Refrigerant System Capacity

The procedure below should be used to check the refrigerant charge level in the air conditioning system.

WARNING: AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRITATE EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE REQUIREMENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS, VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SERVICE.
R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. MIXTURE OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

NOTE: Refer to the underhood HVAC specification tag for the proper charge level.

It is recommended to use a manifold gauge set or reclaim/recycle equipment.
1. Use a manifold gauge set and check the liquid line pressure.
2. Attach a clamp-on thermocouple to the liquid line near the evaporator.
3. The vehicle must be in the following modes:
- Automatic transmission in park or manual transmission in neutral.
- Engine at idle
- A/C mode control set to outside air
- A/C mode control set to panel mode
- A/C temperature control set to full cool
- Blower motor control set on highest speed
- Vehicle windows closed
4. Operate the A/C system for at least two minutes to allow the system to stabilize.
5. Observe liquid line pressure and temperature. Using the Charge Determination Chart . determine where the system is currently operating. If the system is not in the proper range, reclaim all the refrigerant and recharge per A/C label.