Refrigerant System Capacity

STANDARD PROCEDURE - SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL TEST
The procedure below should be used to check and/or fill the refrigerant charge 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: No compressors should be removed without first completing both the System Charge Level Test and the Partial Charge Procedure.

It is recommended to use the gauges or reclaim/re- cycle equipment.

1. Use a manifold gauge and check the liquid line pressure.

Fig.2 A/C Lines And Service Ports - 2.0L RHD:

2. Attach a clamp-on thermocouple to the liquid line near the condenser.
3. The vehicle must be in the following modes:
- Automatic transaxle in park or manual trans-axle in neutral.
- Engine at idle
- A/C controls set to outside air
- Panel mode
- A/C ON full cool
- Blower motor ON high speed
- Vehicle windows closed
4. Operate system for a couple of minutes to allow the system to stabilize.

Fig.1 Charge Determination Chart:

5. Observe liquid line pressure and liquid line temperature. Using the Charge Determination Chart determine where the system is currently operating. If the system is operating in the overcharge region, reclaim all the refrigerant and recharge per A/C label. If the system is operating in the undercharged region, proceed to the partial charge procedure.