System Evacuation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Acura TL, 2010 Acura TL, and 2009 Acura TL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat
Be careful when connecting service equipment
Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor

NOTE:

If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service
Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers
Do not allow moisture to contaminate the A/C system oil Moisture in the oil is difficult to remove, and it can damage the A/C compressor

When an A/C System has been opened to the atmosphere, such as during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station If the system has been open for several days, replace the receiver/dryer, dram the refrigerant oil, and add fresh oil (see A/C SERVICE TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS ) then evacuate the system for several hours before charging it
Connect an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station (A) to the high-pressure service port (B) and the low-pressure service port (C), as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions Recover the refrigerant, if any, from the A/C system (see RECEIVER/DRYER DESICCANT REPLACEMENT )

Fig 1: Identifying High-Pressure Service Port And Low-Pressure Service Port
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Evacuate the system The vacuum pump should run for a minimum of 45 minutes to eliminate all moisture from the system When the suction gauge reads -93 3 kPa (700 mmHg, 27 6 in Hg) for at least 45 minutes, close all valves, and turn off the vacuum pump
If the suction gauge does not reach approximately -93 3 kPa (700 mmHg, 27 6 in Hg) in 15 minutes, there is probably a leak in the system Partially charge the system, and check for leaks (see REFRIGERANT LEAK CHECK )