How to Recharge Your Car's AC System (Fast and Easy)
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Date: 2021-02-01
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Comments and reviews: 10
Jack
I was curious about this with autos and how these DIY kits work because I do this on class 8 vehicles daily and those DIY kits don't even come close to the process (as professionals) that we do and use to recharge AC systems on vehicles. We also use different chemicals as the refrigerant though so that may be why the process might be different for 4 wheeler autos?
For those that don't know and are curious how it's done in a professional garage is the AC system is first checked for leaks and if there is any leaks they are repaired. One reason for that is sometimes the chemicals (at least for me) that my shop uses is nitrous which can be dangerous and cause injury (or explosion) if you don't handle it right and take very necessary precautions with it. So it's extremely important, due to the chemicals we use, that the system does not leak.
It does not cost thousands of dollars to fix an AC system leak 9. 99999 times out of 10. Most of the time the leak is a bad o-ring or a compression washer at a connection in the lines. An o-ring and compression washer only costs a few cents. Granted, if an AC system is not working, it could be the AC compressor unit. That's when you're going to be spending at least a few hundred dollars on getting it repaired if you want AC to work.
The system is then drained by vacuuming it for at least an hour, then it's refilled with whatever refrigerant it requires / can be used, it's then pressure tested which this particular DIY can has and then the AC system is tested to insure it's working and leaks are repaired.
These DIY cans of AC fluid don't do the vacuuming step, which is important to do. If the AC system was replaced with a DIY can like that and was not cleaned out / cleared before it was filled there could be condensation or left over old fluid in the lines and that is why it might only work for a short period of time. AC fluid should last at least 3 years of using it almost constantly.
I do understand that what I do on class 8's (semi's, tri-axles, earth moving equipment) is quite different from working on a consumer vehicle. Maybe that's why these DIY things are ok to use but I would personally never use them because I want leaks fixed and fixed right and I want it to work for a long time like it's supposed to. The cheap DIY way is not always the best way to do things.
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I was curious about this with autos and how these DIY kits work because I do this on class 8 vehicles daily and those DIY kits don't even come close to the process (as professionals) that we do and use to recharge AC systems on vehicles. We also use different chemicals as the refrigerant though so that may be why the process might be different for 4 wheeler autos?
For those that don't know and are curious how it's done in a professional garage is the AC system is first checked for leaks and if there is any leaks they are repaired. One reason for that is sometimes the chemicals (at least for me) that my shop uses is nitrous which can be dangerous and cause injury (or explosion) if you don't handle it right and take very necessary precautions with it. So it's extremely important, due to the chemicals we use, that the system does not leak.
It does not cost thousands of dollars to fix an AC system leak 9. 99999 times out of 10. Most of the time the leak is a bad o-ring or a compression washer at a connection in the lines. An o-ring and compression washer only costs a few cents. Granted, if an AC system is not working, it could be the AC compressor unit. That's when you're going to be spending at least a few hundred dollars on getting it repaired if you want AC to work.
The system is then drained by vacuuming it for at least an hour, then it's refilled with whatever refrigerant it requires / can be used, it's then pressure tested which this particular DIY can has and then the AC system is tested to insure it's working and leaks are repaired.
These DIY cans of AC fluid don't do the vacuuming step, which is important to do. If the AC system was replaced with a DIY can like that and was not cleaned out / cleared before it was filled there could be condensation or left over old fluid in the lines and that is why it might only work for a short period of time. AC fluid should last at least 3 years of using it almost constantly.
I do understand that what I do on class 8's (semi's, tri-axles, earth moving equipment) is quite different from working on a consumer vehicle. Maybe that's why these DIY things are ok to use but I would personally never use them because I want leaks fixed and fixed right and I want it to work for a long time like it's supposed to. The cheap DIY way is not always the best way to do things.
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Jeff
Anyone - Tried this on a 2011 Honda Civic EX with automatic transmission. Before adding the r134a, I hooked up the A/C Pro Gauge. The reading was in the lower end of the green zone. I then added the refrigerant, monitoring the reading as I went along. That reading on the gauge hardly went up, even after adding the entire contents of the can, about 1. 25 pounds. I did not have a thermometer to check the temperature inside the car, but it felt cooler. I don't know if this is an issue or not, but after adding the refrigerant, I noticed that the radiator fans are constantly cycling on and off, and they only stay on a few seconds. Then they stay off for a few seconds and come back on. When they turn on they cause the car to shake and run rough. With the ac on, I checked my ac compressor and the clutch is turning, so I don't think I damaged the compressor? Based on the fans constantly cycling on and off, do I have an issue and if so, what might it be?
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Anyone - Tried this on a 2011 Honda Civic EX with automatic transmission. Before adding the r134a, I hooked up the A/C Pro Gauge. The reading was in the lower end of the green zone. I then added the refrigerant, monitoring the reading as I went along. That reading on the gauge hardly went up, even after adding the entire contents of the can, about 1. 25 pounds. I did not have a thermometer to check the temperature inside the car, but it felt cooler. I don't know if this is an issue or not, but after adding the refrigerant, I noticed that the radiator fans are constantly cycling on and off, and they only stay on a few seconds. Then they stay off for a few seconds and come back on. When they turn on they cause the car to shake and run rough. With the ac on, I checked my ac compressor and the clutch is turning, so I don't think I damaged the compressor? Based on the fans constantly cycling on and off, do I have an issue and if so, what might it be?
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__
My 2004 Explorer was low on refrigerant (compressor wouldn't cycle on, and I ended up adding a 12oz can of AC PRO to it. It works now, but isn't very cold, and for some reason the driver side vents are warmer than the passenger side (no dual climate system. The gauge that came with the can of AC PRO doesn't have a temperature dial like I see others do, and it reads near 50psi. That just doesn't seem right though. One 12oz can brought it from extremely low to where the compressor wouldn't even turn on, to almost overfilled? And the air still isn't very cold. I feel like I should add more refrigerant, but like I said the gauge reads like it is almost overfilled from only a single 12oz can. I'd expect a large Ford Explorer to take more than that. Tips, advice?
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My 2004 Explorer was low on refrigerant (compressor wouldn't cycle on, and I ended up adding a 12oz can of AC PRO to it. It works now, but isn't very cold, and for some reason the driver side vents are warmer than the passenger side (no dual climate system. The gauge that came with the can of AC PRO doesn't have a temperature dial like I see others do, and it reads near 50psi. That just doesn't seem right though. One 12oz can brought it from extremely low to where the compressor wouldn't even turn on, to almost overfilled? And the air still isn't very cold. I feel like I should add more refrigerant, but like I said the gauge reads like it is almost overfilled from only a single 12oz can. I'd expect a large Ford Explorer to take more than that. Tips, advice?
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Tamara
I would buy one of these r134a cans to Regas my AC and fix my issue with not blowing out cold air in my car but we cant buy them here in Australia and when I googled where to buy them I learnt that its illegal to have possession of refrigerant without a permit and its also illegal to sell refrigerant disposable cans here in Australia, so DIY is out of the question and I have no choice but to take it to the mechanic who has a refrigerant permit which sucks
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I would buy one of these r134a cans to Regas my AC and fix my issue with not blowing out cold air in my car but we cant buy them here in Australia and when I googled where to buy them I learnt that its illegal to have possession of refrigerant without a permit and its also illegal to sell refrigerant disposable cans here in Australia, so DIY is out of the question and I have no choice but to take it to the mechanic who has a refrigerant permit which sucks
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Snarkle
My 2015 mustang might have an evaporator core leak. Its a common problem on the forums and the cost to replace will likely be 2k and require the front dash removal. My question is will I be ok if I choose to not replace it since its not a daily driver and I dont use AC much? Or does the leak happen even if AC is off? Just want to make sure there is no liquid or dangerous gases building up inside the vehicle. Thanks
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My 2015 mustang might have an evaporator core leak. Its a common problem on the forums and the cost to replace will likely be 2k and require the front dash removal. My question is will I be ok if I choose to not replace it since its not a daily driver and I dont use AC much? Or does the leak happen even if AC is off? Just want to make sure there is no liquid or dangerous gases building up inside the vehicle. Thanks
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ALI
I have a question: some people says that product can let the moisture go inside the cooling system and cause damage and it you cant know exactly what is the amount you putting in so you may over fill or Under fill your car. You said in other video if you want to fill ac you need weighing scale.
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I have a question: some people says that product can let the moisture go inside the cooling system and cause damage and it you cant know exactly what is the amount you putting in so you may over fill or Under fill your car. You said in other video if you want to fill ac you need weighing scale.
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Arturo
Chris I beg to differ with you Im a HVAC Tech the gauge you use is low pressure line. You shouldve dual manifold to check the high pressure doesnt exceed 500 PSiG. Also you introduce air and compressor struggle. You reduced the long reliability of the compressor
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Chris I beg to differ with you Im a HVAC Tech the gauge you use is low pressure line. You shouldve dual manifold to check the high pressure doesnt exceed 500 PSiG. Also you introduce air and compressor struggle. You reduced the long reliability of the compressor
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Madiha
Thank you soooo much Chris!
This problem was in my 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ but it was fixed. If it happens ever again I will be sure to watch this video.
I also own a bmw, the cars name is bmw 3 series 330i e46
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Thank you soooo much Chris!
This problem was in my 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ but it was fixed. If it happens ever again I will be sure to watch this video.
I also own a bmw, the cars name is bmw 3 series 330i e46
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GrandFaja
Chris: When I connected the can to the low side port, the needle went to red, so it's not the freon. but the compressor is running and the fan is blowing sometimes cool sometimes warmish air. What now? Thank you sir.
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Chris: When I connected the can to the low side port, the needle went to red, so it's not the freon. but the compressor is running and the fan is blowing sometimes cool sometimes warmish air. What now? Thank you sir.
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Unknown
Hey Chris I am quite confused. In a previous video of recharging your AC you said to use refrigerant that doesn't have any sort of sealer in it. Why in this case do you have to use a sealer will it not cause damage?
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Hey Chris I am quite confused. In a previous video of recharging your AC you said to use refrigerant that doesn't have any sort of sealer in it. Why in this case do you have to use a sealer will it not cause damage?
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