02 Tahoe Z71 A/C engages & disengages

[rrsavage]

Hello, new to forums and new to A/C repair. Reading and trying to learn as much as possible.

I have a 02 Chevy Tahoe Z71 and starting noticing that in park, the AC clutch would engage for a minute and then disengage. It would constantly repeat this cycle and the interior temperature was not getting cold. While driving the interior temperature does cool down, but it still seems like it is not as cold as it used to be.

After reading many threads with similar issues it seems the first thing to determine is if the r134a refrigerant level is low. I hooked up a manifold gauge to the HI and LOW ports and below are the readings I am seeing while running the vehicle with MAX AC turned on (front and rear A/C) and set to the coldest settings:

LOW SIDE 49 PSI
HIGH SIDE 260 PSI
Ambient Temperature @ 95° F
Humidity @ 70%
Tahoe has front and rear A/C.

I tried reading the HVAC charts that I found in another thread post and it seems like these readings are near the upper limits of the acceptable range, but can someone with some A/C experience confirm that these readings are acceptable and these numbers represent that the refrigerant levels are OK?


Thank You!

 

[Freshtahoe]

When you are driving down the road does it seems to get a little better.

 

[Jarheadgixxer]

This sounds like your gas lvl is to low. sould be 50-55 psi at 95 temp outside I would recharge the system and see if this helps. Its pretty easy most charge kits have all the instructions on them. Make sure you get one with a gauge on it so you don't overcharge the system. Make sure you use kit without oil if you know it has been done before because if you use the cans with stop leak and oil all the time you can but too much oil in the system

 

[rrsavage]

When you are driving down the road does it seems to get a little better.

Yes, while driving the cabin does cool down to a comfortable temperature. Not freezing, but comfortable.

 

[Freshtahoe]

Then the previous reply is correct you are low but not so low that pressure switch stops the compressor from running