Air Conditioning System: Charging

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

WARNING: When handling the charging cylinder, always follow the directions given in the instruction manual.

Fig 1: Installing Charging Cylinder

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Install charging cylinder .
1. Charge the proper amount of refrigerant into the charging cylinder.
2. Connect the center hose to the charging cylinder. See Fig 1.
3. Open the valve of charging cylinder.
4. Press the valve core on the side of manifold gauge and expel the air inside of the center hose.

CAUTION: Use the refrigerant recovery/recycling machine to recover the refrigerant whenever replacing parts.

Fig 2: Identifying Gas Leak Detector

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Inspect refrigeration system for leaks .
1. Open the high pressure hand valve and charge refrigerant.
2. When the low pressure gauge indicates 98 kPa
  kgf/cm² , 14 psi) close the high pressure hand valve.
3. Using a gas leak detector, check the system for leakage. See Fig 2.

WARNING:

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.

NOTE: If there is no leak after refrigerant leak check, charge the proper amount of refrigerant into refrigeration system.

Fig 3: Identifying Required Sight Glass Condition

Charge refrigerant into refrigerant system .
1. Open the high pressure hand valve fully.
2. Charge specified amount of refrigerant, then close the high pressure hand valve.
  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 condition:
    - Running engine at 1,500 rpm.
    
    - Single A/C:
    
    Front blower speed control dial at "HI" position.
    
    - Dual A/C:
    
    Front and rear blower speed set at "HI" position.
    
    - Single A/C:
    
    Front temperature control dial at "MAX. COOL" position.
    
    - Dual A/C:
    
    Rear temperature control set at 18.5 °C (65°F).
    
    - Front temperature control dial at "MAX. COOL" position.
    
    - Air inlet control set at "RECIRC".
    
    - Fully open doors (Sliding roof: closed).
  2. Open the low pressure hand valve. See Fig 1.
4. Charge refrigerant until continuous bubble formation disappears and check the pressure on the gauge through the sight glass. See Fig 3.