Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Repair Procedures

24steps
~144min
5/5difficulty
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Refrigerant System Service Bases (R-134a)

REFRIGERANT RECOVERY: Use only service materials that are listed and certified by UL. Conforms to SAE J2210 requirements for charging HFC-134a (R-134a) air conditioning systems.In case of accidental discharge, ventilate the work area before continuing. Additional safety information can be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect the R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging system to the high-pressure service port (A) and the low-pressure service port (B) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Measure the volume of refrigerant oil removed from the air conditioning system after the recovery procedure is completed. Be sure to add the same volume of new refrigerant oil to the air conditioning system before charging.
SYSTEM EVACUATION: Use only service materials that are listed and certified by UL. Conforms to SAE J2210 requirements for charging HFC-134a (R-134a) air conditioning systems.In case of accidental discharge, ventilate the work area before continuing. Additional safety information can be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. When the air conditioning system has been opened, either during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using the R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging system. (If the system has been open for several days, the receiver-drier must be replaced and the system evacuated for several hours.)
  2. Connect the R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging system (A) to the high-pressure service port (C) and the low-pressure service port (B) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  3. If the low pressure does not drop below 93.3 kPa (700 mm Hg, 27.6 in Hg) after 10 minutes, there is probably a leak in the system. Partially charge the system and check for leaks (refer to Refrigerant Leak Check).
  4. Remove the low-pressure valve from the low-pressure service port.
SYSTEM CHARGING: Use only service materials that are listed and certified by UL. Conforms to SAE J2210 requirements for charging HFC-134a (R-134a) air conditioning systems.In case of accidental discharge, ventilate the work area before continuing. Additional safety information can be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect the R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging system (A) to the high-pressure service port (C) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Add a new volume of the same refrigerant oil to the system, equal to the volume removed during recovery. Use only refrigerant oil specified for R-134a. Charge the system with [470 ± 25 g (16.5 ± 0.88 oz)] of R-134a refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system, to avoid damaging the compressor.
REFRIGERANT LEAK TEST: Always perform a refrigerant leak test using an electronic leak detector when a leak is suspected, and during service operations involving disassembly or loosening of fittings.If a refrigerant leak is detected, perform the following steps:
  1. Check the torque of the connections and, if loose, tighten to the specified torque. Check for gas leaks using a leak detector (A).
  2. If the leak persists after tightening the fittings, evacuate the refrigerant from the system, disconnect the fittings, and inspect their sealing surfaces for damage. Always replace, even if the damage is minor.
  3. Check the oil level in the compressor and add more if necessary.
  4. Charge the system and recheck for gas leaks. If there are no leaks, evacuate and recharge the system again.

Refrigerant System Service Bases (R-1234yf)

Refrigerant Identification
  • Do not mix HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) in the vehicle with other refrigerants, such as R-12, R-134a, etc.
  • Use only service materials listed by UL and certified to SAE J2210 requirements for collecting and recycling R-1234yf refrigerant from the air conditioning system. Do not use service equipment for other refrigerants, such as R-12, R-134a, etc.
  • Check the refrigerant in the system if in doubt, and check the type and quantity of refrigerant that should be in the system, and potential problems of accidental or intentional mixing of refrigerants.
  • A refrigerant identification device is recommended. SAE certification prevents improper collection and leakage of contaminated refrigerant, which can potentially damage other air conditioning systems and service equipment. Contaminated refrigerant (a mixture of more than one refrigerant or non-conforming to the system) in collection/recycling equipment may lead to additional refrigerant contamination.
  • Some types of electronic leak detectors (heated diode or discharge types), as well as motors, contactors, and controls on recovery/recycling machines, may create sparks that are ignition sources in the presence of refrigerants classified as flammable (A2 or A3) according to ASHRAE 34/2006.
  • A mixture of refrigerants in the air conditioning system may result in higher than expected pressure, component damage, misdiagnosis, and/or other potential hazards to people and the environment.
  • If the refrigerant is mixed, collect the contaminated refrigerant in the air conditioning system and dispose of it in accordance with national, regional, or local regulations. Clean the inside of the air conditioning system with a special cleaning agent and charge with refrigerant nine.
REFRIGERANT RECOVERY: Use only service materials that are listed and certified by UL. Conforms to SAE requirements for recovering HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) air conditioning system refrigerant.In case of accidental discharge, ventilate the work area before continuing. Additional safety information can be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connection to R-1234yf refrigerant. Connect the recovery/recycling/recharging system to the high-pressure service port (A) and the low-pressure service port (B) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Measure the volume of refrigerant oil removed from the air conditioning system after the recovery procedure is completed. Be sure to add the same volume of new refrigerant oil to the air conditioning system before charging.
SYSTEM EVACUATION: Use only service materials that are listed and certified by UL. Conforms to SAE requirements for recovering HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) air conditioning system refrigerant.In case of accidental discharge, ventilate the work area before continuing. Additional safety information can be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. When the air conditioning system has been opened, either during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using the R-1234yf refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging system. (If the system has been open for several days, the receiver-drier must be replaced and the system evacuated for several hours.)
  2. Connection to R-1234yf refrigerant. Connect the recovery/recycling/recharging system (A) to the high-pressure service port (B) and the low-pressure service port (C) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  3. If the low pressure does not drop below 87.7 kPa (658 mm Hg, 65.79 cm Hg) within 5 minutes, there is probably a leak in the system. Partially charge the system and check for leaks (refer to Refrigerant Leak Test).
  4. Remove the low-pressure valve from the low-pressure service port.
SYSTEM CHARGING: Use only service materials that are listed and certified by UL. Conforms to SAE requirements for recovering HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) air conditioning system refrigerant.In case of accidental discharge, ventilate the work area before continuing. Additional safety information can be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connection to R-1234yf refrigerant. Connect the R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging system (A) to the high-pressure port (B) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Add the same amount of new refrigerant oil to the system as was drained during recovery. Use only oil specified for this refrigerant. Charge the system with 470 ± 25 g (16.5 ± 0.88 oz) of R-1234yf refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system, as this may damage the compressor.
REFRIGERANT LEAK TEST: Always perform a refrigerant leak test using an electronic leak detector when a leak is suspected, and during service operations involving disassembly or loosening of fittings. If a refrigerant leak is detected, perform the following steps:
  1. Check the torque of the connections and, if loose, tighten to the specified torque. Check for gas leaks using a leak detector (A).
  2. If the leak persists after tightening the fittings, evacuate the refrigerant from the system, disconnect the fittings, and inspect their sealing surfaces for damage. Always replace, even if the damage is minor.
  3. Check the oil level in the compressor and add more if necessary.
  4. Charge the system and recheck for gas leaks. If there are no leaks, evacuate and recharge the system again.

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