Chill with Confidence: Ace the 2026 ASE Air Conditioner Exam and Keep Cool Under the Hood!

High-side pressure in an A/C system is influenced by several factors, including the refrigerant charge, airflow, and system components. A broken compressor reed valve would not typically lead to high-side pressure exceeding specifications; instead, it generally causes issues with system performance and efficiency.

When the compressor's reed valves are compromised, the compressor may not be able to adequately pump the refrigerant, leading to insufficient pressure build-up on the high side. This would likely result in lower than normal pressures rather than high pressures, as the refrigerant would not be properly circulated through the system.

In contrast, an overcharge of refrigerant would directly increase high-side pressure because there is too much refrigerant compressing in the system. Restricted airflow across the condenser can lead to heat buildup, causing high-side pressures to rise as the condenser cannot effectively remove heat from the refrigerant. Similarly, a slipping fan belt would reduce the effectiveness of the compressor, causing the high-side pressure to increase due to poor refrigerant circulation.

Thus, the option regarding the broken compressor reed valve stands out as it typically does not contribute to high-side pressure being above specifications, making it the correct choice for situations where such pressure is not caused.