AC recharge help, do it your selfers.
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AC recharge help, do it your selfers.
How do you recharge the system if it is a little low, and has anyone done this? I got the same "it's normal" from the dealer and I am past my 36,000. I would like to know what to buy and how to test the level. Mine works a little and do not want to break my AC system. What happens when it is a little overfilled? Thanks for the help.
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One, I doubt that the system is low on freon at 36,000 miles, Unless you have a leak in the system. If that is the case you will need to find the leak before charging it up, otherwise you are wasting your time. You will need a set of guages to charge it.
There are many other possibilities why the system is not operating properly. I am not an expert but I have some experience in A/C. You can do it yourself but you will need to read up on how to diagnose these systems and the equipment you will need.
I believe there are many threads on this subject. Good luck
There are many other possibilities why the system is not operating properly. I am not an expert but I have some experience in A/C. You can do it yourself but you will need to read up on how to diagnose these systems and the equipment you will need.
I believe there are many threads on this subject. Good luck
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I have been in the A/C trade for several years but mostly in large systems. Years ago auto a/c systems had a sight glass. You could charge the system unit until the bubbles would disappear. Today's systems don't use sight glasses. The proper way now would be to pull the system down into a deep 30" vacuum. The fan housing tells you the correct charge for your system. I would then use a charging cyl. that measures the gas in ounces and refill it with the exact amount.
Fred
Fred
Last edited by MrFred; Jul 30, 2005 at 09:17 PM.
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Originally Posted by one5150fisher
How do you recharge the system if it is a little low, and has anyone done this? I got the same "it's normal" from the dealer and I am past my 36,000. I would like to know what to buy and how to test the level. Mine works a little and do not want to break my AC system. What happens when it is a little overfilled? Thanks for the help.
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Originally Posted by 79REK
Go to Walmart and buy an AC system recharge kit. They sell one that has a gage with the kit that gives you the normal pressure range for the low pressure (suction) side. The kit also comes with the quick disconnect fitting that will only fit on the low side. Basically, the suction or low side of the system should run between 30 and 40 psi, or in the blue range on the gage. You can also go to Autozone and buy a better set of gages but these will cost around $100. One hint, try to purge the air that is in the line from the can of R134a so you don't put a slug of air (and moisture) into the system. Good luck.
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Low pressure anyone?
QUick question. I just upgraded from a 99 to an 05. Where is my low pressure valve? (4.6 v8)
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FTE Legend
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From: Millersville, MD
This is NOT a put-down, just a suggestion. The a/c system is NOT where a young inspiring home auto mechanic should get his start learning about autobilies. Start with changing your own oil, rotate tires, replace spark plugs/wires etc. Once you get adapt at being able to identify all your parts, then you might attemp something like a top-off of your a/c system. Again, we applaud your efforts to learn and maintain your vehicle, but when you have to ask where the fittings are, you just don't know enough about it yet to start with the more difficult things. Your local community colleges offer basic auto repair class which is a real good way to get to know automibles/trucks.. Good luck to you sir. Keep plugging!!!
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Thanks
Thanks! But yes I can do all of that stuff. Now you wont find me taking apart my engine and putting it back together.
All I was saying is that going from the engine that I was used to to the new one, theres quite a bit of changes. And alot of things that used to be on the top of the engine are now burried.
That was all. No worries.
All I was saying is that going from the engine that I was used to to the new one, theres quite a bit of changes. And alot of things that used to be on the top of the engine are now burried.
That was all. No worries.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Austin, TX
I wouldn't recommend working on your a/c unless you know what you are doing, and have the proper tools. You might have air or other non-condensibles in the system and need to do a complete recharge. Or it could have a small leak. If you drop a can of refrigerant in and overcharge it you'll end of damaging the compressor. Just my .02..
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From: Mobile Alabama
There have been alot of posts in the past about trucks coming from the factory low on freon. Charging it yourself is not that big of a deal. Most repair places also offer recharge and service specials this time of year. My moto is " I'd rather screw it up on my own, than pay someone too screw it up for me"
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Just touching on the air moisture comment. If you get moisture in the system.
Moisture combined with the R134A will create an acid that will literally over time eat your A/C lines from the inside out. I know this cause I work on the exact same set-up except in helicopters
Moisture combined with the R134A will create an acid that will literally over time eat your A/C lines from the inside out. I know this cause I work on the exact same set-up except in helicopters
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