What is the correct way to read the A/C gauges

Tiny
RUDYPAK
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 222,000 MILES
Online I read that the ambient temperature and along with a chart such as the one in the photo I would be able to see if my system is properly charged.
It's this at idle rpm? Is it with the windows open, fan and cooling set to max?
Today I took a reading at 85 ambient temperature. In the picture is a pic of the readings after about 15 minutes the van was running. It's this a good scenario?
Windows were open system set on high cool.
Based on these readings am I to look at the r134 scale? Red and blue lines?
Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 2:49 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Correct. You don't have to have the windows open. Some say you should but that is not necessary. However, you read the gauges with the engine on and at idle and A/C set to MAX.

So at 85 degrees ambient temperature your readings are perfect. Based on these readings your system should be blowing cold. Do you have any issues or are you just checking it?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
RUDYPAK
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
I just relaxed the compressor due to clutch coil failure.
The reconditioned one after checking the system makes a whirring sound.
It's cooling awesome but the noise concerns me.
Let me know if you can hear it.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
So it is not that loud but as long as it is not the belt then it is clearly the compressor. If it is operating properly then I would not worry about it. However, if this came with a warranty or return policy then I would have them swap it out. Just make sure they compensate you for any Freon that you may loose if you don't have a way to recover it.

If it is not too loud and you can't return this one and get another, I would not worry too much about it.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
RUDYPAK
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
Since your message I contacted the seller and they shipped a replacement earlier today. I will keep a close watch and when the other one arrived I will have it replaced.
Thank you for your quick and informative response.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
You are more then welcome. Thanks for using 2CarPros. Please let us know if you need more info in the future. Thanks
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Friday, July 31st, 2020 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
RUDYPAK
  • MEMBER
  • 42 POSTS
  • 2005 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 222,000 MILES
How would I properly read these settings? In other words what are my low and high numbers. I have had 2 different answers.
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 4:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning again.

The blue gauge is the low side and the red gauge is the high side.

42 on the low side. That is high as I explained before. It should be 25-30 pounds.

225 on the high side. If it was 100 degrees outside, that would be normal.

Roy
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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 4:32 PM (Merged)

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