Air Conditioning System: Charging

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota RAV4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install Charging Cylinder
NOTE: When handling the charging cylinder, always follow the directions given in the instruction manual.
1. Charge the proper amount of refrigerant into the charging cylinder.
2. Connect the center hose to the charging cylinder.
  CAUTION: Do not open both high and low hand valves of manifold gauge set.
3. Open the valve of charging cylinder.
4. Press the valve core on the side of manifold gauge and purge the air from inside of the center hose.
  
  Fig 1: Expelling Air From Manifold Gauge
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Inspect Refrigeration System For Leaks
1. Open the high pressure hand valve and charge refrigerant.
2. When the low pressure gauge indicates 98 kPa (1 kgf/cm² , 14 psi) close the high pressure hand valve.
3. Using a gas leak detector, check the system for leakage.
CAUTION: Use the refrigerant recovery/recycling machine to recover the refrigerant whenever replacing parts.
Charge Refrigerant Into Refrigerant System

Fig 3: Identifying Low & High Pressure Service Valves
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

If there is no leak after refrigerant leak check, charge the proper amount of refrigerant into refrigeration system.
CAUTION:
- Never run the engine when charging the system through the high pressure side.
- Do not open the low pressure hand valve when the system is being charged with liquid refrigerant.
1. Open the high pressure hand valve fully.
2. Charge specified amount of refrigerant, then close the high pressure hand valve.
  NOTE: A fully charged system is indicated by the sight glass being free of any bubbles.
3. Charge partially refrigeration system with refrigerant.
  1. Set the vehicle in these conditions:
    - Run engine at 1500 RPM
    - Blower speed control switch at "HI" position
    - Temperature control dial at "MAX. COOL" position
    - Air inlet control switch at "RECIRC"
    - Fully open doors (Sliding roof closed)
  2. Open the low pressure hand valve.
  CAUTION:
  - Do not open the high pressure hand valve.
  - After charging the refrigerant, push the A/C switch ON and run the engine at 1800 RPM or less for one minute or more (Do not depress the accelerator pedal while the A/C switch is ON, before preforming this task).
4. Charge refrigerant until bubbles disappear through the sight glass and check the pressure on the gauge.
  
  Fig 4: Checking Pressure On Gauge
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Replenishment to be 100 +/- 50 g after bubbles disappear.