Hello guys long time no see, well I need your help once again, I reside in southern california and it's suposed to be FALL but it looks like we're in SUMMER once again.

ok, my A/C is out!!! How can I recharge the system, I've seen kits in AutoZone but I don't know what to buy or how to do it.

You might say "get it serviced by a professional" but those guys wouldnt do anything to my car, unless they test the sytem and check for licks, and that alone runs about $45.00 not including the recharging, not only that they charge by the pound isn't that great.

please help, would be great if you guys can tell me a step by step and what to look for, pictures will be GREAT.........

Thanks again

p.s. my A/C was working fine, but eventually started going away little by little till there was no cold air, a frind of mine said all I had to do is re-charge the system and it didn't look like I had any licks.

 

First you need to determine if your system has R12 or R134 refrigerant. If it's R12, you can't charge it yourself since the govt won't allow sales of R12 to anyone other than a licensed A/C mechanic. If it's r134, technically/legally you can charge it yourself. Some people get away with just dumping an extra can or 2 of refrig into the system, and they are OK. However, there is a risk of overcharging the system at which point you can damage the compressor which could cost some big bucks. The proper way to do it is to evacuate the system first, but you need special equipment for that. Regardless of how you do this, you need to make sure you don't overcharge it.

If you have R134, I'd try and find a mechanic that will charge it properly without worrying about leaks. Obviously, they won't guarantee it if they don't check for and fix all leaks.

It's your call...

Mike

 

Hello,

If I recall correctly, 94 was the first year of 134. I also believe the that the fittings are not the same size, so if it is not 134 and your system is R12, you shouldn't be able to mix both due to the fittings. If you get a kit from Wal-Mart or K-Mart, the directions are very simple. What they don't say, and cannot say is that if you have R12 and need to evacuate the system (which if done by a mechanic, has to be collected and recycled, with a federal license BTW), the easiest way to do it is to connect the filler hose and open the valve and discharge into the environment. Sounds worse than it is. Remember, all dead refrigerators do this. I read a while back in Consumer Reports that if everyone who still had R12 discharged directly into the atmosphere, we'd still be better of than if we continued to use R12. The directions on the kit will never advise you to do that, but the conversion is quite simple and the directions on any $20 kit are adequate. If you already have R134, simply measure your pressure on the low side (fittings for low and high are different sizes). If you need refrigerant, simply add one or two cans of R134 with leak sealer and oil (all included in one can) and voila, your done. Check your pressure twice, once after recharge and once after a week or so. If they remain the same, your done. If not, get a can of leak sealer with dye so that if it is leaking, the dye will seep out and expose the leak. BTW-dont get the pencil type gauge that looks like a tire gauge. These are el cheapo and aren't very accurate. Go for the dial gauge. You should be all done for less than $45.

Eric

 

Thanks Guys, but how can I find out if in deed my explorer is using R134 or R12????

Thanks

 

Talk to the folks at AutoZone. They will have the correct info for your vehicle. The change over year was either 94 or 95. My 93 is R12. I have a 95 VW and it is 134A.

Another way for certain would be to purchase the refill kit and try to attach it to your system. The R12 fittings require an adapter to convert to R134. If the R134 coupling fits, you have 134. If it doesn't fit you have R12 and need to by the conversion kit which includes the adapters. Your owners manual might say, but the Zone will help also.

Eric

 

'94 explorer should be 134. It's really no big deal to add a can of 134 to the system. The valve for the low side should be right there with the receiver-dryer. Right now your compressor is probably cycling on and off rapidly, or not cycling on at all. When you get enough refrigerant into the system,probably 1.5 or 2 13oz. cans, the compressor clutch will quit cycling on and off. It'll keep running and the system will start "making water". If you really just don't have the foggiest idea how to do this, get someone to help you who does. Some of the system components are fairly high pressure and improperly handled a can of refrigerant can cause injury. best of luck..............mike Oh yeah....under the hood somewhere there probably is a sticker which will tell you that the refrigerant is 134 and tell you the system capacity..........