Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Refrigerant Oil Level Check

It is important to have the correct amount of lubricant in the A/C system to ensure proper lubrication of the compressor. Too little lubricant will result in damage to the compressor. Too much lubricant will reduce the cooling capacity of the system and consequently result in higher discharge air temperatures.

The lubricant used in the compressor is polyalkylene glycol PAG lubricant. Only PAG refrigerant lubricant approved for use with R-134a should be used to service the system. Do not use any other lubricant. The lubricant container should be kept tightly capped until it is ready for use. Refrigerant lubricant will quickly absorb any moisture it comes in contact with.

It is not necessary to check or add lubricant unless it has been lost. Lubricant loss at the leak point will be evident by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.