Testing For Leaks or Line Restrictions

Recovery/Recycling/Charging System:

Only use service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J221O to remove R-134a from the air conditioner system.

CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist can irritate eyes, nose and throat. Avoid breathing the air conditioner refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist.

If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.

R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air.

WARNING: Some mixture of air and R-134a have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures and can result in fire or explosion causing injury or property damage. Never use compressed air to pressure test R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner systems.

Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.


1. Connect a R-134a refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Charging System to the car as shown following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: Be sure to install the same amount of new refrigerant oil back into the A/C system before charging.

2. Open high pressure valve to charge the system to about 14 psi (100 kPa), then close the supply valve.
3. Check the system for leaks using a R-134a refrigerant leak detector with an accuracy of 0.5/oz. per year or better.
4. If you find leaks that require the system to be opened (to repair or replace houses, fittings, etc.), recover the system according to the Recover Procedure, refer to Heating and Air Conditioning/Service and Repair.
5. After checking and repairing leaks, the system must be evacuated, refer to Heating and Air Conditioning/Service and Repair.