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

It is recommended to use the gauges or reclaim/recycle equipment.

1. Use a manifold gauge and check the liquid line pressure.
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 highest speed
- Vehicle windows closed

4. Operate system for a couple of minutes to allow the system to stabilize.

Charge Determination Chart:

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.