What is the normal pressure for a car air conditioning compressor?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction to the normal pressure of a car air conditioning system: 1. Normal pressure: The normal high pressure of a car air conditioning system should be 1.3-1.7MPa (13-17kg/cm2 or 190-250Lbf/in2); the normal low pressure should be between 0.15-0.25MPa (1.5-2.5kg/cm2 or 20-35Lbf/in2). 2. Expansion valve adjustment: If the low pressure is higher or lower than this range, it indicates abnormal expansion valve adjustment. If the compressor has issues, it does not fall under this category. 3. High-temperature conditions: At idle, if the ambient temperature is high, such as under direct sunlight in summer, the high pressure may be slightly higher, up to around 2.5~2.8MPa, but it generally does not exceed 3.1MPa. Otherwise, the pressure switch will activate the protection function.
As someone who frequently repairs cars, I can tell you that the normal pressure for a car's air conditioning compressor is approximately 15 to 20 bar on the high-pressure side and between 2 to 4 bar on the low-pressure side. Specialized pressure gauges are required for measurement. In practice, I've seen many issues stemming from refrigerant leaks or overfilling. Excessively high pressure on the high side may indicate a clogged condenser, while abnormally low pressure on the low side suggests potential leaks, which can degrade cooling performance or even damage the compressor. I recall a case where a customer neglected pressure checks, leading to AC failure mid-summer and a burnt-out compressor that cost thousands to repair. My advice is to have a professional inspect the system annually before summer to ensure stable pressure. Remember, improper handling may release harmful refrigerant gases—never attempt pressure measurements yourself. Safety comes first, and regular maintenance saves both money and hassle.
