Air conditioning in Nissan Patrol is not just a comfort option, but a critical system, especially for regions with hot climates or off-road conditions. Not only the cooling efficiency, but also the life of the compressor, radiators and seals depends on the correct amount of freon. However, information on exact charging rates is often scattered: manuals indicate general figures, but in practice it is necessary to take into account the year of manufacture, type of refrigerant (R134a or R1234yf) and even engine modification.
In this article we have collected current data on amount of freon for all generations of Patrol (from the legendary Y61 to modern Y62), we discussed the nuances of switching to a new refrigerant R1234yf, and also gave step-by-step recommendations for diagnostics and refueling. If you're experiencing poor airflow, warm air coming from your vents, or suspect a leak, here are answers to key questions, including exact freon standards for Patrol with diesel and gasoline engines.
How much freon is in the Nissan Patrol air conditioner: official standards by model
The amount of refrigerant in the air conditioning system Nissan Patrol depends on three main factors:
- 📅 Year of manufacture and generation (Y61, Y62)
- ⚙️ Engine type (gasoline/diesel, volume)
- ❄️ Freon type (R134a for old models, R1234yf for new ones)
Below is a table with official filling rates for the most common versions. Please note: the numbers are for full filling of the system (including oil and dye if required). When partially refilled, the quantity may differ by 10–15%.
| Model and generation | Years of manufacture | Freon type | Quantity, g | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Patrol Y61 (GR, TB45/48) | 1997–2010 | R134a | 750–850 | For versions with manual climate control. Automatic climate control requires +50 g |
| Nissan Patrol Y61 (ZD30, TD42) | 2005–2014 | R134a | 800–900 | Diesel versions have a larger condenser |
| Nissan Patrol Y62 (VK56VD, 5.6 l) | 2010–2020 | R134a | 550–650 | Less volume due to compact variable compressor system |
| Nissan Patrol Y62 (restyling, 2021–present) | 2021–... | R1234yf | 450–550 | Switch to environmentally friendly freon. Requires special equipment for refueling |
⚠️ Attention: If your Patrol released in 2020–2021, check the type of freon by the VIN code or sticker under the hood. During the transition period, both systems were used at the plant.
How to determine the type of freon in your Nissan Patrol
An error in refrigerant selection can lead to compressor breakdown or leakage from incompatible seals. Here are 3 reliable ways to find out what kind of freon is in your car:
- Sticker under the hood. Look for a white or yellow sticker on the A/C radiator or the inside of the hood. Inscriptions
R134aorR1234yfwill indicate the type. - VIN decoder. The first 3 characters of the VIN (for example,
JN1...for Y62) will help determine the year and market of delivery. For Patrol 2021+ almost always used R1234yf. - Tube color. Systems with R1234yf have tubes with green caps at service ports, and R134a — with black or blue.
- R134a
- R1234yf
- I don't know
- Other
If the sticker is missing and the VIN decoder is producing inconsistent data, contact service book or use test kit for determining freon type (sold in auto stores). Mixing R134a And R1234yf strictly prohibited!
Step-by-step instructions: how to refill the air conditioner in a Nissan Patrol
Refilling the air conditioner yourself is possible, but requires precision and special equipment. Below is the algorithm for R134a (for R1234yf you will need a certified machine).
Clean the service ports from dirt|Check the pressure in the system with a pressure gauge|Connect the filling hose to the freon bottle|Start the engine and turn on the air conditioning to maximum|Make sure there are no leaks (test with UV dye)-->
Step 1. Diagnostics before refueling. Connect the gauge manifold to the service port low pressure (usually located to the right of the radiator, the tube is thicker). Normal indicators for Patrol:
- 🔹 Pressure when the engine is off: 4–5 bar (if lower, there is a leak)
- 🔹 Pressure when the air conditioner is running: 1.5–2.5 bar (low side), 15–20 bar (high side)
Step 2. Vacuuming (required!). If the system has been opened or freon has been completely released, it is necessary to remove moisture and air with a vacuum pump (at least 30 minutes). For Patrol Y62 with R1234yf vacuuming should last at least 45 minutes.
Step 3. Refueling. Connect the freon bottle through the manifold and fill it slowly, monitoring the pressure. For Patrol Y61 with R134a optimal quantity - 800 g (for diesel versions). Monitor the air temperature from the deflectors: it should drop to 5–8°C.
If the air conditioner works poorly after refueling, check radiator cooling fan - on Patrol Y62 it often fails due to overheating.
Signs of malfunction: when refueling or repair is needed
A decrease in air conditioner efficiency is not always due to a lack of freon. Here are the key symptoms and their possible causes:
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Warm air from deflectors | Freon leak, faulty compressor | Diagnosis of leaks, refilling or replacing the compressor |
| Noise/knock when turning on the air conditioner | Worn compressor bearing or clutch | Replacing the compressor or clutch |
| Cyclic on/off compressor | Lack of freon or faulty pressure sensor | Refilling or replacing the sensor |
| Fogging of windows when the air conditioner is on | Clogged evaporator drain | Cleaning the drain tube |
⚠️ Attention: If after refueling the air conditioner runs for less than 10 minutes and turns off, check high pressure sensor (on Patrol Y62 it often fails due to contact corrosion).
What happens if you recharge freon?
Excess freon leads to increased pressure in the system, which can cause:
1. Rupture of hoses or air conditioner radiator.
2. Compressor failure due to water hammer (liquefied freon enters the cylinders).
3. Deterioration of cooling (paradoxically, an excess reduces the efficiency of heat transfer).
If you accidentally overfilled, immediately bleed off the excess through the service port!
Transition from R134a to R1234yf: is it worth changing freon in the old Patrol
From 2021 Nissan Patrol Y62 equipped with an air conditioning system R1234yf - a more environmentally friendly, but also more expensive refrigerant. Owners of older versions (especially Y61) people often wonder: is it possible to switch to a new freon?
Technically possible, but you will need:
- 🔧 Replacement of all seals and hoses with ones compatible with R1234yf (the cost of the set is from 15,000 rubles).
- 🔄 Flushing the system with a special composition to remove residual oil PAG (for R134a) and filling oil POE.
- 💰 Refueling R1234yf (cylinder price - from 3,000 rubles versus 500 rubles for R134a).
Economic feasibility: For Patrol Y61 (1997–2010) transition to R1234yf unjustified - the cost of re-equipment exceeds the benefits. For Y62 2018–2020 (with R134a) only makes sense when replacing a compressor or radiator during a planned replacement.
If your Patrol was made before 2020, stick to R134a - transition to R1234yf will cost more than the potential savings on environmental fines.
Common mistakes when refilling the air conditioner in a Nissan Patrol
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to repeated leaks or breakdowns. Here are the most common:
- Ignoring vacuuming. Without removing moisture and air, the compressor will fail after 1-2 seasons.
- Refueling by eye. Excess or underfilling of freon by 100–150 g impairs the operation of the system.
- Using cheap oil. For R1234yf oil required POE, and for R134a — PAG. Mixing will cause the compressor to seize.
- Failure to check for leaks. If freon “leaves” faster than 2 years, look for microcracks in the radiator or pipes.
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Patrol Y62 with R1234yf standard gauge manifolds cannot be used for R134a - they are not designed for the high pressure of the new system. Use only certified equipment!
FAQ: Answers to popular questions about freon in Nissan Patrol
Is it possible to refill the Patrol air conditioner yourself, without a station?
Yes, but only R134a. For this you will need:
- 🔧 Gauge manifold with adapter.
- 🔋 Freon cylinder with tap (for example,
R134a 1 kg). - 🔍 UV lamp and glasses for checking leaks.
For R1234yf certified equipment is required - self-refueling is prohibited by law in most countries.
How often do you need to refill the air conditioner in Patrol?
Under normal conditions, freon “leaves” by 10–15% per year. Recommended inspection interval:
- 📅 Patrol Y61 (1997–2010): every 2 years.
- 📅 Patrol Y62 (2010–present): once every 3 years (the system is more airtight).
If the air conditioner turns on less than once a week, refill it more often - the seals dry out.
What to do if after refueling the air conditioner does not blow cold?
Check sequentially:
- System pressure (should be 1.5–2.5 bar on the low side).
- Radiator cooling fan operation (on Y62 it often breaks).
- Condition of the cabin filter (a clogged filter blocks airflow).
- Compressor magnetic clutch (check the power supply at the connector).
If everything is in order, but there is no cold, it is possible clogged filter drier.
What kind of freon is in the 2015 Patrol?
B Nissan Patrol Y62 2010–2020 in use R134a. The exception is restyled versions for the European market (2021+), where they switched to R1234yf. Check by VIN or sticker under the hood.
Is it possible to mix R134a and R1234yf?
Absolutely not! These refrigerants have different chemical properties and oils. Mixing will result in:
- 🔥 Increased pressure and risk of tube rupture.
- ⚙️ Compressor jamming due to incompatible oil.
- 🚫 Loss of warranty (if the car is under warranty).
When switching from one freon to another it is required complete flushing of the system.