Air Conditioning System: Charging

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota MR2. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove Luggage Compartment Trim Box Cover
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.
  
  Fig 1: Displaying Charging Cylinder Connected To Center Hose
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  CAUTION: Do not open both high and low hand valves of manifold gauge set.
3. Open the charging cylinder valve.
4. Press the valve core on the side of manifold gauge and purge the air inside of the center hose.
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.
  
  Fig 2: Displaying Gas Leak Detector
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  NOTE: Use the refrigerant recovery/recycling machine to recover the refrigerant whenever replacing parts.
Charge Refrigerant Into Refrigerant System
If there is no leak after refrigerant leak check, charge the proper amount of refrigerant into refrigeration system.

Fig 3: Displaying Charging Cylinder & Manifold Gauge Set
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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 vehicle in these conditions:
    - Running engine at 1,500 rpm
    
    - Blower speed control switch: "HI"
    
    - Temperature control selector: "MAX. COOL"
    
    - Air inlet control selector: "RECIRC"
    
    - Fully open doors (Soft top: closed)
  2. Open the low pressure hand valve.
    CAUTION: Do not open the high pressure hand valve.
4. Charge refrigerant until bubbles disappear and check the pressure on the gauge through the sight glass.
  
  Fig 4: Displaying Results Of Charging Refrigerant Through Sight Glass
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Replenish to 100 +/- 50g after bubbles disappear.