How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a Toyota Tacoma

When your Toyota Tacoma has warm air blowing out of the air conditioning system, as long as all of the components are working properly, it is possible that recharging the system will correct the problem. Keep in mind that some 1995 year models may still use R12 refrigerant. In this case, the system needs to be retrofitted to accept R134 before you can recharge it.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Goggles
• Gloves
• Pressure gauge
• R14 refill kit

1. • 1

     Inspect your air conditioning lines for damage. You must fix any damaged lines or components before you recharge the system.

   • 2

     Find the Low Pressure Side service connector. It is near the firewall and marked with a blue or black cap with an L on it. Take the cap off and put it in a safe place. Look at the connector to determine if your truck uses R134 or R12 refrigerant. You will notice screw type connectors on the both the High Pressure Side and Low Pressure Side lines in models using R12 refrigerant. Models made in 1995 may use the old R12 refrigerant. If this is the case, you must have your Tacoma air conditioning system retrofitted to use R134 refrigerant.

   • 3

     Check your air conditioning system pressure using an automotive air conditioning pressure gauge. Keep in mind that in order to get an accurate reading, the air conditioner has to be turned on the coldest setting with maximum blowing power.

   • 4

     Connect the refill hose to the connector on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system. The Low Pressure Side connector is smaller the High Pressure Side connector. Because the connectors are different sizes, the refill kit hose should fit only on the Low Pressure Side port. Additionally, the High Pressure Side connector will usually have a red cap or be marked with an H or the word High.

   • 5

     Allow the air conditioner to suck the refrigerant out of the can by slowly turning the valve on the refill kit hose. Pay attention to the way you hold the can. Most kits will have you hold the can upright when you recharge the air conditioning system. It may take as long as 10 minutes to empty a single can.

   • 6

     Close the valve on the refill hose and release the hose from the connector when you have finished recharging the air conditioning system. Make sure that you put the cap back on the port.

   • 7

     Leave the air conditioner running on the lowest temperature and highest speed for at least 20 minutes. This allows the refrigerant to circulate throughout the entire air conditioning system.

Tips & Warnings

• Always protect your eyes and skin by wearing safety goggles and gloves when working with the air conditioning system.

• If the pressure is still low after you add one can of R134 refrigerant, you may need to add another. If this is the case, repeat steps three through seven.

• You need a license to purchase R12 refrigerant. In some areas, you need one to purchase R134.

• Never try to mix R134 and R12 refrigerant. This causes damage to the air conditioning system and may cause bodily injury. It is possible to retrofit a truck that uses R12 refrigerant to accept R134.

• Only work on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system. The air conditioner is under high pressure and trying to add refrigerant to the High Pressure Side can cause an explosion resulting in injury or death.

• Never discharge refrigerant into the air. It is a federal crime to do this, even when you are using R134 refrigerant. You can take any excess refrigerant to a professional for disposal.