AC Refrigerant Capacity All Cars R134a Chart

The exact refrigerant amount, also called the charge weight or capacity, varies depending on the make, model, year, and sometimes trim or engine type.

Using the correct amount is essential for optimal cooling performance, system efficiency, and longevity of components like the compressor and expansion valve.

AC Refrigerant Capacity All Cars R134a Chart

BMW

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
3 Series (E46)	2001–2005	R134a	550 g	Mid-size sedan
1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88)	2004–2013	R134a	620 g	Compact hatch/sedan
5 Series (E39)	1996–2003	R134a	850 g	Mid-size luxury sedan
X5 (E53)	2000–2006	R134a	900 g	SUV, dual-zone AC
7 Series (E65)	2001–2008	R134a	950 g	Full-size luxury sedan

Chevrolet

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
Aveo	2011–	R134a	500 g	Small passenger car
Captiva	2007–	R134a	520 g	Compact SUV
Cruze	2009–	R134a	650 g	Mid-size sedan
Lacetti / Nubira	2005–	R134a	640–670 g	Differences by drive side
Spark	2005–	R134a	330–450 g	Sub-compact
Impala	2014–2019	R134a	700 g	Full-size sedan
Malibu	2013–2019	R134a	600 g	Mid-size sedan

Honda

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
Civic	2017–2022	R134a	425 g	Compact car
Accord	2013–2017	R134a	550 g	Mid-size sedan
CR-V	2015–2022	R134a	600 g	Compact SUV
Fit	2010–2015	R134a	425 g	Small hatchback
HR-V	2016–2021	R134a	500 g	Subcompact SUV
Pilot	2016–2022	R134a	700 g	Mid-size SUV

Hyundai

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
Kona	2017–	R134a	500 g	Small SUV
Elantra	2016–2020	R134a	550 g	Compact sedan
Tucson	2015–2020	R134a	600 g	Compact SUV
Santa Fe	2013–2018	R134a	700 g	Mid-size SUV
i30	2012–2017	R134a	500 g	Compact hatchback
Sonata	2015–2020	R134a	600 g	Mid-size sedan

Nissan

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
Micra (K12)	2003–	R134a	500–600 g	Small city car
Qashqai	2007–2013	R134a	450 g	Compact SUV
X-Trail	2010–2015	R134a	700 g	Mid-size SUV
Altima	2013–2018	R134a	600 g	Mid-size sedan
Pathfinder	2013–2020	R134a	800 g	Large SUV
Sentra	2015–2019	R134a	500 g	Compact sedan

Toyota

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
Land Cruiser	1996–2008	R134a	650–1010 g	Large SUV
Corolla	2014–2019	R134a	500 g	Compact sedan
Camry	2015–2020	R134a	550 g	Mid-size sedan
RAV4	2016–2020	R134a	600 g	Compact SUV
Hilux	2015–2020	R134a	750 g	Pickup truck
Prius	2010–2015	R134a	500 g	Hybrid

Renault

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
Megane III	2008–	R134a	480 g	Small family car
Clio	2012–2019	R134a	450 g	Subcompact hatch
Scenic	2010–2016	R134a	550 g	Compact MPV
Laguna	2007–2015	R134a	600 g	Mid-size sedan
Koleos	2010–2016	R134a	650 g	SUV

Peugeot

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
206 CC	2000–2007	R134a	630–670 g	Small convertible
208	2012–2019	R134a	500 g	Subcompact hatch
308	2014–2019	R134a	550 g	Compact hatch/sedan
3008	2010–2016	R134a	650 g	Compact SUV
5008	2010–2017	R134a	700 g	Mid-size SUV

Land Rover

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
Discovery III	2004–2009	R134a	810–900 g	Large SUV
Range Rover Sport	2005–2013	R134a	900 g	Mid-size SUV
Freelander 2	2006–2014	R134a	750 g	Compact SUV

Volvo

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
240	1993–1994	R134a	750 g	Older sedan
XC60	2010–2017	R134a	750 g	Mid-size SUV
S60	2011–2018	R134a	550 g	Mid-size sedan
XC90	2010–2015	R134a	900 g	Full-size SUV

Ford

Model	Year Range	Refrigerant Type	AC Capacity (Approx.)	Notes
Focus	2012–2018	R134a	500 g	Compact car
Fiesta	2011–2017	R134a	450 g	Subcompact car
Escape	2013–2019	R134a	650 g	Compact SUV
F-150	2015–2020	R134a	900 g	Full-size pickup
Explorer	2016–2020	R134a	850 g	Mid-size SUV

Why Correct Refrigerant Amount Matters

1. Optimal Cooling

Using too little refrigerant results in weak cooling, while too much can overpressurize the system, reduce heat transfer, and lower efficiency.

2. Component Longevity

Incorrect refrigerant levels stress the compressor and other components, such as the expansion valve, potentially causing early failure.

3. Safety and Performance

Both under-charging and over-charging affect system pressure, which can reduce performance and create potential safety issues.

How Technicians Measure and Fill R134a

1. Recovery and Vacuum: Old refrigerant is recovered, and the system is evacuated to remove air and moisture.

2. Weighed Charge: Refrigerant is added using a scale to ensure the precise amount for that vehicle.

3. Pressure and Temperature Monitoring: High and low line gauges are used to verify system pressures during charging.

4. Oil Replacement: When components such as the compressor, condenser, or drier are replaced, the correct type and amount of oil must be added.

FAQs

How much R134A for my car?

The amount of R134A refrigerant your car needs depends on the make, model, year, and AC system configuration. Most compact cars require between 400–600 grams, mid-size sedans 550–700 grams, and larger SUVs or trucks 800–1010 grams.

Always check the under-hood AC label or the owner’s manual for the exact manufacturer-recommended capacity.

What is the capacity of R134A in Toyota Hiace AC?

The refrigerant capacity for a Toyota Hiace varies by model year and configuration. Typically, it ranges from 800 to 1000 grams, depending on whether the vehicle has a standard AC or additional rear cooling units. Refer to the AC label or service manual for precise specifications.

What should the high and low side pressures be for R134A?

The high and low side pressures for an R134A system depend on ambient temperature, system load, and vehicle type. Generally, at 25°C (77°F) ambient temperature:

Low side pressure: 25–45 psi (1.7–3.1 bar)
High side pressure: 200–250 psi (13.8–17.2 bar)
These values can vary, so technicians often use a pressure-temperature chart for accuracy.

What is the 3 minute rule for AC?

The 3-minute rule refers to the method used when charging an AC system: after starting the vehicle and turning the AC to maximum, allow the system to run for about 3 minutes before checking pressures or temperatures. This ensures the compressor and refrigerant circulate properly and gives an accurate reading for charge adjustments.

Is there a difference between R134A and R134A?

There is no chemical difference between R134A refrigerants sold under different brand names. Some cans may contain additives for leak detection or performance enhancement, but the base refrigerant is the same.

Always ensure you use the correct type specified for your vehicle, and avoid mixing with other refrigerant types such as R12 or R1234yf.

How much refrigerant does a 2005 Toyota Corolla hold?

A 2005 Toyota Corolla typically requires approximately 500 grams (17.6 oz) of R134A refrigerant for the AC system. Always verify with the under-hood AC label or service manual to ensure the precise capacity, as slight differences may exist depending on trim or optional equipment.

Final Thoughts

Using the correct amount of AC refrigerant is essential for system performance, efficiency, and component longevity. While the table above includes many common vehicles and their approximate R134a refrigerant capacities, always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for your specific make, model, and year to ensure accuracy.

Correct refrigerant levels also prevent unnecessary strain on the system, help maintain optimal cooling, and reduce the risk of costly repairs.