Checking Automotive A/C Pressures (do not open valves when checking pressure)

Checking Automotive A/C Pressures
Disclaimer:
This video is not meant to be a definitive how to.Always consult a professional repair manual before starting your repair.I am not responsible for any problems that you might incur by watching or following this video.Follow at your own risk.

[@JSWMobileMedia]

These are great videos. Very detailed, but not overloaded with extra unnecessary info.

[@barneybunnell1366]

Very helpful video, Found out thru your video my 2003 A4 Quattro was overcharged, Low side was at 80 Lbs. Dropped to 45 Lbs. and a/c works better than when I purchased car used three years ago. Thank you for your posting and your expertise.

[@1oldsquare]

Thank you! This is the most "in a nutshell", easy to understand video on this subject I have found on You Tube yet. Good Job!!

[@bahrfood8568]

Agreed

[@hoangkybactien7207]

On this subject, this video is THE BEST compared to many others. I have been searching for a simple way to read low and high side pressures on my car, but found all lengthy introductions on lots of videos. I stumbled on this video. It wastes no time. It shows exactly what I want in a slowly spoken English and only in 5 minutes. Thank YOU so much for the great lesson. God bless you, Sir.

[@tannercortes6110]

The most straightforward and understandable video on checking A/C pressure. Thank you.

[@RichpinTv]

Wow, thanks!

[@RichpinTv]

@gpcdist Yes you connect your refrigerant can to the yellow hose open the valve at the can then purge the hose at the gauges then open the low valve at the gauges slowly.I would recommend you do some reading on this procure if you have not done it before.

[@arielban1]

Rich, I am thanful for teaching me how to do this proceedure. I am truly appreciative of your efforts in posting this video. I learned and am now more knowledgable...thank you

[@longle6167]

Thanks for the very simple video with exact precise information needed to get the job done right. Your temperature with low and high pressure chart is a very big winner. I had tried it once with a different video about a year ago but my AC didn’t work right. Today I resolved the issue using the chart in your video. Thank you.👍👌

[@puppygadget3189]

If the compressor does not turn on will the A/C manifold gauges still let me know the pressures on the lines? It’s a R12 system in a 1987 Nissan so hoping to figure out why the pump won’t turn on.

[@rero6212]

One of the best on point videos, Thanks for sharing.

[@betacircuits]

its the best tutorial video i have seen here.. direct to the point and easy to understand.. Good job !

[@GIGABACHI]

Rich: Thanks for the video, man. It really helps. Very easy to understand the basics and thanks for the additional Ambient Temp vs System Press...a life and wallet saver.

[@tobyu145]

This is absolutely great advice. The only best way to diagnose and charge a system is to have accurate gauges on them and see the relationship and the pressures in relation to your ambient temperature. You cannot simply pump a system down and charge it back up to the factory fill recommended amount and say that is the best because that is not correct. Manufacturers have to have cars that compromise a little for different climates and once a car is 8 to 10 years old and possibly had components replaced it is not exactly like it was the day it was sold so the exact number of ounces is no longer 100% relevant. You get the gauges, a pressure temperature chart, and a thermometer and this is how you find you're absolute perfect charge for that vehicle in those conditions. It is irrelevant whether you have 1.7 lb in it or 1.9 lb or 2.1 lb. You charge it until it works the best as long as your gauges and inspections show no system irregularities or problems.

[@yolo-cars]

I like your reply. Please tell me your opinion about those cheap canisters with refrigerant and a single gauge that you can hook to your low port in order to refill your refrigerant?

[@g.fortin3228]

Very good video. Thank you for this, nobody else seemed to mention RPM or engine being warm.. good info.

[@johannesbotha3599]

THIS WAS THE MOST HELPFUL VIDEO THX FOR THE DETAILED GUAGE TIPS...J FROM SA

[@jockellis]

A scientist/wordsmith on public radio today said scientists who write using big, hard to understand words often don't know what they are talking about. Obviously you do because you used words I could understand and made the steps easy to follow.

[@YiannisPagonis]

Thank you very much Mr Richpin for this use full video 🙏

[@madisoncrews93]

Thank you for saying your comments about if the needles are where and what it means

[@hamidtoyouri906]

Very good information mate, Thanks a lot for your effort and time, keep up with the good work.

[@TFizz]

Also, wanted to thank you for all your videos. I'm a novice when it comes to pretty much anything cars, but I've replaced my A/C blower motor, brake pads, and most recently, my water pump all with the help of your videos. I've learned so much from your videos, and saved myself much needed money. Thank you so much!!!

[@locutz]

this is a wealth of information thank you sir, I'm now a subscriber

[@HANDLS44]

Great intro to the use of these manifold gauge sets. I have borrowed a set and want to use them to recharge the AC on my wife's E36 BMW, so now looking for a video on that! Especially don't want to overcharge it. We can't get those small recharge cans in NZ so I'm getting the refrigerant from a 13kg bottle. Thanks!

[@jw903]

Hi Rich, Awesome video and very nice job on keeping OEM and clean.

[@joeinpittsburghpa]

I'm a mechanic in a autobody shop so I don't get into a/c diagnostics too much. In fact I was taught R-12 systems in school cause R-134 wasn't out yet. I'm here cause I need to hopefully confirm my suspicion on my bosses wife's car's a/c. I think you helped with the vibrating needle readings, which is what I thought. I wanted to say that years ago I came to the same conclusion regarding setting the blower speed for testing. So it's not just me that thinks that.

[@RichpinTv]

Thank you for the advice.

[@RichpinTv]

Thank you for pointing that out.

[@johnburketransport]

Best video ever. Thank you for making it.

[@RichpinTv]

Glad you liked it!

[@RichpinTv]

@revampted On some systems a compressor that cuts in and out indicates a low charge.Have you put a gauge set on to see what condition your system is in.

[@TheBlueScarecrow]

Bam... right to the facts! Great informative video.Thanks Rich!

[@CHEECHMUN]

Excellent information. Thank you!!

[@RichpinTv]

@audiocable I believe it is like that because that line from the condenser to the evaporator is were the refrigerant charges back into a liquid which is its cold state.

[@RichpinTv]

I am glad to hear from my friends from down under.

[@leswilliams9565]

Fantastic video. Thank you Sir!

[@mikel2283]

Excellent video. No filler. Gets right to the point. Covers the most important basics on hooking up gauges and gives basic preliminary diagnostics possibilities. Best Automotive AC gauge test video on youtube!

[@RichpinTv]

@audiocable Yes low on refrigerant or a bad expansion valve would be two things to consider.

[@yorkcat1973]

Thank you for this video it has been very helpful.

[@celli351]

awesome and informative thank you so much!

[@RichpinTv]

I know but the good part is they only last a few seconds and they give me a few cents for it which helps me in making videos for you.

[@pjsaltbabyrage7567]

Thank you for this good sir Peter Griffin. I appreciate the clear and precise explanation

[@RichpinTv]

You are very welcome

[@RichpinTv]

@00Kaporal At the present time i do not have enough experience to know the symptoms of a bad expansion valve but i believe on of them is reduced flow which translates into low temps at the vents.

[@st8kout961]

Nicely done. I guess I should have bought both gauges instead of just a 'charging' hose & gauge plus a can of UV leak dye. I like to know what's REALLY wrong before I bring it in for repairs. Got burned once by being too trusting, and have saved a ton of money since then. Had a $50 water pump go bad and a repair shop wanted to replace it plus the radiator, fan, fan clutch, fan belt, hoses, hose clips, etc. for over $1000. Found an honest shop and all they replaced was the water pump, and that was some 5 years ago with no problems since.

[@rbarr1200]

Excellent video. Thank you so much.

[@SwPiotrek]

Very informative video. Thanks!

[@simonarizaga1387]

Thanks man helped me with the readings

[@sirlancair]

excellent presentation. thank you.

[@RichpinTv]

@ipodtouchfan221 The vacuum pump is connected to the yellow hose of the manifold set and both valves are opened.

[@JCFarmsTV]

This Guy describes the gauge readings and what they mean, A+ 😄

[@jonathannoble164]

Thank you for posting this video. I thought I had overfilled my system with R134a but after watching your video, following your procedure and checking your gauge reading guide, all is well. I did get erratic squeeking sounds from my vent immediately after recharging and turning on my A/C system but it went away in about an hour of driving. Anything you have ever heard of before? THANK YOU AGAIN FOR TAKING THE TIME TO POST THIS VIDEO AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE RANGE GUIDE.

[@RichpinTv]

@chi4chi Put your gauge set on if they read 0 psi you have a leak.Then you have to put in a small amount of refrigerant with dye just to make the compressor come on to find the leak.

[@RichpinTv]

I really like the Mastercool set i have.

[@scottytomcat4267]

Rich thanks a lot its people like you that make it just a little bit easier for other people thank you that was a great video very informative!!

[@RichpinTv]

Scotty tomcat Thank for the kind words.

[@scottytomcat4267]

No problem man you're a great help to a lot of people and by the way I'm a certified AC tech and I like what you did

[@treyschls]

Helped nicely thanks man!

[@dianemarie909]

good video i like that you said how to read your gauges

[@71dembonesTV]

Cool! You should be fine then. If you have ever have a problem; I'm more than happy to help you figure it out! Take care, Andy

[@evahle]

Nice video! Thank you.

[@bsivoljr]

Very informative Thanks!

[@bowlineobama]

Thanks for the video.

[@Your32Maker]

12-yrs later, still comes in handy..... 85 deg with Humidity above70% - L: 35 / H:180 ... recharged with a few ounces helped drop temps in the 60's to mid 40's....

[@marcorubio3496]

I am learning the craft by watching some vids. I changed two o rings in the compressor since I had it removed and then I bought a vacuum pump to empty the lines and check for vacuum. Its cool once u learn it. You could save hundreds or even thousands.

[@popoqwer]

Very, Very Good info ... thanks!

[@robduquette4982]

Nice video and to the point.

[@RichpinTv]

@reub5439evil The only one i have is " Saturn S-series Headliner Removal "

[@RichpinTv]

Yes you open both low and high valves on your manifold when evacuating the system.

[@Musiconwheels77]

Great explanation thanks

[@RichpinTv]

@hobieslug45 Thank you for informing everyone on cycling clutches.

[@robert3j]

very good,thank you.exellent video.

[@RichpinTv]

@ipodtouchfan221 what are the readings on your gauges.

[@RichpinTv]

@opsvideo2008 I do not have a chart for R12 because i have never worked on a car that used it.

[@papitosabe]

nevermind...I guess I missed the part that said to warm up the car @2000 rpms... not sure if that made a difference, but I tried again and it worked fine...A/C blew cold, but 1 can wasn't enough, and there was still room for more, but I'm going to leave it like that for now... Thanks for the video rich....used your vids several times.... you should really try and market your style of instruction to some DIY channel... you're instruction is so flawless, even I can do stuff....thanks again

[@ollieoctopus1644]

Thumbs up on your video. Thank you.

[@hp11208]

cool demo

[@RichpinTv]

Is the relay good .Double check those pressure switches, low usually passes when pressure is good and high does not pass when pressure is good.

[@TheSIDHARTH007]

Thanks for great video.... But what is the velocity of air coming out of the AC vents.. I mean what would be the range of velocity for different fan speeds

[@RichpinTv]

The hoses go directly to the gauges.The valves control flow in and out of the center hose for recharging and evacuation.

[@RichpinTv]

@qqqweplr Are all the fuses ok,you getting voltage at the compressor if not is there voltage at the pressure switch.No voltage there means fuse or switch problems.Having voltage at both sides of the pressure switch likely means problems with the A/C relay or wire to and from it.

[@1998gst4611]

Also on the new a/c compressor i wanna not it had 4oz of refrigant oil in it already which i stuck with, Advanced Auto Parts recomended 5 ounces of refrigant oil. I replaced the drier too when i did the a/c compressor replacement.

[@betacircuits]

mine got high on low gage and low on high gage.. you are right, loose compressions, i discovered the compressor oil is completely drained or gone! mit-air compressor needs 200ml oil in it.. and they said my compressor is dead!?.. i just replaced a punctured high pressure tube line and my adventure aircondition is now working fine.. thanks rich!

[@ramblin_man23]

"Make sure before you staaht"

[@RichpinTv]

NEVER open the valves on your gauge set when the hoses are connected to the vehicle or all your refrigerant will drain out the yellow center hose.

[@kenyanabrown1430]

What if I did how do I get that air out?

[@yorkcat1973]

@@kenyanabrown1430 You would use a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture.

[@J2A61]

YorkCat19! I just had my system recharged but they completed it in 30 min as of now my compressor is cutting on and off in a short cycle but when I put a gage on it it’s has a lot of pressure but if you purge the line it’s nothing but air🤷🏾‍♂️

[@RichpinTv]

@mcdbones I never heard of a compressor kit

[@RichpinTv]

To understand what is going on in the system you have to check the low and high side pressures.

[@blkwizzard50]

excellent job. Dual manifold gauges are the only proper way to check and service

[@rojoknight]

Thanks richpin06a will give it a try. Never done air conditioning but you name it I've worked on it rebuild it and drove it or flew it. Went to a shop and he said $180 to test. Charge depends, and could be one of many things wrong on my 2006 VW Passat that never did have a good air condition since new. But neighbor just spent $1200 and it's still not fixed. So I guess I'll add air to my list of Jack of all..master of none.

[@robvandevelde7943]

Also if the high side pressure is very high...make sure the cooling fans are working. If the condensor is not getting cooled by the fan or fans you will get little cooling out of the vents too.

[@CarlH-vo3cq]

wow, you sound just like Peter Griffin from Family Guy

[@brianjirish]

Carl H Dude this is so true... it's so hard to watch and learn from this video without laughing!

[@RichpinTv]

@00Kaporal Let me start by telling you i still have a lot to learn about air conditioning that being said with readings like 50 on the low and 420 on the high sounds like a over charged system.

[@RichpinTv]

@rlewis1946 Mastercool #89660 at AutoZone in 2008 for $75.00 but i just checked and they do not have a listing any more.

[@Bigtime_mcalpine]

Thank you for posting this, very helpful. I've got one question: I just finished installing a new compressor (and receiver/dryer) and the low side at 80deg dips down to about 30 psi but even though the compressor has not turned off the pressure then builds up to about 45-50 then comes back down, then back up, etc. Again - it's doing this without the compressor turning off...can anyone confirm that this is normal?

[@donaldlovsis]

sounds like air may be in your system. did you do a an absolute vacuum for atleast 45 mins?

[@LunkerFishing]

Yes fan is working fine

[@keithcarney8160]

I agree some people think its just empty the can and go. So much more too it. If you are somewhat smart and understand what you are doing and what is needed you can do it.

[@RichpinTv]

@ItsAdam12 You never open ether valve on the manifold when checking the system pressures.

[@ashtonrogers789]

Hey question; sorry I'm new to using a manifold gauge. So I got everything going and running great. Pressure was holding perfect at 45 on the low side; and like an idiot I opened the low side valve on the manifold gauge. (I was meaning to close the valves on the port) of course it made the gauges drop to zero. Closed everything up, disconnected and started over. Now I'm only reading about 30 on the low side. I figured I blew the charge when I opened the valve. Went to add more refrigerant and the low side pressure didn't seem to come back up... Here's the question. How bad did I screw up? Did I just blow the charge and need to refill, or did opening that valve like I did cause me to blow a seal? I like to think of myself as fairly intelligent but I just haven't done much AC work

[@terrysmith8119]

EXCELLENT VIDEO AND WELL EXPLAINED. SHOULD THE PRESSURES ON THE CHART BE WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AT 2000RPM OR NORMAL IDLE?

[@jonbarker9888]

Awesome video Rich. I have '98 Sl2 DOHC. My low side was 36 psi and high about 100. I decided to bleed a little of the gas out and it wasn't cold at all. Nothing cold, Just regular warm air and a little oily residue. Took about 2-3 minutes to release it all. Putting a vacuum on 'er now. Any idea how so much regular air got in ? I hate to think someone put it in there.

[@danb.3397]

GOOD JOB

[@RichpinTv]

Reading the pressures from a gauge set will give you an idea what the compressor is doing.

[@opticnerv]

The difference between high and one notch lower isn't a big. If it doesn't produce acceptable vent temps in the highest position it wont in a lower position. This is a great video. Another nice tip is closing the side vents so you can concentrate airflow through the center vents.

[@LunkerFishing]

Hyundai Elantra 2009 that has never needed A/C repair. Recently inside return air got warmer but not hot. Gauges (ambient air was 88) show low is 30 high is 225, the return air temp is 63.8, engine hot and running high idle, temp coldest, max air on, and blower on. If max air off the return air gets warm but if max air on it gets fairly cold again but not as cold as in past. If mist radiator with water low side is 25 and high at 175 and temp is 48. Original owner (36K) never added refrigerant

[@hussam2952009]

thank you, your video is very helpful. How many ounces that needed to recharge the A/C system of a light vehicle? thanks again.

[@johnjohnson413]

Outstanding Course...I have a 05 Deville with a dual zone inside. I'm getting ice cold air on the passenger side and cool air on the drivers side. I was adding 134a to my system with manifold gauges and got a reading of 220 on the high side and 40 on the low side. The ambient temp was 95 outside. At the end of your video you showed a chart that was based on the room temp. By the chart, I should have taken the low side up to 50- 55 for a correct charge even if the gauge on the low side hit yellow danger. I guess my question is am I undercharged?

[@phillippardo5712]

Did you ever figure this out?

[@jignc1984]

Does the compressor need to be engaged and running for you to check the pressure correctly? My compressor will not engage unless I manually jump it inside the relay box. I don't have the manifold gauges on me at the moment, but this weekend I'm going to check. I'd also like to check the low and high pressure switches.

[@curtisbrown6267]

Rich, Great video... My a/c compressor works for about 2 minutes then it stops, turns back on for a split second but turns off. sounds like as if it's clogged up.