Refrigerant System Charge

REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE





After all A/C refrigerant system repairs have been completed and the refrigerant system has been evacuated, the A/C system can be recharged with R-134a refrigerant.

When charging the A/C system, use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station (1) that meets SAE standard J2788. Per SAE standard J2788, refrigerant recovery stations must charge the system to an accuracy of 14 grams (0.5 oz.). See the operating instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer for proper care and use of this equipment.

CHARGING PROCEDURE

WARNING: Review safety precautions and warnings before performing this procedure Warning and Caution . Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious or fatal injury.

CAUTION: A small amount of refrigerant oil is removed from the A/C system each time the refrigerant system is recovered and evacuated. Before charging the A/C system, you MUST replenish any oil lost during the recovery process. See the equipment manufacturer instructions for more information.

1. Recover and evacuate the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Recovery.
2. Connect an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station that meets SAE standard J2788 to the refrigerant system.
3. When required, adjust the refrigerant oil level Refrigerant Oil Level.

NOTE: A/C system refrigerant capacity can be found on the HVAC Specification Label, located in the engine compartment.

4. Measure the proper amount of refrigerant and heat it to 52° C (125° F) with the charging station [1][2]Capacity Specifications. See the operating instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer for proper use of this equipment.
5. Open both the low and high side valves, then open the charge valve to allow the heated refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant system.
6. When the transfer of refrigerant has stopped, close the valves.

WARNING: Take care not to open the high side (high pressure) valve while performing Step 7. Failure to follow these instructions may result in possible serious or fatal injury.

7. Perform the following if all of the refrigerant charge did not transfer from the dispensing device.
- Open all of the windows in the vehicle.
- Set the heating and A/C system so that the A/C compressor is operating and the blower motor is operating at its lowest speed setting.
- Run the engine at a steady high idle (about 1400 rpm).
- If the A/C compressor does not operate, test the compressor control circuits and repair as required.
- Open the low side valve and the charge valve to allow the remaining refrigerant to flow into the refrigerant system.
- When the transfer of refrigerant has stopped, close the valves.

8. Disconnect the refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station from the refrigerant system service ports.
9. Reinstall the caps onto the refrigerant system service ports.