-too-high","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/ac-pressure-too-high\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is AC Pressure Too High? Causes And Solution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We all want a cool car in the summer, especially on a long drive. Sometimes the air conditioning seems like it’s not working properly, and I get semi-cool air temperature. I wonder if my engine is too hot or if there is another problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The air conditioning (AC) performance is important because it keeps the vehicle’s interior temperature under control. If your AC pressure is persistently too high, it points to an underlying issue. When the pressure of the AC system is too high, this might indicate leakage or a diminishing amount of refrigerant, both of which require immediate attention.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I turn the AC on and it’s warm, sometimes I turn up the fan, hoping things will get cooler faster. If the AC temperatures are abnormally warm, this could indicate an issue with the compressor that might need repair or replacement. We’ll discuss how AC pressure can determine the health of your AC system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Importance of the AC Readings<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Higher than normal temperature readings while testing your AC might also indicate other problems. High-temperature readings from your AC can indicate damage<\/strong> is occurring to your AC system. It needs to operate within a specific pressure range. High pressure might gradually lead to the failure of the compressor<\/strong>. If not corrected in time, the repairs can cost a fortune.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Problems with AC Pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

High pressure inside the \u200bcondenser fan<\/a> can cause the aluminum to distort and evaporator coils to leak. The compressor’s repair and replacement cost is high (about $450 plus $700 labor – price fluctuates greatly depending on the car) as the dash might need to be removed for repair. Higher than normal air pressure is usually a consequence of two situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One<\/strong>, your AC system might face limited or no airflow<\/strong> through the condenser<\/strong>. This, in turn, might be a consequence of a bad condenser fan motor<\/strong>. If debris near the fan blocks the flow, you will face the same issue. Second<\/strong>, the other reason for a high-pressure reading can be an overcharged\u00a0<\/strong>system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Condenser Fan Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The condenser fan of the AC system<\/a> works at different speeds and capacities. Hence, a malfunction might reduce its efficiency along with speed. This, in turn, leads to the inability of the fan to cool the system and pass air effectively. You can personally test the speed of the fan with easily available DIY equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Problems with the AC System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Overcharging<\/strong> of the system is usually caused due to an excess of refrigerant in the system. It can also be because of excess oil<\/strong> in the system. To test for an overcharged system, you would need to measure the pressure of the system. Make it a point not to add more refrigerant to the AC system unless you know for sure it is low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To avoid overcharging the system, first, check for leaks. Get a leak check kit or gas sniffer (Amazon Link) to find any underlying leakage. Do not allow any airline to be open, as this causes the air to enter the system, resulting in high-pressure readings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When checking for leaks, make sure the look at the lines, hoses, and compressor. You may need to replace one of these parts or just an O-ring. Do a visual inspection and look for oil leaking from any of these areas, and you’ll know there’s a leak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the vehicles currently use the R134a refrigerant (Amazon Link<\/a>) in the AC systems. Older model cars from the 90s or older might use R12. Either way, you can use R134a in your car, although you may need an adapter for older cars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overcharging the system and leaks are some common reasons for AC issues. However, other issues could be: loose wiring<\/strong>, slipping belt<\/strong>, low or old oil in the <\/strong>system, and the use of the wrong compressor lubricant can cause issues with your coolant system. You need to check both the AC low and high-pressure side readings for a specific diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check it Yourself With a Pressure Gauge (Amazon Link<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n