How to Properly Charge Your Car’s Air Conditioning System: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather materials

• Air conditioner charger
• refrigerant
• Safety gloves and goggles
• Vehicle Service Manual

Step Two: Safety First

• Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself.

Step 3: Connect the charger

• Connect the charger’s service hoses to the low-pressure (blue) and high-pressure (red) ports on the air conditioning system. The low-pressure port is usually located on the larger air conditioning line, and the high-pressure port is located on the smaller line.

Step 4: Recycle refrigerant

• Turn on the charging machine and set it to recovery mode to purge the system of any remaining refrigerant. Follow the machine’s instructions during this process.

Step 5: Evacuation System

• After recovering the refrigerant, switch the machine to vacuum mode to remove air and moisture from the system. Let the vacuum run for the recommended time (usually 15-30 minutes).

Step 6: Check for leaks

• Once the vacuum process is complete, turn off the system and let it sit for a few minutes to make sure there are no leaks. The machine should indicate whether the vacuum remains stable.

Step 7: Prepare the refrigerant

• Place the refrigerant cylinder on the scale of the charging machine. Make sure the cylinder is upright and stable.

Step 8: Set desired weight

• Enter the amount of refrigerant specified by the manufacturer into the filling machine. This information can be found in the vehicle’s service manual or on a sticker under the hood.

Step 9: Charge the system

• Switch the machine to charging mode. The machine will automatically dispense the exact amount of refrigerant required based on the weight you enter.
• Monitor the process on the machine display to ensure the correct amount is added.

Step 10: Disconnect the machine

• After the charging process is completed, turn off the charger.
• Disconnect the service hoses from the low-pressure and high-pressure ports on the air conditioning system. Replace the port cover.

Step 11: Final Inspection

• Start the vehicle and turn the air conditioner to its highest setting.
• Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the air blowing from the vents. The temperature should be around 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Make sure there are no unusual noises or problems with the air conditioning system.

Need professional help?

If you’re unsure about any step or need expert help, our ASE certified mechanics are ready to help you with your air conditioner charging needs.

Call us!