1. High Head Pressure: The pressure on the high side of the AC system (usually located near the condenser) is significantly higher than the recommended level specified in the vehicle's manual. This can be measured using an AC manifold gauge set.
2. Refrigerant Sight Glass (if equipped): If your AC has a sight glass (usually in the line before the expansion valve), it might be milky or opaque, indicating the presence of excess liquid refrigerant.
3. Poor Cooling Performance: Despite the AC being turned on, the air coming from the vents may not be as cool as expected, or the cooling may be intermittent. This is because an overcharged system can cause the evaporator to flood with liquid refrigerant, reducing its ability to absorb heat.
4. Condenser Fan Running Continuously: The condenser fan, responsible for dissipating heat from the condenser, might run continuously or more frequently than normal. This is due to the system's inability to properly reject heat because of excessive refrigerant.
5. Compressor Short-Cycling: The AC compressor may turn on and off rapidly (short-cycling) more frequently than usual. This happens because the system pressure exceeds the high-pressure switch set point, causing the compressor to disengage to protect the system from damage.
6. Unusual Noises: Sometimes, an overcharged AC system may produce unusual noises or vibrations due to the increased pressure and strain on various components.
Remember, it's always best to have an experienced automotive AC technician diagnose and service the AC system to address an overcharge situation safely and effectively. Overcharging an AC system can cause damage to components and reduce its overall performance.
