Charging the System

GENERAL PROCEDURE
1. Open R-134a source valve(s) and allow 0.50 kg (1 lb.) of liquid R-134a to flow into system through low side service fitting.
2. As soon as 0.50 kg (1 lb.) has been added to system, start engine, set the mode control to vent, temperature lever to full cold, blower speed on high, and push A/C compressor button to the On position (A/C control button light on). Slowly draw in the remainder of the refrigerant charge 0.23 kg (1/2 Lb.). Total system charge is 0.68 kg (1.5 Lbs.).
3. Turn off refrigerant source valve and run engine for 30 seconds to clear the lines and gauges.
4. With the engine running, remove the low side service valve from the suction pipe service port.

IMPORTANT: Make sure there is an O-ring seal inside of caps before installation because cap is primary seal for A/C service fittings. Failure to tighten cap will result in refrigerant leakage.

5. Install protective caps on service ports and hand tighten.
6. Turn engine off.
7. Leak check system with electronic leak detector or equivalent.
8. With system fully charged and leak-checked, conduct a functional and performance test (refer to Diagnostic flow chart).

REFRIGERANT DRUM METHOD

IMPORTANT: Refer to the emissions certification label (Saturn Power Module) for proper amount of R-134a charge.

IMPORTANT: Verifying the purity of the refrigerant with a refrigerant purity identifier before charging is recommended.

NOTE:If the R-134a drum is used, place it on a scale and note the total weight before charging. Watch the scale during charging to determine the amount of R-134a used.

1. Connect the manifold gauge set as follows:
a. Low pressure gauge hose to low pressure service port on suction pipe at rear of compressor. Do not connect high pressure line to the A/C system.
b. Manifold gauge set center hose connected to R-134a source.

CHARGING STATION METHOD

NOTE:Follow charging instructions provided with the charging station in use with the following exceptions:

1. Do not connect the high side service valve to the air conditioning system.
2. Keep the high pressure valve on the charging station closed at all times.
3. Perform the entire charge procedure through the low side pressure service port on the suction pipe.
4. Following these procedures will prevent accidental high side vehicle system pressure being subjected to the charging station in the event an error is made in valve closing sequence during compressor operation to pull in the R-134a charge.