Refrigerant System Charge

PARTIAL CHARGE
This vehicle does not have a sight glass. It is not possible to determine the amount of R-134a charge in the system. Therefore it is necessary to completely evacuate and recover the system, and then recharge the system fully.

EVACUATION
Before adding refrigerant, all air must be evacuated from the system.
- Connect a manifold gauge set to the A/C service ports.
- Use a vacuum pump or charging station and evacuate system to 95 kPa (28 inches Hg) for 30 minutes.
- Go to Charging A/C System below.

CHARGING A/C SYSTEM
The procedure below should be used to fill the refrigerant charge in the air conditioning system. This A/C system does not have or use a sight glass to check or charge the system.

WARNING:
- AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRITATE EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE REQUIREMENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS, VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SERVICE.
- R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. MIXTURE OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

CAUTION: Do not overcharge refrigerant system, as excessive compressor head pressure can cause noise and system failure.

After system has been tested for leaks and evacuated, a refrigerant (R-134a) charge can be injected into the system.

NOTE: When connecting service equipment coupling to the line fitting, verify that the valve of the coupling is fully closed. This will reduce the amount of effort required to make the connection.

1. If using a separate vacuum pump close all valves before disconnecting pump. Connect manifold gauge set to the A/C service ports.

NOTE: The air conditioning system in this vehicle holds (27 oz. or 1.69 lbs.) of R-134a refrigerant.

2. Measure refrigerant. Refer to the instructions provided with the equipment being used.
3. Verify engine is shut off. Open suction and discharge valves. Open the charge valve to allow the refrigerant to flow into the system. When transfer of refrigerant has stopped, close the suction and discharge valve.
4. If all of the charge did not transfer from the dispensing device, put vehicle controls into the following mode:
- Automatic transaxle in park or manual transaxle in neutral
- Engine idling at 700 rpm
- A/C control set in 100 percent outside air
- Panel mode
- Blower motor ON high speed
- Vehicle windows closed

If A/C compressor does not engage, test compressor clutch control circuit and correct any failure. Refer to Electrical Wiring Diagrams.

5. Open the suction valve to allow the remaining refrigerant to transfer to the system.

WARNING: DO NOT TO OPEN THE DISCHARGE (HIGH-PRESSURE) VALVE AT THIS TIME.

6. Close all valves and test the A/C system performance.
7. Disconnect the charging station or manifold gauge set. Install the service port caps.