Charge The System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Subaru Forester and 2000 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the refrigerant source connected and the service hose purged, slowly open the low-pressure manifold valve, while checking the low-pressure gauge reading.
CAUTION: The refrigerant source must be positioned for vapor (valve up).

Fig 1: Reading Low-Side Pressure Gauge
Keep the low side pressure below 276 kPa (2.81 kg/cm² , 40 psi) by using the low-pressure manifold valve to regulate the flow of refrigerant into the system.
When the system is fully charged, close the low-pressure manifold valve.
Close the valve at the refrigerant source.

Fig 2: Refrigerant Capacity Chart