2016 Subaru Crosstrek: A/C Refrigerant and Oil Specifications

Quick Answer

• Refrigerant Type: R-134a
• Full System Charge: 19.4 oz (550g)
• PAG Oil Type: PAG 46
• Total System Oil Capacity: 4.1 oz (120mL) — Note: This is the total for a dry system. Add only what is needed based on component replacement.
• Low-Side Port Location: Near the firewall, on the passenger side, on the larger diameter A/C line.
• High-Side Port Location: Near the front of the engine bay, on the driver's side, close to the condenser.

Why Not R-1234yf?

While many manufacturers began transitioning to the more environmentally friendly (and expensive) R-1234yf refrigerant around 2014, Subaru continued to use the tried-and-true R-134a in the Crosstrek for the 2016 model year. This is good news for the DIYer, as R-134a is significantly cheaper and more readily available in off-the-shelf recharge kits. However, this does not mean you can top off your system with a can from the auto parts store and expect lasting results.

Recharge Procedure

A proper A/C service is about more than just adding refrigerant. To ensure longevity and optimal performance, the system must be fully evacuated before being recharged.

1. Recovery: An EPA-certified technician must first use a specialized machine to recover any remaining R-134a from the system. Venting refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal and harmful to the environment.
2. Evacuation: A vacuum pump is connected to the system and run for at least 30-45 minutes. This process boils off any moisture that has entered the system. Moisture is the enemy of a healthy A/C system, as it can mix with refrigerant and oil to form corrosive acids.
3. Charging: The system is recharged by weight, not by pressure. For the 2016 Crosstrek, this means adding exactly 19.4 oz (550g) of R-134a. Using pressure gauges to determine the fill level is inaccurate, as ambient temperature and humidity can greatly affect the readings.

Common A/C Problems for this Vehicle

While generally reliable, the A/C system in the 2013-2017 Crosstrek generation can experience a few common issues:

• Condenser Damage: Located at the very front of the vehicle, the condenser is susceptible to damage from road debris like rocks and pebbles. Even a small impact can cause a pinhole leak, leading to a gradual loss of refrigerant.
• Compressor Clutch Failure: The A/C compressor is engaged by an electromagnetic clutch. Over time, the clutch can wear out or fail, resulting in a system that doesn't blow cold air despite being fully charged. You might hear a loud click or notice the compressor isn't spinning when the A/C is turned on.
• Evaporator Core Leaks: Though less common, leaks can develop in the evaporator core, which is located inside the dashboard. This is a labor-intensive repair, as the entire dashboard often needs to be removed for access. A musty smell from the vents when the A/C is running can sometimes indicate an evaporator issue.

When to Call a Pro

While it might be tempting to use a DIY recharge kit, these are often a temporary fix at best. If your A/C system is losing its charge, there is a leak that needs to be properly diagnosed and repaired. Simply adding more refrigerant without fixing the leak is not a sustainable solution and will lead to more expensive repairs down the road.

Disclaimer: Federal law requires that anyone servicing a motor vehicle A/C system be certified under EPA Section 609. Always ensure you or your technician are properly certified to handle refrigerants.

For professional diagnosis and repair, find a certified A/C shop on Repairius.