How to Retrofit Air Conditioning in a Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry models made in or before 1995 use R12 refrigerant. You must retrofit the air conditioning system to accept R134 before you can recharge the air conditioning system. Auto retrofit kits are available at most auto part stores. In some areas, a license is required to retrofit an air conditioning system, and you must have a professional retrofit the system.

Instructions

1

Take your Camry to a mechanic to recover the R12 refrigerant out of the air conditioning system. You need a license and special equipment to do this.

2

Locate the Low Pressure Side service port for the air conditioning system. You can find it near the firewall on the passenger side of your Camry. Remove the black cap marked L. Wipe off the port with a clean towel.

3

Look at the port. If you see a quick connect valve, someone already retrofitted the system. If you see a screw-type connector, you should continue with the retrofit.

4

Put the longer adapter from the automotive retrofit kit onto the port. Tighten it with an adjustable wrench. Cap the adapter with the blue cap from the retrofit kit. This keeps dust out of the system and helps to keep refrigerant in the system.

5

Follow the air conditioning lines until you see the High Pressure Side port valve. Remove the red cap and wipe off the valve. Place the short retrofit connector onto the valve. Screw it on and tighten it using an adjustable wrench. Cover the new connector with the cap provided in the retrofit kit.

6

Recharge the air conditioning system. Look at the eHow titled "How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a Toyota Camry."

7

Complete the Retrofit Identification sticker provided in the retrofit kit using a permanent marker. Remove the protective backing and place it on the interior side of the hood. This lets future owners and service professionals know that you retrofitted the system.