Another A/C Question

[iSpyder]

Hey guys,

My A/C appears to be working but just isn't blowing as cold as I would expect. Last week my system was low (compressor would cycle on/off) so I tested the low side and it was definitely in the low range. I used about 1.5 cans of refrigerant which brought it to filled and was able to get temp readings in the low 40's (reading done at night so outside temps were cooler). I thought I might have a leak somewhere so I checked the low side today and was pleasantly surprised to see it was still reading well into the filled range. I then took the car for a drive and felt the air it was blowing just wasn't cold. I checked the compressor and it is definitely staying engaged. When I got home I used a digital thermometer and received temps in the mid to low 60's when running Max A/C @ 60 degrees with outside temps today in the mid 80's. I then ran the EATC self test and got what appeared to be "888", which I assume is the all clear code. Doing a little searching it sounds like it could be the blend door but I would have thought the self test would report this if it was not working properly. Is there anything else I can try or check for problems or is this the A/C temp I should expect from the system> I could see the temp being a little higher today then what I received last week but 20 degrees seems pretty extreme.

Thanks,

Erik

 

[bacernate]

It's very hard to get a good idea of system charge just by hooking up to the low side line. Are your temps the same this week as they were when you charged it. higher temps will give higher readings even though it may have lost some charge. I would really like to know what the high side is reading, could have the famous dirt pile in front of the rad reducing air flow across the condenser. Use your temp gun and see what the low side lines temp is, if it's not cold than you are more than likely low on charge again.

 

[iSpyder]

If the temps you are referring too are the outside temps, the yes they were higher yesterday (around noon, temps in the mid 80's) than they were when I filled it (10pm at night, temps in the low 70's). Unfortunately I don't have a temp gun, I was just using a digital thermometer inside the interior vents to get the temp. But if I did, are you suggesting to test the low side AC line to see what it is reading? If I can get my hands on one I will give it a shot.