Refrigerant Level Check

The procedure below should be used to check and/or fill the refrigerant charge in the air conditioning system.

NOTE: The amount of R134a refrigerant that the air conditioning system holds is:
- Without Rear A/C - 0.96 kg (34 oz. or 2.13 lbs.)
- With Rear A/C - 1.31 kg (46 oz. or 2.88 lbs.)

NOTE: Low Charge, condition may be described as:
- Loss of A/C performance
- Fog from A/C outlets
- evaporator may have a HISS sound

Charge Determination Chart:

There are two different ways the system can be tested:
- With a scan tool (DRB III), thermocouple and the Charge Determination Graph. Use the scan tool (DRB III) diagnostic topic: Engine-System Monitors, A/C Pressure.
- Using a manifold gauge set, a thermocouple and the Charge Determination Graph.
It is recommended to use the gauges or reclaim/recycle equipment.

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. SOME MIXTURES OF AIR/R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

1. Establish your preferred method of measuring liquid line pressure. Use a manifold gauge set or a DRB III scan tool.
2. Attach a clamp-on thermocouple (P.S.E. 66-324-0014 or 80PK-1A) or equivalent to the liquid line. It must be placed as close to the A/C Pressure Transducer as possible to observe liquid line temperature. Refer to "Thermocouple Probe" for more information on probe.
3. The vehicle must be in the following modes:
- Transaxle in Park
- Engine Idling at 700 rpm
- A/C Controls Set to Outside Air
- Panel Mode
- Full Cool
- High Blower motor, (vehicle equipped with rear A/C turn rear blower motor ON HIGH)
- A/C Button in the ON position
- Vehicle Windows Open.
- Recirc button turned OFF
4. Operate system for a couple of minutes to allow the system to stabilize.
5. Set system pressure to about 1793 kPa (260 psi) by placing a piece of cardboard over part of the front side of the condenser. To place cardboard properly, remove the upper radiator-condenser cover. Insert cardboard between condenser and radiator front. This will maintain a constant pressure.
6. Observe Liquid Line pressure and Liquid line temperature. Using the Charge Determination Chart determine where the system is currently operating. If the system is in the undercharged region, ADD 0.057 Kg. (2 oz.) to the system and recheck readings. If the system is in the overcharged region, RECLAIM 0.057 Kg. (2 oz.) from the system and recheck readings. Continue this process until the system readings are in the proper charge area on the Charge Determination Chart.
7. The same procedure can be performed using the scan tool (DRB III). To determine liquid line pressure, attach the scan tool, go to System Monitors-A/C Pressure. Observe liquid line pressure from A/C Pressure Transducer on digital display and digital thermometer. Refer to Charge Determination Chart and determine where the system is operating.