Charging Refrigerant System

CHARGING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM (VAPOR)

NOTE: This step is to charge the system through the low pressure side with the refrigerant in a vapor state. When the refrigerant container is placed right side up, refrigerant will enter the system as a vapor.

1. Install the refrigerant can tap valve as described in Handling the Refrigerant Service Tap Valve.
2. Open the low pressure valve. Adjust the valve so that the low pressure gauge does not read over 412 kPa (4.2 kg/sq.cm, 60 psi).




3. Put the refrigerant in a pan of warm water (maximum temperature 40 °C or 104 °F) to keep vapor pressure in the container slightly higher than vapor pressure in the system.




4. Run the engine at fast idle and operate the air conditioning.

NOTE: Be sure to keep the container upright to prevent liquid refrigerant from being charged into the system through the suction side, resulting in possible damage to the compressor.




5. Charge the system to the specified amount. Then close the low pressure valve.

Specified amount : 655 - 705 g

When refrigerant charging speed is slow, immerse the refrigerant can in heated water. (a temperature of approx. 40 °C (104 °F)).

WARNING:
- Under any circumstances, the refrigerant must not be warmed in water heated to a temperature of over 52 °C (126 °F)
- A blow torch or stove must never be used to warm up the can.

Charging the refrigerant system (liquid)

NOTE: This step is to charge an empty system through the high pressure side with refrigerant in a liquid state.

When the refrigerant container is held upside down, refrigerant will enter the system as a liquid.

CAUTION: Never run the engine when charging the system through the high pressure side. Do not open the low pressure valve when the system is being charged with liquid refrigerant.




1. Close both high and low pressure valves completely after the system is evacuated.
2. Install the refrigerant can tap valve as described in "Handling the Refrigerant Service Tap Valve".
3. Open the high pressure valve fully and keep the container upside down.




4. Charge the system to the specified amount by weighing the refrigerant with a scale. Overcharging will cause discharge pressure (high side) to rise. Then, close the high pressure valve.

Specified amount : 655 - 705 g

NOTE: If the low pressure gauge does not show a reading, the system is restricted and must be repaired.

5. After the specified amount of refrigerant has been charged into the system, close the manifold gauge valve.
6. Confirm that there are no leaks in the system by checking with a leak detector. Refer to Checking Refrigerant Leak.

NOTE: Conducting a performance test prior to removing the manifold gauge is good service practice.