A/C PSI numbers

Tiny
CHESTNUTJOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 NISSAN FRONTIER
  • 3.3L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
I had fixed an A/C leak on my truck replacing the source of the leak which was the suction hose. I also replaced the drier and expansion valve. Vacuumed the system and no leaks. In recharging the system the static pressures are, low side 94 psi high side 99 psi engine off. Turning on engine with A/C on low side is 11 and high side is 102. The clutch came on but doesn't cycle. Is this a bad compressor?
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 12:27 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

How much Freon did you add?

What is the outside temperature?

11 pounds on the low side is no good.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
CHESTNUTJOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Outside temperature at the time was 85 degrees. I added 22 ounces what factory spec calls. I of course have since stopped on it until I can figure out what is causing the issue. It had a slow leak and eventually the air would work randomly before replacing parts. I would guess about a year and a half like this. At highway speed worked best. In heavy or slow traffic clutch would disengage and not come back on to cycle. If I turned the AC system off and wait a few minutes turn back on and clutch would engage but it would cut off at some point and still stop circulating. I really suspect the compressor because of length of time for leak.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 5:29 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, from the looks of the pressures, especially the high side, you need a compressor.

The high side should be two times ambient temperature plus 15%.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
CHESTNUTJOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay, will I need to replace the drier and expansion valve all over again? I am thinking no since system was never fully pressurized.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The dryer, yes. Once you open the system again, the humidity contaminates the dryer whether it is new or not.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
CHESTNUTJOHN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I noticed two different types of A/C compressors for the 2003 Frontier. One is for supercharge and the other one non-supercharged. The only difference I can see is the compressor for supercharge has a six groove pulley whereas the non-supercharged has a four groove pulley. Is this the only difference? Also mine has a heat switch so when I order a compressor need the heat switch? I would think so in order not to confuse the ECM computer. Thank you for the replies and been most helpful. It indeed is a bad compressor.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 4th, 2019 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Use the one that is called for your truck. It must be exact.

From the looks of it, yes, that is the difference.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, July 4th, 2019 AT 9:51 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links