Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Discharging and Recovery

1. Prior to recovering or charging the refrigerant system, you must verify the purity of the refrigerant. For additional information, see REFRIGERANT IDENTIFICATION TESTING.

NOTE: Some R-134a service centers require the use of an A/C manifold gauge set.

2. Connect the R-134a A/C Refrigerant Center to the low and high pressure service gauge port valves.
3. Recover the refrigerant from the system following the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
4. Once the service center has recovered the vehicle A/C system refrigerant, close the service center inlet valve (if so equipped). Then switch off the power supply.
5. Allow the vehicle A/C system to remain closed for about two minutes. Observe the system vacuum level as shown on the gauge. If the pressure does not rise, disconnect the recovery station hose(s).
6. If the system pressure rises, repeat Steps 2 through 5 until the vacuum level remains stable for two minutes.
7. Carry out the required repairs then evacuate and recharge the A/C system.