Section 7 (Air Conditioning): Refrigerant: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Scion xB. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When recharging refrigerant, collect together all the refrigerant remaining in the cycle, then recharge and seal the refrigerant as described below. (Do not overcharge.)

DISCHARGE REFRIGERANT FROM REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
1. Start up the engine.
2. Switch A/C ON.
3. Turn the blower switch to ON.
4. Operate the cooler compressor with an engine speed of approximately 1,000 rpm for 5 to 6 minutes to circulate the refrigerant and collect the remaining compressor oil from each component, in the cooler compressor.
5. Stop the engine.
6. Remove the caps from the service valves on the refrigerant line.
7. Connect the refrigerant recovery unit.
8. Recover the refrigerant from the air conditioning system using a refrigerant recovery unit.
  NOTE: Use the refrigerant recovery unit in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual.
  
  Fig 1: Locating High Pressure Service Valve And Low Pressure Service Valve
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHARGE REFRIGERANT

Fig 2: Refrigerant Charging Flow Chart
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

NOTE: Charge refrigerant in accordance with the equipment manual.
1. Perform vacuum purging using a vacuum pump.
2. Charge refrigerant HFC-134a (R134a).
  SST 07110-58060 (07117-58060, 07117-58070, 07117-58080, 07117-58090, 09985-02100, 09985-02120, 07117-78050, 07117-88060, 07117-88070, 07117-88080)
  
  Standard: 410 to 470 g (14.5 to 16.6 oz.)
  
  NOTE: Do not start the engine before charging it with refrigerant as the cooler compressor doesn't work properly without sufficient refrigerant. This could cause the compressor to overheat.
  
  HINT:
  - The relationship between the refrigerant charge amount and the pressure is as follows.
    
    Fig 3: Relationship Graph Between Refrigerant Charge Amount And Pressure
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  - High Charge Range:
    If the refrigerant is overcharged, the pressure rises on the high-pressure side. High-pressure cut off frequently occurs. This causes insufficient cooling performance and also insufficient compressor lubrication.
  - Low Charge Range:
    A shortage of refrigerant causes insufficient cooling performance and low circulation of refrigerant oil, which shortens the compressor life. Operation with insufficient coolant raises the refrigerant temperature and causes heat deterioration of the rubber seals and hoses. Cracking and subsequent refrigerant leakage may occur.
  1. Install the caps onto the service valves on the refrigerant line.
WARM UP ENGINE
NOTE: Warm up the engine at less than 2,000 rpm for 1 minute or more after charging it with refrigerant.
INSPECT FOR REFRIGERANT LEAK
1. After recharging the refrigerant gas, check for refrigerant gas leakage using a halogen leak detector.
2. Perform the operation as follows:
  - Stop the engine.
  - Secure good ventilation (the halogen leak detector may react to volatile gases other than refrigerant, such as evaporated gasoline or exhaust gas).
  - Repeat the test 2 or 3 times.
  - Make sure that some refrigerant remains in the refrigeration system.
    When the compressor is off: approximately 392 to 588 kPa (4 to 6 kgf*cm² , 57 to 85 psi)
  HINT:
  
  It is impossible for the above pressure to be maintained if there is leakage.
3. Using the halogen leak detector, check the refrigerant line, especially at the connection points, for leakage.
  
  Fig 4: Checking Refrigerant Line Using Halogen Leak Detector
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Bring the halogen leak detector close to the drain hose before performing the test.
  HINT:
  - After the blower motor has stopped, leave the cooling unit for at least 15 minutes.
  - Place the halogen leak detector sensor under the drain hose.
  - When bringing the halogen leak detector close to the drain hose, make sure that the halogen leak detector does not react to the volatile gases.
  If such a reaction is unavoidable, the vehicle must be lifted up.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Halogen Leak Detector And Drain Hose
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. If no gas leakage is detected from the drain hose, remove the blower motor from the cooling unit. Insert the halogen leak detector sensor into the unit and perform the test.
6. Disconnect the pressure switch connector and leave it for approximately 20 minutes. Bring the halogen leak detector close to the pressure switch and perform the test.