Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Repair Procedures

12steps
~72min
3/5difficulty
Done 0 of 12

Refrigerant System Service Basics

Refrigerant Recovery: Use only service equipment that is UL listed and certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements for removal of HFC-134a (R-134a) from air conditioning systems.
  • Air conditioning refrigerant or oil vapors may cause irritation to the eyes, nose or throat.
  • Be careful when connecting service equipment.
  • Do not breathe refrigerant or its vapors.
If the system is accidentally discharged, ventilate the work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect the R-134a Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Charging System (A) to the high-pressure service port (B) and the low-pressure service port (C) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Measure the amount of refrigerant oil removed from the air conditioning system after the recovery process is complete. Be sure to add the same amount of new refrigerant oil back into the air conditioning system before charging.
System Evacuation: Use only service equipment that is UL listed and certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements for removal of HFC-134a (R-134a) from air conditioning systems.
  • Air conditioning refrigerant or oil vapors may cause irritation to the eyes, nose or throat.
  • Be careful when connecting service equipment.
  • Do not breathe refrigerant or its vapors.
If the system is accidentally discharged, ventilate the work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. When the air conditioning system has been opened to the atmosphere, such as during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging system. (If the system has been open for several days, the receiver/drier must be replaced and the system must be evacuated for several hours.)
  2. Connect the R-134a Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Charging System to the high-pressure service port and the low-pressure service port as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  3. If the low-side pressure does not drop below 93.3 kPa (700 mmHg, 27.6 inHg) within 10 minutes, the system may have a leak. Partially charge the system and check for leaks (refer to Leak Test).
  4. Remove the low-pressure valve from the low-pressure service port.
System Charging: Use only service equipment that is UL listed and certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements for removal of HFC-134a (R-134a) from air conditioning systems.
  • Air conditioning refrigerant or oil vapors may cause irritation to the eyes, nose or throat.
  • Be careful when connecting service equipment.
  • Do not breathe refrigerant or its vapors.
If the system is accidentally discharged, ventilate the work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect the R-134a Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Charging System to the high-pressure service port as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Add the same amount of new refrigerant oil to the system as was removed during recovery. Use only the specified refrigerant oil. Charge the system with 500 ± 25 g (17.6 ± 0.88 oz) of R-134a refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system, or the compressor will be damaged.
Refrigerant Leak Test: Always check for leaks using an electronic leak detector whenever a leak is suspected or refrigerant is lost, and during any service operation that involves disassembly, loosening or disconnecting of fittings.If a refrigerant leak is detected, perform the following steps:
  1. Check the torque on the connection fittings and, if loose, tighten to the specified torque. Check for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector (A).
  2. If the leak continues even after the fitting has been tightened, discharge the refrigerant from the system, disconnect the fittings and inspect their sealing surfaces for damage. Always replace the fitting, even if the damage is minor.
  3. Check the compressor oil and add oil if necessary.
  4. Charge the system and recheck for refrigerant leaks. If no leaks are found, evacuate and recharge the system again.

Test yourself

A quick Hyundai Elantra AD quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.