Air conditioning in Nissan Qashqai - this is not a luxury, but a necessity, especially during the hot summer months. However, over time, the system's efficiency decreases and the refrigerant needs to be topped up or completely replaced. The main question that owners have is: how much freon is needed to refill an air conditioner in Qashqai? The answer depends on the generation of the car, the type of engine and even the year of manufacture.
In this article you will find exact data on the volume of freon for all modifications Nissan Qashqai (including restyled versions), as well as recommendations for choosing compressor oil, features of working with refrigerants R134a And R1234yf. We will look at how to check the freon level yourself, when refilling is required, and what mistakes are most often made when servicing the air conditioning system.
Generations of Nissan Qashqai and types of freon used
Over the years of production Qashqai underwent two major updates, which also affected the air conditioning system. The main difference between generations is refrigerant type:
- 🔹 J10 (2006–2013) - used
R134a, a classic freon that is still common in service centers. - 🔹 J11 (2013–2021) - transition to environmentally friendly
R1234yf(starting from 2017), which requires special equipment for refueling. - 🔹 J12 (from 2021) - only
R1234yf, but with a modified system where the volume of freon may differ from the previous generation.
Important: R1234yf cannot be mixed with R134a! If your Qashqai 2017 or newer, check the coolant type on the sticker under the hood or in the service book. Attempting to charge incompatible freon will result in compressor breakdown and expensive repairs.
- R134a
- R1234yf
- I don't know
- Other
Freon volume table for Nissan Qashqai by year and engine
Below are official data from the manufacturer according to filling volumes. Please note that the values may vary slightly depending on the configuration (for example, the presence of climate control or additional heater).
| Generation | Years of manufacture | Engine | Freon volume (g) | Freon type | Oil volume (ml) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J10 (2006–2013) |
2006–2013 | HR16DE (1.6) |
450 ± 20 | R134a |
120–150 |
MR20DE (2.0) |
500 ± 20 | R134a |
150–180 | ||
K9K (1.5 dCi) |
550 ± 20 | R134a |
180–200 | ||
| J11 (2013–2021) |
2013–2016 | HR16DE (1.6) |
480 ± 20 | R134a |
130–160 |
| 2017–2021 | HR16DE (1.6) |
420 ± 20 | R1234yf |
100–120 | |
| 2013–2021 | MR20DD (2.0) |
520 ± 20 | R1234yf |
150–180 | |
| 2013–2021 | R9M (1.6 dCi) |
580 ± 20 | R1234yf |
180–200 |
Attention: for diesel versions (1.5 dCi and 1.6 dCi), the volume of freon is always 50–100 g larger due to the enlarged air conditioning system circuit.
If your model is not listed in the table (for example, hybrid or rare variants), please contact service book or use VIN decoder to clarify the data. The freon information sticker is usually located on the inside of the hood or near the radiator.
What oil should I use for my air conditioning compressor?
When refilling freon oil refilling is required (PAG oils), as it circulates with the refrigerant and lubricates the compressor. The type of oil depends on the freon used:
- 🔧 For
R134a: oil PAG 46 (For example, Nissan KE902-99932 or analogues from Idemitsu, Mobil). - 🔧 For
R1234yf: oil PAG 46 or POE (For example, Nissan KE902-99933). Important:R1234yfmore aggressive to rubber seals, so use only compatible oils!
Oil volume for refilling:
- 📌 When completely replacing freon - full volume (see table above).
- 📌 When refueling - 30–50 ml (to compensate for losses).
If you are unsure of the oil type, check the label on your air conditioning compressor - it will often list the recommended composition.
When do you need to refill freon in a Nissan Qashqai?
The air conditioner in the car loses up to 10–15% freon per year due to microcracks in hoses and connections. A complete leak is rare, but even a slight refrigerant deficiency will result in:
- ❄️ Poor interior cooling (especially at idle).
- 🔊 Extraneous noise when the compressor is turned on.
- 💧 The appearance of frost on the air conditioner pipes.
- 🚨 The indicator lights up
ACon the dashboard.
Recommended inspection frequency:
- 📅 Every 2 years - even if there are no signs of malfunction.
- 📅 After the winter season - before summer operation.
- 📅 After repairing the air conditioning system (replacing the compressor, radiator, etc.).
How to check freon pressure without a pressure gauge station?
Remove the protective cap from the service port (on the low pressure tube, usually marked blue), press the valve with a thin object (for example, a toothpick). If there is freon, you will hear a hissing sound. Danger! Do not press too hard; all the refrigerant may be released. This method only gives an approximate idea of the presence of freon, but not its quantity.
If you notice that the air conditioner is blowing warm air, do not rush to refuel. First check:
- Performance radiator fan (it should turn on when the air conditioner is running).
- Cleanliness capacitor (air conditioner radiator in front of the main radiator).
- Voltage at compressor clutch (when turned on
ACthere should be a click).
Self-refilling the air conditioner: step-by-step instructions
Refill the air conditioner Nissan Qashqai you can do it yourself if you have it manometric station and a bottle of freon. It is important to follow safety precautions: work in a ventilated area or outdoors, use safety glasses and gloves.
Turn off the engine and allow the system to cool|Locate the service ports (low and high pressure)|Connect the gauge station hoses|Check the connections for leaks
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Step by step process:
- Step 1. Start the engine and turn the air conditioning on maximum mode (close windows, set recirculation).
- Step 2. Connect blue hose gauge station to the low pressure port (marked with the letter
L), and red - to the high pressure port (H). - Step 3. Open the valve of the freon cylinder and watch pressure on the pressure gauge. Norm for
R134aat +20°C:- 🔹Low pressure: 25–40 psi.
- 🔹High blood pressure: 150–250 psi.
Do not refill the air conditioner by eye! An excess of freon is just as harmful as its shortage: this leads to increased load on the compressor and the risk of water hammer.
If you have Qashqai with R1234yf, the process is similar, but requires special equipment (standard stations for R134a don't fit!). System pressure with R1234yf higher: low - 30–50 psi, high - 200–300 psi.
Mistakes when refilling an air conditioner and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to compressor breakdown or freon leak. Here are the most common:
- ⚠️ Using the wrong oil. For example, fill
PAG 100instead ofPAG 46will lead to insufficient lubrication and jamming of the compressor. - ⚠️ Refueling without vacuum. If air or moisture remains in the system, it will cause corrosion and reduce cooling efficiency.
- ⚠️ Refilling freon. Excess refrigerant increases system pressure and can damage seals.
- ⚠️ Ignoring leaks. If freon is lost faster than usual (for example, once every six months), first find and eliminate the cause.
⚠️ Attention: If after refueling the air conditioner is noisy or cools poorly, stop immediately! This could be a sign water hammer (liquid freon entering the compressor), which destroys internal parts.
To avoid problems:
- 🔹 Always vacuum the system before refueling (at least 30 minutes).
- 🔹 Use only high-quality freon (cheap analogues may contain impurities).
- 🔹 Check tightness of connections soap solution or electronic leak detector.
Frequently asked questions about freon in Nissan Qashqai
Can I use R134a instead of R1234yf in a 2018 Qashqai?
No, it's strictly prohibited. Systems under R1234yf have different seals, lubrication and operating pressures. Refueling R134a will lead to leaks and compressor failure. If you need to save money, consider retrofit (system transfer to R134a), but this requires replacing most of the components.
How much does it cost to refill an air conditioner at a service center?
The cost depends on the type of freon and the region:
- 💰
R134a: 1500–2500 rub. (on your own - 500–800 rubles per cylinder). - 💰
R1234yf: 3000–5000 rub. (due to the high cost of refrigerant).
The price usually includes diagnostics, vacuuming and oil refilling.
How often should the oil in the air conditioning compressor be changed?
Oil in the air conditioning system has no expiration date, but its quantity decreases along with freon. When completely replacing the refrigerant, the oil also needs to be updated. If you are just topping up freon, add 30–50 ml oil to compensate for losses.
What should I do if the air conditioner does not cool after refueling?
Possible reasons:
- 🔸 Insufficient amount of freon (check pressure).
- 🔸 Clogging receiver-dryer (needs replacement).
- 🔸 Malfunction compressor or couplings.
- 🔸 Leak in the system (check the pipes and radiator for damage).
If the problem persists, contact the service for diagnostics.
Is it possible to charge an air conditioner without a pressure gauge station?
Technically yes, but this highly not recommended. Without blood pressure control, you risk:
- 🔸 Recharge the system (which is dangerous for the compressor).
- 🔸 Underfill (the air conditioner will not work effectively).
- 🔸 Skip leaks or other faults.
Minimum set for safe refueling: pressure gauge station + freon cylinder.