How to Properly Add Refrigerant Oil to a Car's Air Conditioning System?
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In the air conditioning refrigeration system, there are moving parts that require lubrication. Due to the special working conditions within the refrigeration system, a specialized lubricating oil—refrigerant oil—is needed. In addition to its lubricating function, refrigerant oil also helps with cooling and reducing mechanical noise. Another unique requirement in the refrigeration system is that the oil must be compatible with the refrigerant and circulate along with it. Therefore, when selecting refrigerant oil, it is crucial to choose the correct type and avoid misuse, as improper selection can lead to serious consequences. Below, we will explore how to properly add refrigerant oil to a car's air conditioning system. Direct Refilling: If refilling directly from the compressor, an oil return operation should first be performed. This involves running the compressor at idle speed with the control system set to the coldest temperature and highest fan speed for 20–30 minutes to allow the oil to return to the compressor. Then, turn off the engine, release the refrigerant, remove the compressor from the vehicle, drain the old oil, and directly refill or top up with new oil. High-Pressure Side Refilling: When adding oil from the high-pressure side, evacuate the system to 98 kPa, close the high-pressure side manual valve, and shut off the service valve on the compressor. Disconnect the high-pressure side hose from the gauge manifold and insert it into the refrigerant oil. Open the service valve, allowing the oil to be drawn into the system. Close the service valve immediately before the oil is fully drawn in to prevent air intake. Reattach the high-pressure hose to the gauge manifold, open the high-pressure side manual valve, and continue evacuating before adding refrigerant. Note: The engine and vacuum pump should not be running during this process. Low-Pressure Side Refilling: When adding oil from the low-pressure side, no service valve is required. After evacuating to 98 kPa, close the low-pressure side manual valve while the vacuum pump continues running. Keep the high-pressure side manual valve open, disconnect the low-pressure side hose from the gauge manifold, and insert it into the refrigerant oil to draw in the oil. Once done, reattach the hose to its original position, open the low-pressure side manual valve, and continue evacuating before proceeding with refrigerant charging. Important note: Too much refrigerant oil can impair cooling efficiency, while too little can damage the compressor—always add the specified amount for the vehicle.