Posted for Niteowl and any one else with questions.

You said that your compressor and system was pressure tested. Pressure testing will only reveal a large leak, which if it was charged would only last till the next day max. The reason for the refrigerant dye is for small leaks that leak out in more time like a year or season. The reason that I suggested that you get it charged with the dye additive is because you said that It only lasts a year on a charge.
As for the common perception of why do I have to charge it at all? The seals go bad, just your valve cover gasket will eventually leak. And the freon leaks out.

Temperature ranges of cooling. Thats a really good question. It all depends on the age of the car, and a/c components mainly the compressors age. Is the condenser in front of the radiator have smashed fins, causing hot spots and reducing the system efficiency. Outside temp also plays a huge role in this way, since the condenser has to cool.
Also if it was charged was it vacuumed down correctly to get the moisture out of the lines. Another thing is what type of system does it have? R-12 or R-134a. Some systems that mainly are on chryslers and dodge use an expansion valve that seems to work really well on the 134 gas. The 12 systems could freeze you out but none of that in our gen cavs.
So as far as the cooling temp, There is no specific range because of the factors involved, and lets face it if were good and cool while cruising around, thats good enough. Unless you want to make ice cubes when you drive.


01 cav w/01 3400 gam gt 4t45e

Personally considering it's been like 112 113 114 out here the past few days with at least 60% plus humidity i think i'll take making ice cubes while i drive would love it to be like 30 31 32 degrees inside my car, though if a car was allowed to get that cold inside would probably fry the compressor and a few other components.