A/C System Performance

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu and 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Complete refrigerant pressure information for 2000 models is not available from manufacturer.

Place vehicle out of direct sunlight. Ensure ambient air temperature is 70-90°F (21-32°C). Install A/C manifold gauge set. Close all vehicle doors and windows.
Turn mode selector to VENT position, blower speed selector to high speed position, and temperature selector to full cold position. Run engine for 5 minutes and allow A/C system to stabilize. Cold air should flow from dash registers. Record high-side and low-side pressures.
Feel liquid line on both sides of expansion tube. Temperature between both sides should be noticeably different. Pressure readings should be within correct range. See A/C SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS (2001 MODELS) table. Normal discharge air temperature for a properly functioning A/C system is about 20°F (7°C) cooler than ambient air temperature. If operation is not as described, see MANUAL A/C-HEATER SYSTEMS - TROUBLE SHOOTING article.

A/C SYSTEM PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS (2001 MODELS) ⁽¹⁾

Ambient Temp. - °F (°C)

Low Side - psi (kg/cm² )

High Side - psi (kg/cm² )

55-64 (13-18) ⁽²⁾

25-31 (1.8-2.2)

78-136 (5.5-9.6)

66-75 (19-24)⁽³⁾

25-31 (1.8-2.2)

109-173 (7.7-12.1)

66-75 (19-24)⁽⁴⁾

25-35 (1.8-2.5)

116-187 (8.2-13.1)

76-85 (25-29)⁽⁵⁾

25-34 (1.8-2.4)

151-208 (10.6-14.6)

76-85 (25-29) ⁽⁶⁾

25-36 (1.8-2.5)

158-215 (11.1-15.1)

76-85 (25-29)⁽⁷⁾

26-38 (1.8-2.7)

164-231 (11.5-16.2)

86-95 (30-35)⁽⁸⁾

27-39 (3.0-2.7)

186-249 (13.1-17.5)

86-95 (30-35)⁽⁹⁾

28-41 (2.0-2.9)

193-261 (13.6-18.4)

96-106 (36-41) ⁽¹⁰⁾

32-44 (2.2-3.1)

224-283 (17.2-19.9)

96-106 (36-41)⁽¹¹⁾

33-44 (2.3-3.1)

229-300 (16.1-21.1)

96-106 (36-41) ⁽⁴⁾

34-44 (248-3.1)

244-316 (17.2-22.2)

108-115 (42-46) ⁽¹⁰⁾

38-49 (2.7-3.4)

264-316 (18.6-22.2)

108-115 (42-46)⁽¹²⁾

38-48 (2.7-3.4)

271-338 (19.1-23.8)

117-120 (47-49) ⁽⁸⁾

43-51 (3.0-3.6)

307-350 (21.6-24.6)

⁽¹⁾	With engine speed at 2000 RPM.

⁽²⁾	With relative humidity at 0-100%.

⁽³⁾	With relative humidity at less than 40%.

⁽⁴⁾	With relative humidity at more than 40%.

⁽⁵⁾	With relative humidity at less than 35%.

⁽⁶⁾	With relative Humidity at 35-60%.

⁽⁷⁾	With relative Humidity at more than 60%.

⁽⁸⁾	With relative humidity at less than 30%.

⁽⁹⁾	With relative humidity at more than 30%.

⁽¹⁰⁾	With relative humidity at less than 20%.

⁽¹¹⁾	With relative humidity at 20-40%.

⁽¹²⁾	With relative humidity more than 20%.