How to Install R-134A in a Toyota Tundra
In 1990, Section 609 of the Clean Air Act Amendment established a requirement that all mobile air conditioning service be performed by certified technicians. R-12, a chlorine based refrigerant, was being phased out at this time due to the damage it was causing to the ozone layer of the atmosphere. R-134A, a safer refrigerant, widely researched and tested according to DuPont chemical, (the developer of the product) is now mandated by Federal law to be the only refrigerant used in all mobile vehicles.
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Things You'll Need
- Section 609 Certification
- Refrigerant recovery unit
- Manifold air conditioning gauges
- Evacuation pump
- R-134A refrigerant
- Refrigerant scale
- Spray bottle of soapy water
Instructions
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Attach air conditioning manifold gauges to the high and low pressure service ports. The high pressure port is near the radiator, and the low pressure port is near the firewall. Start the vehicle, turn the air conditioner on and read the gauges. The readings should be close to 40 pounds on the suction side, and 160 pounds on the discharge side.
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Listen for the compressor to cycle quickly on and off while reading the gauges. This is an indicator that the refrigerant is low. While the compressor is on, if the low pressure side drops well below 40 pounds and the compressor cycles off, the refrigerant is low. Note the high pressure side to confirm this. The refrigerant should rise and fall in unison with the low side. If this is the case the refrigerant can be topped off.
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3
Top off the refrigerant with a can tap and a can of R-134A. Make sure the service valves are closed on the manifold gauge. Pierce the can and open the blue service valve on the manifold gauge-the low pressure side-and allow refrigerant to flow into the air conditioner system The Tundra has a maximum requirement of 1.28 lbs. of R134A. Use caution and don't overcharge the system. Close the service valve frequently and check the gauge reading. Stop adding refrigerant when the low pressure reading is near 40 lbs. The discharge side should read around 160 pounds of pressure. These may be slightly higher on hot, humid days or slightly lower on cooler days.
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Tips & Warnings
Technically speaking, if a refrigerant system is low, there is a leak somewhere that should be repaired. When in doubt, use a certified refrigerant recovery machine and recover any refrigerant in the air conditioning system. After the recovery cycle is complete, disconnect the recovery unit and make any necessary repairs.
References
- Photo Credit a blue recycle symbol image by wayne ruston from Fotolia.com
