In a straight cool air conditioning system, low high side pressure and high low side pressure may indicate what issue?

In a straight cool air conditioning system, having low high side pressure and high low side pressure may indicate an issue with the compressor valves. When the compressor valves are not functioning properly, they can restrict the flow of refrigerant through the system. This can lead to abnormal pressure readings: high pressures may be seen on the low side due to the refrigerant pooling or not circulating as required, while the high side pressure may be low because the refrigerant isn't being effectively compressed and delivered.

Compressor valves are crucial as they control the intake and exhaust of the refrigerant during the compression cycle. If they are damaged or not sealing correctly, the cycle will be disrupted, which results in inconsistent pressure levels throughout the system. In this specific scenario, the pressure readings signal that while refrigerant is present, the compression process isn't allowing for proper circulation and control.

Understanding this helps technicians diagnose compressor valve issues, allowing for more effective troubleshooting and repairs.