Air conditioner refridgerant charge check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
1 If applicable, remove the radiator grille being careful not to damage the condenser fins.
2 Check the refrigerant charge as follows.
The engine should be cold and the ambient temperature should be between 64° and 77°F (18° and 25°C).
3 Start the engine and allow it to idle.
Observe the refrigerant sight glass (see illustration)
26.3 Air conditioning system refrigerant sight glass (arrowed)
and have an assistant switch on the air conditioning to fan speed III. A few bubbles should be seen in the sight glass as the system starts up, but all bubbles should disappear within 10 seconds. Persistent bubbles, or no bubbles at all, mean that the refrigerant charge is low. Switch off the system immediately if the charge is low and do not use it again until it has been recharged.
4 Inspect the refrigerant pipes, hoses and unions for security and good condition. Refit the radiator grille.
5 The air conditioning system will lose a proportion of its charge through normal seepage typically up to 100 g (4 oz) per year - so it is as well to regard periodic recharging as a maintenance operation.
See also:
Front wheel alignment - checking and adjusting
1 Front wheel alignment is defined by
camber, castor steering axis inclination and
toe setting. The first three factors are
determined in production; only toe can be
adjusted in service. Incorrect ...
Rear coil spring (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) - removal and
refitting
Models with rear drum brakes
1 Remove the relevant driveshaft.
2 Unscrew the brake pipe from the brake
hose at the bracket on the vehicle underbody.
Plug the ends of the pipe and hose to prevent
...
Brake disc - examination, removal and refitting
Note: From 1987, thicker brake discs were
fitted. If the later discs are fitted to earlier
models, longer wheel studs must be fitted to
accommodate the increased thickness.
Consult a dealer for fu ...
