Section 737 (Air Conditioning System): Refrigerant: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus SC 430. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DRAIN REFRIGERANT
1. Turn the A/C switch ON.
2. Operating the cooler compressor at the engine rpm of approx. 1000 for 5 to 6 min., circulate the refrigerant and collect compressor oil remaining in each component into the cooler compressor as much as possible.
3. Stop the engine.
4. Let the refrigerant gas out.
  SST 07110-58060 (07117-58080, 07117-58090, 07117-78050, 07117-88060, 07117-88070, 07117-88080)
CHARGE REFRIGERANT
1. Using a vacuum pump, perform a vacuum purping.
2. Supply refrigerant, HFC-134a (R134a).
  Standard: 600 +/- 50 g (21.16 +/- 1.76 oz.)
  
  SST 07110-58060 (07117-58060, 07117-58070, 07117-58080, 07117-58090, 07117-78050, 07117-88060, 07117-88070, 07117-88080), 07117-48130, 07117-48140
  
  Fig 1: Charge Refrigerant Graph
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
WARM UP ENGINE
INSPECT LEAKAGE OF REFRIGERANT
1. Perform in these conditions:
  - Stop engine.
  - Secure good ventilation (If not the gas leak detector may react to volatile gases witch are not refrigerant, such as evaporated gasoline and exhaust gas.)
  - Repeat the test 2 or 3 times.
  - Make sure that there is some refrigerant remaining in the refrigeration system.
    When compressor and magnetic clutch is OFF: approx. 392 - 588 kPa (4 - 6 kgf/cm² , 57 - 85 psi)
2. Bring the gas leak detector close to the drain hose before performing the test.
  HINT:
  - After the blower motor stopped, leave the cooling unit for more than 15 minutes.
  - Expose the gas leak detector sensor the under the drain hose.
  - When bring the gas leak detector close to the drain hose, make sure that the gas leak detector does not react to the volatile gases.
  If such reaction is unavoidable, the vehicle must be lifted up.
3. If gas leak is not detected on the drain hose, remove the blower motor linear controller from the cooling unit. Then insert the gas leak detector sensor into the unit and perform the test.
4. Disconnect the connector and leave the pressure switch for approx. 20 minutes. Then bring the gas leak detector close to the pressure switch and perform the test.
5. Bring the gas leak detector close to the refrigerant lines and perform the test.