Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Refrigerant Discharging and Recovery Procedure

AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM RECOVERY, EVACUATION AND CHARGING


Special Tool(s):






SPECIAL TOOL(S)

Refrigerant System Recovery

NOTE:
- Ford Motor Company recommends use of an A/C service center to carry out recovery, evacuation, and charging of the refrigerant system. If an A/C service center is not available, refrigerant system recovery, evacuation, and charging may be accomplished using a separate recovery station, vacuum pump, charging meter, and manifold gauge set.
- Leaks in refrigerant system service equipment, hoses or gauges can cause a leak in vacuum that may be misinterpreted as a problem with the vehicle's refrigerant system. It is necessary to leak-test all refrigerant system service equipment, hoses and gauges on a weekly basis to verify that no leaks are present.

1. Prior to recovering, you must verify the purity of the refrigerant.
2. Connect an R-134a refrigerant service center to the low- and high-pressure service gauge port valves following the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
3. Recover the refrigerant from the system following the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
4. Once the refrigerant service center has recovered the refrigerant, switch OFF the power supply.
5. Allow the system to set for about two minutes, and observe the system vacuum reading. If the vacuum is not lost, disconnect the recovery equipment.
6. If the system does lose vacuum, repeat steps 3 through 5 until the vacuum level remains stable for two minutes.
7. Carry out the required repairs.