How to Retrofit Air Conditioning in a Mitsubishi 3000GT

Mitsubishi 3000GT cars manufactured prior to 1996 use R12 refrigerant. You must retrofit these cars to accept R134 refrigerant using a retrofit kit available at your local auto parts store before you can recharge the system. In some areas, you need a license to purchase an automotive retrofit kit. If this is the case in your area, you must take your 3000GT to a mechanic to retrofit the system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean towel
• Retrofit kit
• Adjustable wrench
• Permanent marker

1. Have a service technician evacuate the air conditioning system in your Mitsubishi 3000GT. This removes all of the R12 refrigerant from the system. This is usually free since R12 refrigerant is very expensive.

2. Find the Low Pressure Side connector port. You can find this along the larger line coming out of the compressor. Take off the black cap. You must retrofit the system if you see a screw-type connector valve. If you see a quick connect valve, the system already is R134 compatible.

3. Wipe the connector valve with a clean towel. This ensures that the retrofit connector properly adheres to the valve. Put the longer adapter from the automotive retrofit kit onto the port. Tighten it using an adjustable wrench. Place the blue cap from the retrofit kit onto the adapter. This keeps dust out of the system and helps to keep refrigerant in the system.

4. Locate the High Pressure Side service port by following the air conditioning line away from the compressor. Remove the red cap and wipe off the port.

5. Place the short retrofit connector onto the valve. Screw it on and tighten it using an adjustable wrench. Cover the new connector with the cap provided in the retrofit kit.

6. Fill out the sticker provided in the retrofit kit. Use a permanent marker so the writing will remain visible. Place the sticker on the underside of the hood.

7. Recharge the air conditioning system. See the related eHow titled "How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a Mitsubishi 3000GT."

Tips & Warnings

• Never try to remove the R12 refrigerant from the system yourself. This is illegal because refrigerant will be released into the air.

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