Check/Fill Refrigerant Level

Fig 8 Charge Determination Graph:

TO CHECK OR FILL SYSTEM
The procedure below should be used to check and/or fill the refrigerant charge in the air conditioning system.

NOTE: The air conditioning system in this vehicle holds 0.794 Kg. (28 oz. or 1.75 lbs.) of R-134a refrigerant.

This procedure can be performed two different ways:
- With a scan tool (DRB) and a thermocouple. Use the scan tool (DRB) diagnostic topic: Partial Charge Test.
- Using a manifold gauge set, a thermocouple and the Charge Determination Graph. It is recommended to use the gauges or reclaim/recycle equipment.

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 reclaim R-134a systems. 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. Some mixtures of air and R-l34a have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures are potentially dangerous and may result in fire or explosion causing injury or property damage.

1. Establish your preferred method of measuring compressor discharge pressure. Use a manifold gauge set or a scan tool.
2. Attach a clamp-on thermocouple (P.S.E. 66-324-0014 or 80PK-1A) or equivalent to the liquid line. It must be placed as close to the condenser outlet as possible to observe liquid line temperature.
3. The vehicle must be in the following modes:
- Transaxle in Park.
- Engine Idling at 700 rpm.
- A/C Controls Set to Outside Air.
- Panel Mode.
- Full Cool.
- High Blower.
- A/C Button in the ON position.
- Vehicle Windows Open.
4. Operate system for a couple of minutes to allow the system to stabilize.
5. Set system pressure to about 1,793 kPa (260 psi) by blocking off the airflow to the front grill area. This will maintain a constant pressure and stop the cooling fans from alternating between high and low speeds.
6. Observe Discharge pressure and Liquid line temperature. Using the Charge Determination Graph determine where the system is currently operating. If the system is in the undercharged region, ADD 0.057 Kg. (2 oz.) to the system and recheck readings. If the system is in the overcharged region, RECLAIM 0.057 Kg. (2 oz.) from the system and recheck readings. Continue this process until the system readings are in the proper charge area on the Charge Determination Chart.
7. The scan tool procedure does not require the Charge Determination Graph. The correct liquid line temperature range is calculated by the scan tool automatically.