AC Recharge

Service procedure to evacuate, vacuum test, and recharge the air conditioning system on a 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine using manufacturer-specified refrigerant quantity and PAG oil.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• R-134a or R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — Verify specification on underhood label
• PAG oil for AC system × 1 — PAG 46 or as specified on compressor label
• AC system O-ring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• UV dye for leak detection × 1 — Optional if not previously installed

Preparation

1. Verify refrigerant type from underhood AC specification label (typically on radiator support or underside of hood)
2. Ensure AC recovery/recharge machine is certified for the refrigerant type in this vehicle and has been properly maintained
3. Start engine and attempt to run AC system to verify compressor engagement and identify any obvious mechanical failures
4. Inspect AC system for visible signs of oil residue, damage, or previous repairs that may indicate leak locations
5. Check service history for previous AC work and verify proper refrigerant type was used
6. Position vehicle in well-ventilated area away from open flames or heat sources

Procedure

1. 1

   Identify refrigerant type and system capacity
   Locate the AC specification label on the radiator support or underside of hood. Record the refrigerant type (R-134a or R-1234yf) and total system capacity in grams or ounces. Verify the PAG oil specification and quantity. The 2017 Levante may use either refrigerant depending on production date. Also note the compressor oil capacity for reference during service.
2. 2

   Connect refrigerant identifier
   Before connecting recovery equipment, attach refrigerant identifier tool to the low-side service port (larger diameter port, typically located on suction line near firewall). Run identification test to confirm refrigerant purity and type. If contamination or mixed refrigerants are detected, do not proceed with standard recovery - contaminated refrigerant requires special handling.
3. 3

   Recover existing refrigerant
   Connect AC recovery machine hoses to both high-side and low-side service ports. Ensure all valves are properly positioned per machine instructions. Start recovery process and allow machine to run until it indicates complete evacuation (typically when system pressure reaches near-zero). Recovery machine will automatically shut off when complete. Record the amount of refrigerant recovered for comparison to specification.
4. 4

   Inspect service ports and connections
   With system fully recovered, inspect both high-side and low-side service port valves for leakage or damage. Check Schrader valve cores for proper seating. Inspect all visible AC line connections, particularly at compressor, condenser, and firewall pass-throughs. Look for oil residue which indicates active or previous leaks. If any fittings show signs of leakage or were previously disturbed, they must be opened for O-ring replacement.
5. 5

   Replace O-rings if opening fittings
   If any AC line fittings require disconnection for repair or inspection, remove the old O-rings and inspect mating surfaces for damage or corrosion. Install new O-rings from AC-specific O-ring kit. Lubricate new O-rings with fresh PAG oil (same type as system specification). Ensure O-rings are properly seated in grooves before reconnecting fittings.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Add replacement PAG oil
   Calculate oil quantity needed based on amount of oil recovered by machine and any oil lost during component replacement. If only recharging with no component replacement, typically add 1-2 ounces to compensate for oil retained in machine and hoses. Add specified PAG oil through low-side service port using oil injector tool. Ensure oil type matches system specification (typically PAG 46 for this vehicle). Never overfill as this reduces cooling capacity.
7. 7

   Pull vacuum on system
   Connect vacuum pump to AC manifold gauge set with both high and low side hoses attached to vehicle service ports. Open both manifold valves and start vacuum pump. System must be evacuated to minimum 29 inches Hg (98 kPa vacuum). Continue vacuum process for minimum 30 minutes to remove all moisture and air. Monitor gauges to ensure vacuum level is maintained throughout process. Deep vacuum is critical for Maserati systems to prevent compressor damage.
8. 8

   Perform vacuum hold test
   After 30-minute vacuum period, close both manifold valves and shut off vacuum pump. Observe vacuum gauge for 15-30 minutes. Vacuum level should not rise more than 2 inches Hg (7 kPa). If vacuum does not hold, there is a leak or moisture in the system. Re-evacuate for additional 20 minutes and retest. If vacuum still does not hold, locate and repair leak before proceeding.
9. 9

   Charge system with refrigerant
   With vacuum confirmed holding, connect recharge machine or manifold gauges to refrigerant supply. Charge system through low-side port only with engine running and AC controls set to MAX/recirculation mode. Add refrigerant slowly, monitoring pressure gauges. Charge to exact weight specification from underhood label (typically 550-750 grams for this vehicle, but verify on your specific unit). Do not overcharge as this causes poor cooling and potential compressor damage.
10. 10

    Add UV dye if applicable
    If system did not previously contain UV dye, or if dye was lost during service, inject manufacturer-specified amount of UV dye through low-side service port using dye injector. Typical quantity is 1 ounce for complete system. This allows future leak detection using UV light. Ensure dye is compatible with refrigerant type and PAG oil in system.
11. 11

    Verify compressor operation
    With engine running at idle and AC controls on MAX cooling, observe compressor clutch engagement. Compressor should cycle on and engage clutch within 30-60 seconds. Monitor both high and low side pressures on manifold gauges. Low side should be 25-45 PSI and high side should be 150-250 PSI at ambient temperature of 75-85°F. Pressures vary with ambient temperature - consult pressure/temperature chart for verification at other temperatures.
12. 12

    Check system performance
    Allow AC system to run for minimum 10 minutes to stabilize. Using digital thermometer, measure center dash vent outlet temperature with blower on high speed, recirculation mode, and temperature control at coldest setting. Vent temperature should be 38-48°F depending on ambient conditions and humidity. Temperature differential between ambient and vent outlet should be minimum 30°F. If cooling is insufficient, recheck refrigerant charge and system pressures.

Reassembly

1. Disconnect all service equipment from AC service ports
2. Install dust caps on both high-side and low-side service ports
3. Verify all AC line connections are secure and show no signs of refrigerant leakage
4. Clean any PAG oil residue from service area to prevent attracting dirt
5. If any body panels or covers were removed for access, reinstall with appropriate fasteners

Verification

• Start engine and run AC system for 5 minutes, verify compressor engages and cycles normally
• Confirm center dash vent temperature reaches 38-48°F with blower on high and recirculation on
• Check that high-side pressure reaches 150-250 PSI and low-side pressure stabilizes at 25-45 PSI at normal ambient temperature
• Use electronic leak detector around all service ports and connections to verify no leaks are present
• Listen for unusual noises from compressor indicating insufficient oil or mechanical problems
• Verify blower motor operates properly at all speed settings
• Test both fresh air and recirculation modes for proper cooling performance
• Road test vehicle to confirm AC performance under load and at various speeds

More procedures for this vehicle