Refrigerant Oil Level

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When an A/C system is assembled at the factory, all components except the A/C compressor are refrigerant oil free. After the refrigerant system has been charged and operated, the refrigerant oil in the A/C compressor is dispersed throughout the refrigerant system. The A/C accumulator, A/C evaporator, A/C condenser and the A/C compressor will each retain a significant amount of the needed refrigerant oil.

It is important to have the correct amount of refrigerant oil in the A/C system. This ensures proper lubrication of the A/C compressor. Too little oil will result in damage to the A/C compressor, while too much oil will reduce the cooling capacity of the A/C system and consequently result in higher discharge air temperatures.

CAUTION: The oil used in the Denso 10S15 and 10S17 A/C compressors is ND-8 PAG R-134a refrigerant oil. Only refrigerant oil of the same type should be used to service the A/C system. Do not use any other refrigerant oil. The oil container should be kept tightly capped until it is ready for use and then tightly capped after use to prevent contamination from dirt and moisture. Refrigerant oil will quickly absorb any moisture it comes in contact with, therefore, special effort must be used to keep all R-134a system components moisture-free. Moisture in the refrigerant oil is very difficult to remove and will cause a reliability problem with the A/C compressor.

NOTE: Most reclaim/recycling equipment will measure the lubricant being removed during recovery. This amount of lubricant should be added back into the system. Refer to the reclaim/recycling equipment manufacturers instructions.

It will not be necessary to check the oil level in the A/C compressor or to add oil, unless there has been an oil loss. An oil loss may occur due to component replacement, or a rupture or leak from a refrigerant line, connector fitting, component or component seal. If a leak occurs, add 30 milliliters (1 fluid ounce) of the recommended refrigerant oil to the refrigerant system after the repair has been made. Refrigerant oil loss will be evident at the leak point by the presence of a wet, shiny surface around the leak.

Refrigerant oil must be added when an A/C accumulator, A/C evaporator or A/C condenser is replaced. See the Refrigerant Oil Capacities . When an A/C compressor is replaced, the refrigerant oil must be drained from the old compressor and measured. Drain all of the refrigerant oil from the new A/C compressor, then fill the new compressor with the same amount of refrigerant oil that was drained out of the old compressor.

REFRIGERANT OIL CAPACITIES

Component	ml.	oz.
Total System Fill	180	6.1
A/C Accumulator	30	1.0
A/C Condenser	30	1.0
A/C Evaporator	60	2.0
A/C Compressor	Drain and measure the oil from the old compressor - (Refer to REFRIGERANT OIL LEVEL) .