Identifying Refrigerant Purity
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Turn ON refrigerant identifier and let it reach operating temperature (3-5 minutes).
- When display reads "HOSE," and with the vehicle turned OFF, attach the hose to the low side (suction) port and open service valves.
- Press ENTER button.
- The display will read GAS as a sample of refrigerant is taken and analyzed.
- When analysis is complete, display will show, by percentage, the make-up of gases.
- If refrigerant is less than 98 percent pure, the temperature/pressure charts will not be accurate for system diagnosis.
- If refrigerant is pure but contains air, system should be recovered and recharged with virgin refrigerant before proceeding.
NOTE:
The purity of the system refrigerant should be confirmed before any other diagnostics are begun. The RI-2002DS refrigerant identifier has the ability to identify R-12, R134a, R-22, potentially dangerous hydrocarbons, and non-condensable gases (NCG) such as air. If the A/C system contains anything less than 98 percent pure refrigerant, the refrigerant is considered contaminated and the temperature/pressure charts will not be valid. Contaminated refrigerant should not be recovered as it will contaminate the recovery machine and refrigerant supply tank. Air is not considered a contaminate as it can be purged.