Checking the cooling system
If you have any doubts about the serviceability of the cooling system, you should carry out the following check:
Check the outer surfaces of the radiator and condenser cores to make sure they are not covered with dirt, lint, or other foreign matter. Be sure to check the areas between the condenser and radiator, as well as the outer surfaces.
Check for obstructions or bends in the condenser core, hoses, pipes, etc.
Check the operation of the blower fan.
Check all air ducts for leaks or obstructions. Low air flow may indicate an obstruction in the evaporator core.
Check if the compressor clutch is slipping.
Is the drive belt tension correct relative to the compressor?.
Procedure for performing a quick check when cooling is insufficient
To determine approximately how much refrigerant is in the air conditioning system (assuming the air temperature is above 21°C), the "Touch Your Hand" method can be used on most models. This test can be done in a matter of minutes and can simplify troubleshooting the system by pinpointing the cause as low refrigerant and eliminating the cause, avoiding a general check of all parts.
- The engine should be warm and running at normal idle speed.
- The hood and doors of the body are open.
- The mode selection button is set to the middle position.
- Temperature controller - for cooling.
- Blower - on high speed.
"Check with your hand" the temperature of the evaporator suction pipe and behind the outlet pipe, as well as the surface of the accumulator, while the compressor must be on. The normal situation is considered to be such that the temperature on the evaporator suction pipe (behind the outlet pipe) and on the surface of the accumulator is the same, and it is several degrees lower than the ambient air. Check for other malfunctions
If a leak is found, discharge and repair the air conditioning system.
ATTENTION: We recommend that all operations that require depressurizing the air conditioning system circuit be carried out in specialized workshops.
[The material was copied from the website: MitsubishiMan]