How to Retrofit Air Conditioning in a Mitsubishi Eclipse

Bring your Mitsubishi Eclipse to a mechanic to recover the R12 refrigerant out of the air conditioning system. A license and special equipment are needed to do this. Because R12 refrigerant is expensive, many mechanics will do the job for free.

Look for the Low Pressure Side connector port. You can find this along the larger line coming out of the compressor. Take off the black cap. You must retrofit the system if you see a screw-type connector valve. If you see a quick connect valve, the system already is R134 compatible.

Clean the connector valve off with a clean towel. This ensures that the retrofit connector properly adheres to the valve. Put the longer adapter from the automotive retrofit kit onto the port. Tighten it using an adjustable wrench. Place the blue cap from the retrofit kit onto the adapter. This keeps dust out of the system and helps to keep refrigerant in the system.

Find the High Pressure Side service port. This is located near the Low Pressure Side service port. Remove the red cap marked H or HIGH and wipe the port off with a towel.

Place the shorter adapter onto the port. Twist it using an adjustable wrench until it is securely fastened to the port. Place the red cap from the retrofit kit onto the adaptor.

Complete the Retrofit Identification sticker provided in the retrofit kit using a permanent marker. Remove the protective backing and place it on the interior side of the hood. This lets future owners and service professionals know that the system has been retrofitted.

Recharge the air conditioning system. See the related eHow titled "How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a Mitsubishi Eclipse."