Section 252 (Air Conditioning System): Refrigerant: Replacement

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

DISCHARGE REFRIGERANT FROM REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
1. Turn the A/C switch on.
2. Operate the cooler compressor at an engine RPM of approximately 1,000 for 5 to 6 minutes to circulate the refrigerant and collect as much compressor oil remaining in each component into the cooler compressor as possible.
3. Stop the engine.
4. Using SST, discharge refrigerant gas.
  SST 07110-58060 (07117-58080, 07117-58090, 07117-78050, 07117-88060, 07117-88070, 07117-88080)
CHARGE REFRIGERANT
1. Using a vacuum pump, perform vacuum purging.
2. Using SST, charge refrigerant HFC-134a (R134a).
  Standard:
  
  Single A/C: 650+/-50g (22.93+/-1.76 oz.)
  
  Dual A/C: 900+/-50g (31.74+/-1.76 oz.)
  
  SST 07110-58060 (07117-58060, 07117-58070, 07117-58080, 07117-58090, 07117-78050, 07117-88060, 07117-88070, 07117-88080)
  
  NOTE: Do not start the engine before charging with refrigerant as the cooler compressor doesn't work properly without refrigerant, causing the compressor to overheat.
  
  Fig 1: Height Pressure To Refrigerant Amount Graph
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
WARM UP ENGINE
NOTE: Warm up the engine at less than 2,000 RPM for 2 minutes or more after charging refrigerant.
INSPECT FOR REFRIGERANT LEAKAGE
1. Perform in these conditions:
  - Stop the engine.
  - Secure good ventilation (the gas leak detector may not react to volatile gases which 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 is off: approx. 392 to 588 kPa (4 to 6 kgf/cm² , 57 to 85 psi)
    
    Fig 2: Locating Drain Hose - Front A\C
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Bring the gas leak detector close to the drain hose before performing the test.
  HINT:
  - After the blower motor has stopped, leave the cooling unit for more than 15 minutes.
  - Hold the gas leak detector sensor under the drain hose.
  - When bringing the gas leak detector close to the drain hose, make sure that the gas leak detector does not react to volatile gases.
    If such reaction is unavoidable, the vehicle must be lifted up.
3. If a gas leak is not detected on the drain hose, remove the blower motor control (blower resistor) from the cooling unit. Insert the gas leak detector sensor into the unit and perform the test.
4. Disconnect the connector and leave the pressure switch for approximately 20 minutes. 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.
  
  Fig 3: Removing Air Duct
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. Remove the air duct No.2.
7. Using a gas leak detector, check for leakage of refrigerant from evaporator and joint.
  If there is leakage, check the tightening torque at the joints or evaporator.