The air conditioning service port valve is a 13 mm quick disconnect valve located on the low side tube between the accumulator and the compressor on all vehicles built in 1995 or later. The type of valve used is a federal mandate to ensure the safety of those working on an air conditioning system. One of the most common reasons people lose the R134a refrigerant from the air conditioner is due to a faulty service port valve. You can purchase a replacement valve from most auto part retailers to replace the leaky valve so you can recharge your air conditioner.
Locate the service valve between the accumulator and the compressor. The valve secures to the metal hose as it comes out of the accumulator. The compressor looks like a small fire extinguisher except it is usually silver or white. The valve should have a black cap on it.
Pull the black cap off the service valve to expose the hex-nut that secures the valve to the hose.
Place a box-end wrench over the hex-head nut and turn it clockwise to remove the valve.
Place Teflon thread tape, commonly called plumber's tape, over the threads on the new valve and thread it into the hose clockwise with your fingers. Tighten the valve with the boxed wrench.
Press the black cap onto the new service valve.
