Refrigerant Charging

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install the manifold gauge set. (See MANIFOLD GAUGE SET INSTALLATION .)
Connect the tap pin side of the charging hose to the air purge valve of the manifold gauge.
Connect the vacuum pump hose to the center joint of the manifold gauge.
Connect the vacuum pump hose to the vacuum pump.
Connect the charging hose to the refrigerant tank.
Place the refrigerant tank on the scale.
Refrigerant type

R-134a

Regular amount of refrigerant (approx.quantity)

400 g {14.1 oz}

Fig 1: Connecting Charging Hose To Refrigerant Tank
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Open all the valves of the manifold gauge.
Start the vacuum pump and let it operate for 15 min.

Fig 2: Starting Vacuum Pump
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Verify that the high- and low-pressure side readings of the manifold gauge are at -101 kPa {-760 mmHg, -29.9 inHg}. Close each valve of the manifold gauge.
Stop the vacuum pump and wait for about 5 min.
Inspect the low-pressure side reading of the manifold gauge.
- If the reading has changed, check for leaks and then repeat from Step 7.
- If the reading has not changed, go to next step.
Open the valve of the refrigerant tank.
Weigh the refrigerant tank.

Fig 3: Opening Valve Of Refrigerant Tank
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Open the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge.

Fig 4: Opening Low-Pressure Side Valve Of Manifold Gauge
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
When the low-pressure side reading increases to 0.1 MPa {1 kgf/cm2,14 psi} , close the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge.
Inspect for leaks from the cooler pipe/hose connections using a gas leak tester.
- If there are no leaks, go to next step.
- If a leak is found at a loose joint, tighten the joint and check for leaks again.
- If there is still a leak at the same joint, discharge the refrigerant and then repair the joint. Repeat the charging procedure from Step 7.
- If there are no leaks after tightening the joint, go to next step.
Open the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge and charge with refrigerant until the weight of the refrigerant tank has decreased 200 g {7.0 oz} from the amount in Step 13.

Fig 5: Closing Low-Pressure Side Valve Of Manifold Gauge
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 6: Opening Low-Pressure Side Valve Of Manifold Gauge
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Close the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge.
WARNING:
- Running the engine with the high-pressure side valve open is dangerous. Pressure within the service cans will increase and the cans could explode, scattering metal fragments and liquid refrigerant that can seriously injure you. Therefore, do not open the high-pressure side valve while the engine is running.
Fig 7: Closing Low-Pressure Side Valve Of Manifold Gauge
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Start the engine and actuate the A/C compressor.
Open the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge and charge with refrigerant until the weight of the refrigerant tank has decreased 400 g {14.1 oz} from the amount in Step 13.
Close the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge.
Stop the engine and A/C compressor.
Inspect for leaks using a gas leak tester.
- If there are no leaks, go to next step.
- If a leak is found at a loose joint, tighten the joint and check for leaks again.
- If there is still a leak at the same joint, discharge the refrigerant and then repair the joint. Repeat the charging procedure from Step 7.
- If there are no leaks after tightening the joint, go to next step.
Fig 8: Opening Low-Pressure Side Valve
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the high- and low-pressure side quick couplers from the charging valves.
Install the caps to the charging valves.

Fig 9: Installing Caps To Charging Valves
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.