How to Retrofit Air Conditioning in a VW Beetle

VW Beetle cars manufactured from 1980 to 1995 use R12 refrigerant. Some models made from 1996 to 1998 may take R12. You must retrofit these cars to accept R134 refrigerant using a retrofit kit available at your local auto parts store before you can recharge the system. If you have a Beetle that was made in or prior to 1979, a professional must retrofit the system. In some areas, a license is required to work on automotive air conditioners.

Instructions

1

Take your VW to a mechanic to recover the R12 refrigerant out of the air conditioning system. A license and special equipment are needed to do this. Because R12 refrigerant is expensive, many mechanics will do the job for free.

2

Locate the Low Pressure Side service port of the Beetle. It is located near the radiator on the passenger side of the engine compartment. It has a black cap that may be marked L or LOW. Take the cap off. Wipe off the port with a clean soft towel. You only need to retrofit the system if you see a screw-type connector valve. If you see a quick connect valve, the system already is R134 compatible.

3

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

4

Find the High Pressure Side service port by following the air conditioning line away from the compressor. Remove the red cap and wipe off the port.

5

Place the short retrofit adapter onto the port. Tighten it with a wrench. Put the red cap onto the adapter.

6

Fill out the necessary information on the retrofit sticker using a permanent marker. You have to stick this to the inside of the hood where it can be seen easily by anyone who works on your vehicle.

7

Recharge the system using R134 refrigerant. See related eHow titled "How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a VW Beetle."