Air Conditioning (AC) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging

Air Conditioning (AC) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging

Special Tool(s)






Material(s)






Refrigerant System Recovery

NOTICE: An A/C (Air Conditioning) refrigerant analyzer must be used before the recovery of any vehicle's A/C (Air Conditioning) refrigerant. Failure to do so puts the shop's bulk refrigerant at risk of contamination. If the vehicle's A/C (Air Conditioning) refrigerant is contaminated, refer the customer to the service facility that carried out the last A/C (Air Conditioning) service. If the customer wishes to pay the additional cost, use the A/C (Air Conditioning) recovery equipment that is designated for recovering contaminated A/C (Air Conditioning) refrigerant. All contaminated A/C (Air Conditioning) refrigerant must be disposed of as hazardous waste. For all equipment, follow the equipment manufacturer procedures and instructions.

NOTE: Ford Motor Company recommends the use of R-134a refrigerant management equipment that meets the requirements of the SAE J2788 standard.

1. Prior to recovering, the purity of the refrigerant must be verified. REFER to Refrigerant Identification Testing Refrigerant Identification Testing.

2. Connect 199-00067 or 300-ROB34288 to the low- and high-pressure service gauge port valves following the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.

3. Recover the refrigerant from the system following the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer. Note the amount of oil removed during the refrigerant recovery (if any). Add that same amount back into the system once repairs are complete.

4. Once the R-134a has been recovered, switch OFF the power supply.

5. Allow the system to set for about 2 minutes, and observe the system vacuum reading. If the vacuum is not lost, disconnect the recovery equipment.

6. If the system does lose vacuum, repeat Steps 3 through 5 until the vacuum level remains stable for 2 minutes.

7. Carry out the required repairs.

Refrigerant System Evacuation

1. Connect 199-00067 or 300-ROB34288 to the low- and high-pressure service gauge port valves following the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.

2. Evacuate the system until the low-pressure gauge reads at least 99.4 kPa (29.5 in-Hg) of vacuum and as close to 101.1 kPa (30 in-Hg) as possible. Continue to operate the Vacuum Pump for a minimum of 45 minutes.

3. Turn OFF the vacuum pump. Observe the low-pressure gauge for 5 minutes to make sure that the system vacuum is held.

Refrigerant System Charging

1. Lubricate the refrigerant system with the correct amount of clean PAG (Polyalkylene Glycol) oil. REFER to Refrigerant Oil Adding .

2. Connect a 199-00067 or 300-ROB34288 to the low-side and high-side service gauge port valves following the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.

3. Set the refrigerant charge amount, and charge the refrigerant system following the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.