Procedure of Charging (for A/C System)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Suzuki Vitara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

ALWAYS CHARGE THROUGH LOW-SIDE of A/C system.
NEVER CONNECT ON HIGH-SIDE of A/C system.
Do not charge while compressor is hot.
When installing tap valve to refrigerant container to make a hole there through, carefully follow directions given by manufacturer.
A pressure gauge should always be used before and during charging.
The refrigerant container should be emptied of refrigerant when discarding it.
The refrigerant container should not be heated up to 40°C (100°F) or over.
Refrigerant container should not be reversed in direction during charging. Reversing in direction causes liquid refrigerant to enter compressor, causing troubles, such as compression of liquid refrigerant and the like.

NOTE: The air conditioning system contains HFC-134a (R-134a).
Described here is a method to charge the air conditioning system with refrigerant from the refrigerant service container.
When charging refrigerant recovered by using the refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment (when recycling refrigerant), follow the procedure described in the equipment manufacturer's instruction manual.

Amount of refrigerant

400+/-50g (0.88+/-0.11 lb, 14.11+/-1.76 oz)

The initial charging of the A/C system is performed from the high pressure side with the engine stopped.

And next, this method must be followed by charging from the low pressure side with the engine running.

Check to make sure that hoses are routed properly after evacuating the system.
Connect the low-side hose (1) and high side hose (2) of the manifold gauge set (3) in position. Thus open refrigerant container valve to purge (4) the charging line.
Open the high-pressure side valve (6) and charge refrigerant to system.
After a while, open the low-pressure side valve (5) and close the high-pressure side valve (6).
WARNING: Make sure that high-pressure side valve is closed securely.

Fig 1: Identifying A/C System Components
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Start engine and keep engine speed at 1,500 r/min. Then, operate air conditioning.
Charge A/C system with refrigerant in vapor state. At this time, refrigerant container should be held upright.
When refrigerant container (3) is emptied, use the following procedure to replace it with a new refrigerant container (3).
1. Close low pressure valve.
2. Replace empty container (3) with a refrigerant container which has been charged with refrigerant. When using refrigerant container tap valve (4), use the following procedure for replacement.
  1. Retract needle (1) and remove refrigerant container tap valve (4) by loosening its plate nut (2).
  2. Install previously-removed refrigerant container tap valve (4) to a new refrigerant container (3).
  Fig 2: Removing Refrigerant Container Tap Valve
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
3. Purge any air existing in center charging hose. When using refrigerant container tap valve, use the following procedure to purge air.
1. Once fully tighten refrigerant container tap valve and then loosen (open) plate nut slightly.
2. Open low pressure valve of manifold gauge set a little.
3. As soon as refrigerant comes out with a "hiss" (1) through a clearance between refrigerant container and tap valve, tighten plate nut as well as manifold gauge set low pressure valve.
4. Turn handle of tap valve clockwise so that its needle is screwed into the new container to make a hole for refrigerant flow.
Fig 3: Purging Air Existing In Center Charging Hose
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Remove manifold gauge set as follows:
1. Close low pressure-side valve of manifold gauge set. (The high pressure-side valve is closed continuously during the process of charging.)
2. Close refrigerant container valve.
3. Stop engine.
4. Using shop rag, remove charging hoses from service valves. This operation must be performed rapidly.
  WARNING: High-pressure side is naturally under high pressure. So, care must be used to protect your eyes and skin.
5. Put caps on service valves.