SYSTEM CHARGE LEVEL
TO CHECK OR FILL SYSTEM
The procedure below should be used to check
and/or fill the refrigerant charge in the air condition-
ing system.
NOTE: The air conditioning system in this vehicle
holds 0.71 Kg. (25 oz. or 1.56 lbs.) of R-134a refrig-
erant.
This procedure can be performed two different
ways:
• With a scan tool (DRBIIIt) and a thermocouple
(Fig. 10).
• Using a manifold gauge set (Fig. 11), a thermo-
couple and the Charge Determination Graph (Fig.
12). 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 DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM.
IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS,
VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SER-
VICE.
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-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN
TO BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES.
THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGER-
OUS 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 (Fig. 10). It must be placed as close to the con-
denser outlet as possible to observe liquid line tubing
temperature. Refer to “Thermocouple Probe” in this
section for more information on probe.
(3) The vehicle must be in the following modes:
• Transaxle in Park
• Engine Idling
• A/C Controls Set to Outside Air
• Panel Mode
• Full Cool
• High Blower
• A/C Button in the ON position
• Vehicle Windows Open.
• Recirc button turned OFF on ATC equipped
vehicles
(4) Operate system for a couple of minutes to allow
the system to stabilize.
(5) Set system pressure to about 1793 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
(Fig. 12). If the system is in the undercharged region,
Fig. 10 Thermocouple Attachment Point (3.2 / 3.5L)
1 – AIR CLEANER HOUSING
2 – A/C COMPRESSOR
3 – LIQUID LINE
4 – CLAMP-ON THERMOCOUPLE PROBE
Fig. 11 Manifold Gauge Hook-up (3.2 / 3.5L)
1 – HIGH SIDE CONNECTOR
2 – TO MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
3 – TO MANIFOLD GAUGE SET
4 – LOW SIDE CONNECTOR
24 - 14 HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING LH
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
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