How to Retrofit Air Conditioning in a Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder SUVs manufactured in or before 1995 use R12 refrigerant. You must retrofit these SUVs to accept R134 refrigerant using a retrofit kit available at your local auto parts store before you can recharge the system. In some areas, a license is required to retrofit an air conditioning system. If this is the case in your area, take your Pathfinder to a professional to retrofit the system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Towel
• Retrofit kit
• Adjustable wrench
• Permanent marker

1. Take your SUV to a mechanic to recover the R12 refrigerant out of the air conditioning system. A license and special equipment are needed to do this. Because R12 refrigerant is expensive, many mechanics will do the job for free.

2. Find the Low Pressure Side connector port. In most models, it is centered between the engine and the radiator on the driver side of the SUV. Remove the blue cap marked L or LOW. You only need to retrofit the system if you see a screw-type connector valve. If you see a quick connect valve, the system already is R134 compatible. Wipe the connector valve off with a clean towel. This ensures that the retrofit connector properly adheres to the valve.

3. 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 necessary information on the retrofit sticker using a permanent marker. You have to stick this to the inside of the hood where it can be seen easily by anyone who works on your vehicle.

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

Tips & Warnings

• Never try to evacuate the system yourself. Special equipment is needed to evacuate the system. Attempting to do this yourself will release refrigerant into the air, which is a federal crime.

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