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Which AC pipe is low-pressure?

Published in Automotive AC 2 mins read

The low-pressure AC pipe is the larger-diameter tube.

Understanding your vehicle's air conditioning (AC) system pipes is crucial for proper maintenance and troubleshooting. Based on the provided reference, identifying the low-pressure line is straightforward:

Identifying the Low-Pressure AC Line

In an automotive AC system, you'll typically find two main lines running from the engine bay towards the passenger compartment: a high-pressure line and a low-pressure line.

  • Size Difference: The easiest way to distinguish them is by their size. According to the reference, the larger-diameter tube is the low-pressure line. The smaller tube, by contrast, is the high-pressure line.
  • Location and Path: The low-pressure line runs from the compressor back towards the passenger compartment, carrying the refrigerant at a lower pressure and temperature after it has passed through the evaporator inside the cabin.

Here's a quick comparison:

Feature Low-Pressure Line High-Pressure Line
Diameter Larger Smaller
Refrigerant Lower pressure, Cooler gas Higher pressure, Hot gas
Path (from reference) From compressor back towards passenger compartment (Not specified in reference)

Knowing which line is which is important for tasks like checking AC pressure or adding refrigerant, as the low-pressure port is where refrigerant is typically added to the system. Always consult your vehicle's specific service manual for exact locations and procedures.

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