Refrigerant and A/C compressor oil filling quantities (2024)

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Which filling quantities apply to which vehicles? Our latest filling quantity manual for refrigerant and A/C compressor oil provides the answer for the most common vehicle types.

Safety precautions and comments

The information in the following tables has been compiled using data from vehicle manufacturers and other sources, and it is applicable only to air conditioning systems in their original designs. Only specially trained professionals should carry out work on air conditioning systems, taking into account the relevant safety precautions and country-specificlegislation.

All rights reserved, including translation. No part of this table may be reproduced in any form—mechanical, electronic, photocopy, microfilm,or otherwise, including extracts thereof—without our written permission.This information has been compiled carefully. As the material is extensive,we cannot guarantee the correctness of all the information. When this information is published, previous versions lose their validity.

Notes passenger cars

1Condenser with round pipes
2Condenser with flat pipes
3Condenser 16 mm
4Condenser 23 mm
5Rear engine
6Front engine
7Expansion valve, old type
8Expansion valve, new type
9See sticker in engine compartment
n.aOverall quantity for system not known or not specified by manufacturer – if appropriate, see sticker in the engine compartment or on the compressor
qQuantity depends on version – see sticker in the engine compartment or on the compressor
wCondenser 18 mm
eCondenser 20 mm
fThickness of the condenser’s flat pipe
gWithout oil radiator
hCondenser module, dryer integrated in the condenser
iOrga/manuf. no. /see information near A/B pillar
VIN=Vehicle Identification Number

Notes commercial vehicles

(1)OEBEHR
CompressorUnicla: PAG OIL UNIDAPPAO 68 or PAG ISO 46
CompressorZexel: PAG OIL ZEXEL ZXL 100PG PAO 68 or PAG ISO 46
CompressorSanden: PAG OIL SANDEN SP 20 PAO 68 or PAG ISO 100
CompressorNippondenso: PAG OIL ND 8 PAO 68 or PAG ISO 46
CompressorKiki: FUCHS RENISO PAG 46” PAO 68 or PAG ISO 46
Oil filling quantity "n.a." = quantity unknown or not specified by the manufacturer

Oils in comparison

Type of oilApplicationNotes
PAG oils
for refrigerant R134a
There are various PAG oils with different flow characteristics (viscosities) for use with refrigerant R134a. PAG oils are hygroscopic. This means that cans do not have a long shelf life once opened.Standard PAG oils are not suitable for refrigerant R1234yf or for electrically driven air conditioning compressors.
PAG oil YF
for refrigerants R1234yf and R134a
There are also various PAG oils with different flow characteristics (viscosities) for use with refrigerant R1234yf.
What makes these PAG oils from the BEHR sales brand special is that they are not only suitable for use with the refrigerant R1234yf but can also be used with the refrigerant R134a. As PAG oils are hygroscopic, cans do not have a long shelf life once opened.
PAG oil YF is suitable for both R1234yf and R134a refrigerants.
PAG oil SP-A2
for refrigerants R1234yf and R134a
For use in electrically driven air conditioning compressors that have been filled ex works
with a special PAG oil.
PAO 68 oil
for refrigerant R134a, and in some cases for refrigerant R1234yf and others
Can be used as an alternative to the various PAG oils that are offered for R134a (has the advantage of not being hygroscopic—i.e., in contrast to other oils, it does not absorb
any moisture from the ambient air). The two different PAO 68 oils offered by MAHLE under the BEHR sales brand (AA1 and AA3) can be used in conjunction with numerous
different refrigerants (see product overview).
The AA1 clear version of PAO 68 oil (without
leak detecting agent) can also be used with the
new refrigerant R1234yf as well as in electrically
driven air conditioning compressors in hybrid and electric vehicles.

PAO and other oils

ProductApplicationAir conditioning
compressor type
RefrigerantViscosity classContentsMAHLE
reference no.
Former Behr Hella
Service reference no.
PAG oilVehicle air conditioning systems*All types**R134aPAG I (ISO 46) 250 mlACPL 19 000P8FX 351 213-031
Vehicle air conditioning systems*All types**R134aPAG II (ISO 100 250 mlACPL 20 000P8FX 351 213-051
Vehicle air conditioning systems*All types**R134aPAG III (ISO 150) 250 mlACPL 21 000P8FX 351 213-041
PAG YF oilVehicle air conditioning systems*All types**R1234yf,
R134a
PAG I (ISO 46) 250 mlACPL 22 000P8FX 351 213-121
Vehicle air conditioning systems*All types**R1234yf,
R134a
PAG II (ISO 100 250 mlACPL 23 000P8FX 351 213-131
PAG SP-A2 oilAir conditioning systems in
hybrid and electric vehicles
Electrically driven compressors filled ex works with special PAG oilR1234yf,
R134a
PAG I (ISO 46) 250 mlACPL 9 000P8FX 351 213-141
PAO 68 oilVehicle air conditioning systems*All types (except vane compressors)R1234yf,
R134a,
R413a,
R22,
R513a
AA1 (ISO 68)
AA1 (ISO 68)
AA1 (ISO 68)
500 ml
1.0 L
5.0 L
ACPL 11 000P
ACPL 10 000P
ACPL 14 000P
8FX 351 214-031
8FX 351 214-021
8FX 351 214-101
Air conditioning systems
in hybrid and electric vehicles
Electric compressorsR1234yf,
R134a,
R513a
Refrigerated trucks (fresh produce delivery vehicles)Reciprocating compressors**R1234yf,
R134a,
R507a,
R500,
R513a
Refrigerated trucks (freezer vans)Reciprocating compressors**R507a,
R502,
R513a,
R22
Vehicle air conditioning systems* Vane compressors** R134a,
R413a,
R513a
AA3 (ISO 100)1.0 L ACPL 13 000P8FX 351 214-081
PAO 68 Plus UV oil Vehicle air conditioning systems* All types** (except vane compressors)R134a,
R413a,
R22
AA1 (ISO 68)
AA1 (ISO 68)
AA1 (ISO 68)
500 ml
1.0 L
5.0 L
ACPL 15 000P
ACPL 16 000P
ACPL 17 000P
8FX 351 214-201
8FX 351 214-211
8FX 351 214-221
Refrigerated trucks (fresh produce delivery vehicles)Reciprocating compressors**R134a,
R507a,
R500
Refrigerated trucks (freezer vans)Reciprocating compressors**R507a,
R502,
R22
Vehicle air conditioning systems*Vane compressors** R134a,
R413a
AA3 (ISO 100) 1.0 LACPL 18 000P 8FX 351 214-281

* Passenger cars, trucks, and agricultural and construction machinery
** Except for electric air conditioning compressors

The appropriate air conditioning compressor oil is determined on the basis of the air conditioning compressor type and the refrigerant used. The wrong choice can lead to damage.
Vehicle- or manufacturer-specific instructions must be followed carefully.

Refrigerant and A/C compressor oil filling quantities (2024)

FAQs

How much oil to add to an AC compressor? ›

The goal is to maintain the new OEM amount of oil. 3 ounces In this example the removed compressor contains 3 ounces so the new compressor should have 3 ounces as well. This way we maintain the original 10 ounce oil charge consistent with the new system. Drain and measure the oil amount contained in the old compressor.

How much oil to add when recharging an AC? ›

The AC system in most modern vehicles needs a total of 4 ounces (120 ml) of oil. So, checking the manual is a good idea to be sure of the exact amount and to avoid over- or under-filling the system. A low level of oil may cause compression failure, and overfilling will also hurt cooling performance.

What should the oil level be on a refrigerant compressor? ›

In most compressors, the oil level in the sight glass should be between ¼ and ½ sight glass. Too little oil in the compressor results in an obvious oil trip. Too much oil in the compressor can also cause oil trips.

How much refrigerant does it take to fill an air conditioner? ›

Each make and model of air conditioner needs a slightly different amount of AC refrigerant. According to PG&E, most central air conditioning systems use two to four pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling capacity. A three-ton air conditioner would typically have six to 12 pounds of refrigerant for a proper charge.

How do I know how much oil to put in my air compressor? ›

It may be found on the base of the pump for reciprocating type compressors or on the sump tank in a rotary screw compressor. In the middle of the sight glass, you will see a dot. Ideally, you want the oil level to be in the center of the dot. If the oil level is below the dot, your unit needs more oil.

Does AC compressor oil mix with refrigerant? ›

Under normal conditions, there will always be a small amount of oil that escapes a compressor's crankcase and is circulated with the refrigerant throughout the system. It is for this reason that refrigerant oil and the refrigerant itself must be soluble in one another.

What happens if you put too much oil in your air conditioner system? ›

Excess oil may accumulate in the evaporator and then return to the compressor in a slug. This could overfill the crankcase and possibly damage the compressor. Excessive amounts of oil in an evaporator decrease the capacity of a system.

How do I know if my AC has enough oil? ›

Signs Your Car's AC Compressor Oil Needs to Be Changed
  1. Humming Sounds. If you hear a strange humming noise when switching on your car's A/C system, you may lack compressor oil. ...
  2. Refrigerant Leaks. ...
  3. Burning Smell. ...
  4. Visible Smoke.

Does evacuating the AC system remove all the oil? ›

Vacuuming only removes gases, not liquids. Oil doesn't change state to gas, it stays liquid and therefore it will not get sucked out.

Can you put too much oil in a compressor? ›

Putting too much oil in the compressor will not shorten its life. But if this oil gets ejected through the compressed air line, you will notice a drop in the compressor's air quality. In short, putting too much oil in the compressor will cause the compressor to leak oil or compressor oil to get into the compressed air.

Does a new AC compressor come with oil in it already? ›

Under normal circumstances, you shouldn't need to refill or change the oil in your AC system's compressor. Most new compressors already come with oil. And because compressors are sealed, neither oil nor refrigerant should escape. But compressors can leak.

How do you add oil to a refrigerant compressor? ›

Hold the compressor so that the open end is facing upward. Insert a funnel that fits into the opening and slowly pour the recommended amount and type of oil. Then, screw the rear cap on tightly and use a wrench to tighten it further so it's secure. Pour the oil slowly to reduce the chances of spilling it.

How to calculate how much refrigerant to add? ›

You will add 0.6 oz. per foot additional for the lineset, plus 6oz. for the filter drier, and the long radius elbows add 2.6 additional feet. 22.6 ft x 0.6 = 13.5oz + 6oz.

How much refrigerant is in a 12000 BTU air conditioner? ›

On average it's about 3 pounds per ton (12,000 BTU) of air conditioning. For a brand new system, it's very easy for us. Our equipment is matched so we know how much the air conditioner and evaporator coil hold. The only variable is the refrigerant piping.

How much to add refrigerant to an AC unit? ›

Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.

How do I know if my AC compressor has enough oil? ›

If you hear a strange humming noise when switching on your car's A/C system, you may lack compressor oil. Remember, compressor oil's main function is lubrication. When there isn't enough oil to lubricate the parts in your car's A/C compressor, they may grind together, causing a humming noise.

Do I need to add oil to my AC compressor? ›

If you recharged your vehicle's air conditioning system with freon and it still isn't working, or if you have a newly installed AC compressor, you may need to put oil in it. Take your vehicle to a certified mechanic if you don't have a reclaimer machine, which you need to capture the freon from the AC system.

Does PAG oil go in the high or low side? ›

You add PAG oil to the high side of the AC system. The high side is typically the yellow hose.

Do you need to add oil after a vacuum AC system? ›

An evacuation only removes air and moisture. It doesn't remove oil.

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