Charging New R-134a Refrigerant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Open the valve of the refrigerant tank.
Weigh the refrigerant tank to charge the suitable amount of refrigerant.
WARNING:
- If the refrigerant system is charged with a large amount of refrigerant when inspecting for gas leakage, and if any leakage should occur, the refrigerant will be released into the atmosphere. In order to prevent the accidental release of refrigerant which can destroy the ozone layer in the stratosphere, follow the proper procedures and charge with only a small amount of refrigerant when inspecting for gas leakage.
- If charging the system with refrigerant using service cans, running the engine with the high-pressure side valve open is dangerous. Pressure within the service cans will increase and the cans could explode, scattering metal fragments and liquid refrigerant that can seriously injure you. Therefore, do not open the high-pressure side valve while the engine is running.
CAUTION:
- Always being charging of refrigerant from the high-pressure side. If changing is begun from the low-pressure side, the vanes of the A/C compressor will not be released and abnormal noise may result.
Open the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge.

Fig 1: Opening Low-Pressure Side Valve Of Manifold Gauge
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
When the high-pressure side reading increases to 0.098 MPa {1.0 kgf/cm+ ² ,14 psi} , close the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge.
Inspect for leakage from the cooler pipe/hose connections using the gas leak tester.
- If there is no leakage, go to Step 7
- If leakage is found at a loose joint, tighten the joint, then go to next step.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying High-Pressure Reading Of Manifold Gauge
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Inspect for leakage again
- If there is no leakage after tightening the joint, go to next step.
- If there is still a leakage at the same joint, discharge the refrigerant and then repair the joint. Repeat the charging procedure from evacuation.
  WARNING:
  - If charging the system with refrigerant using service cans, running the engine with the high-pressure side valve open is dangerous. Pressure within the service cans will increase and the cans could explode, scattering metal fragments and liquid refrigerant that can seriously injure you. Therefore, do not open the high-pressure side valve while the engine is running.
Open the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge and charge with refrigerant until the weight of refrigerant tank has decreased 250 g {8.82 02} from the amount in Step 2.

Fig 3: Opening Low-Pressure Side Valve Of Manifold Gauge
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Close the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge.
WARNING:
- If charging the system with refrigerant using service cans, running the engine with the high-pressure side valve open is dangerous. Pressure within the service cans will increase and the cans could explode, scattering metal fragments and liquid refrigerant that can seriously injure you. Therefore, do not open the high-pressure side valve while the engine is running.
  
  Fig 4: Closing Low-Pressure Side Valve Of Manifold Gauge
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Start the engine and actuate the A/C compressor
Open the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge and charge with refrigerant until the weight of the refrigerant tank has decreased regular amount from the amount in Step 2.
Close the low-pressure side valve of the manifold gauge and the valve of the refrigerant tank.
Stop the engine and A/C compressor.

Fig 5: Opening Low-Pressure Side Valve Of Manifold Gauge
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.