Sirsalliyan Small Air Compressor

Gauge Air Water

Can I Recharge My Air?

There are few things worse than driving around in blazing heat and realizing that an air-conditioning system has run out of its charge. Dollar signs begin to wave in front of the eyes and a cool sweat breaks out no matter the temperature.

Some vehicle owners will find they do not necessarily have to spend a small fortune to take a vehicle into a shop for a recharge. It is possible to tackle this job on your own if your vehicle uses R134 coolant. Cars that still use older R12 refrigerant will have to be taken into the shop, but the good news is that a garage can convert the system to accept newer R134. 

Now, if your car was built after 1994, go ahead and check your manual to make sure you have R134 requirements. If you do, you can follow these steps to recharge your system yourself:

Purchase a kit – You will need to buy a kit that includes refrigerant and a pressure gauge to get started. For maintenance on only a car or two, a cheaper combination kit will generally serve. Also make sure you have protective glasses and gloves to wear during the process.

Read instructions closely – Make sure to read the directions on the kit carefully and follow the steps to assemble your refrigerant and gauge properly.

Check your system for a charge – A charging hose will be needed to go on the low pressure port for this and safety glasses are a good idea here. If there is a little bit of a charge left in your system, you are in luck. If it is completely gone, there is a chance your system has been contaminated with moisture or debris. If this is the case, you will need to look for leaks and may need to purge the system with a vacuum pump to get out unwanted moisture and air.

Look for leaks – Check your system for any visible signs of leaks before recharging. To do this, look for residue on the hoses and even spray soapy water on fittings to see if bubbles appear.

Inspect the coils – Take a look at the condensing coils to make sure they are not blocked by any debris. Test the compressor to make sure it is working properly. If the charge is really low, you may have to jump the pressure switch to do this.

Set up your kit – Once you are sure the system is fine and the only problem is the charge, go ahead and tap the refrigerant can per manufacturer instructions. Make sure the tapping valve on the refrigerant can is securely threaded and purge the hose by opening the valve until you can hear it fill up with coolant. Now, loosen the brass fitting that connects the valve to the hose. Be sure not to let the coolant come in contact with skin as this can be dangerous. Now, tighten the hose again.

Find your low pressure charging port – This is the large tube generally found near or directly on the accumulator. This is where you will want to connect the coupling. Check for leaks before moving forward.

Turn on your engine and the AC system – Make sure your AC system is on high cool and high air and do check the coolant kit's pressure gauge to make sure you really do need a charge. If you do, make sure to watch the gauge to fill only into the suggested range.

Open the valve – Once you have determined a charge is needed, open the valve on the refrigerant to start letting it pass into the hose.

Check the gauge – Watch the pressure gauge as the can fills the system. You do not want to allow it to go above the recommended range.

Close off the valve – Once the pressure is within the recommended range, shut off the valve to stop coolant from going into the system. Disconnect the hose and do make sure there are no leaks before replacing the cap on the charging port.

Check the system – Physically check inside the car to make sure the AC is properly cooling the atmosphere. If it is not, there may be another problem with the system.

You can charge your car AC at home, but it does take special precautions and care. Follow the steps and manufacturer instructions closely and you may save yourself a trip to the shop.

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