Normal Pressure Range for Automotive Air Conditioning System Gauges?
2 Answers
When the car air conditioning is operating, the normal high-pressure reading is 1.3-1.7 MPa, and the low-pressure reading is 0.1-0.25 MPa. Additional relevant information is as follows: 1. After the car air conditioning starts working, the system pressure should remain within a normal operational range. If it exceeds this range, it indicates a malfunction in the air conditioning system. 2. The data units on automotive air conditioning pressure gauges typically include megapascals (MPa), bars, kilopascals (kPa), and pounds (psi). The normal range should be converted according to your vehicle's display unit. The conversion between these three units is as follows: 1 MPa equals 10 bars, equals 1000 kPa, equals 145 psi. If the air conditioning pressure is too high, it may be due to poor cooling performance or a stuck-open expansion valve. If the pressure is too low, it could indicate a compressor malfunction. If the pressure fluctuates significantly, it may suggest excessive moisture in the refrigeration system.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have extensive experience in maintaining air conditioning systems. The car AC pressure gauge is divided into two parts: high pressure and low pressure. The normal low pressure ranges between 25 to 45 units, while the high pressure is around 200 to 250, depending on the temperature—higher temperatures result in slightly higher pressures. If the pressure is abnormal, the AC won't cool properly, wastes fuel, and makes driving uncomfortably hot. Common issues include low pressure, possibly due to refrigerant leaks, and high pressure, which could indicate system blockage or compressor failure. Every year before summer, I use a simple pressure gauge to test it and address any issues early—don't wait until the AC breaks down to panic. In short, maintaining healthy pressure ranges is crucial for driving comfort and saving money, so don't neglect regular checks.
