Recharged My A/C - Very Easy

[titelines]

This is just meant as an FYI to anyone who wonders if they can do this themselves. Two words: You can. I'm not much of a motorhead at all, and I don't have a ton of tools; but I try to do as much as I can myself, not only to save $$, but also to be educated on how my vehicle works.

My A/C was just not kicking out the cool air anymore, so I did my research, got the step-by-step process for my specific vehicle and decided to do it.

Went to the auto parts store and picked up a can of R134. The can also came with a reusable hose and gauge. Total cost: about $30.00.

Popped the hood, located all the pertinent parts and made sure everything was working/spinning correctly. Found the correct post to hook up to and popped the hose on. Turned the air on full and turned the A/C on. The gauge was reading about 15# of pressure...it should have been about 45. Filled it until the gauge read 45psi and popped the hose off. Hopped into the truck and it was already ice cold inside.

I'm glad everything was working correctly, and that there weren't any leaks that would've required a "professional". I figure I saved about $100.00 by doing this myself, and it took all of 15 minutes (including time spent at the store).

[BoxMN]

Good info titelines, nothing like actually trying stuff to give a non-mechanic a little confidence to "give it a shot". I have my limits still, but found that many things are not that bad - but it helps to have a buddy/neighbor who is a mechanic standing back with a pop or beer to steer you straight or laugh at me when I mess up, haha!

[Jeremy airjer W]

If the system was low than there are leaks.

The question is how bad are they?

If that charge lasts you through the summer than you did all right. If the a/c starts blowing warm before the summer is over than you need to find out whats leaking and decide to repair it or not.

[BartmanMN]

Just brought my truck in hoping for a fill. Found out the Evaporator has a corroded hole in it. Luckily that is only a $51 part. Should have cool air this afternoon. I read the article in Handyman magazine about filling your own as well. Luckily I didn't try to do it or I would have dumped that 30-50 into thin air (literally).

[titelines]

If the system was low than there are leaks.

The question is how bad are they?

If that charge lasts you through the summer than you did all right. If the a/c starts blowing warm before the summer is over than you need to find out whats leaking and decide to repair it or not.

Yeah, I hear what you're saying. I did do a full inspection of every pipe, hose, the condenser, evaporator etc., and degreased everything before doing anything. Didn't see any obvious problems and have kept my eye on it in the few days that have passed. It is a 12 year old vehicle, so a small leak here or there wouldn't surprise me, but nothing was seized up and from what I saw I think I got it fixed. Hopefully I'm right

[paceman]

I took my wifes van(2006 dodge Grand Caravan) in last week to get the AC recharged. They called em and told me everything was leaking. Compresor,lines... I now need to save up about 1300 bucks to get it fixed. Hope it is a cool summer:)

[Scott K]

Ah yes, Dodge rear a/c lines leaking, a very common concern.

[Jeremy airjer W]

The rear lines are really common. The good news is that there is a kit that will cap off the rears lines for a fraction of the price. Install the kit. Charge up the a/c. And still stay cool until you can make the actual repairs.

[paceman]

Also sounded like the compressor was also leaking bad and they are very expensive.

[Scott K]

Also sounded like the compressor was also leaking bad and they are very expensive.

I would get a second opinion on the leak. I am not saying compressors dont leak, but they just arent nearly as common as the rear lines, and usually the rear lines are leaking so bad, it is hard to find any other leaks.

[Jeremy airjer W]

If the compressor is bad get a used one for about 50 to 100 at a salvage yard. It's not real common for them to leak but more common for them to sieze up. Have the system evacuated, which I'm sure they did after they found the leak. It will take you an hour at most with hand tools to change the compressor. 20 minutes to install the line bypass kit. Fill it up and your good to go.

[Macgyver55]

I would personally evacuate the system again before refilling.

[Jeremy airjer W]

That was implied........

[LMITOUT]

OK, 1990 Honda Accord EX. What do I need to give the AC a boost?

[Jeremy airjer W]

A retrofit kit to start. Unless its been converted your a/c is still R-12. Good luck finding a place that still services R-12 and make sure your sitting down when you hear the cost per pound!

[Scott K]

Retro kits can be had for under $20, with a 12oz can of freon, and the hose to pump the freon into the low side port.

[LMITOUT]

That's what I kinda figured. Just looking for something cheap and dirty for days like today. Opening the moonroof just doesn't cut it when the dewpoint is 78 deg and the heat index is 105.

[LMITOUT]

Retro kits can be had for under $20, with a 12oz can of freon, and the hose to pump the freon into the low side port.

Is that the product they've been advertising on TV every 10 min? AC Pro?

[Scott K]

Not sure, I hardly watch TV. Sams club has them, Advanced Auto, Auto Zone, etc.. your favorite, Walmart

[LMITOUT]

Looks like AC Pro is for R-134a systems.

[Scott K]

Here is one without the freon from Autozone. But you can get it as a kit all together as well.

[Scott K]

This may not be the part number you need, I didnt search by vehicle.

[LMITOUT]

10-4. Thanks.

I see walmart has a complete kit as well.

[nobody05]

well they do make drop in refrigerent nowadays that you dont have to buy the retrofit kid. Freeze 12 i belive it's called

[Jeremy airjer W]

well they do make drop in refrigerent nowadays that you dont have to buy the retrofit kid. Freeze 12 i belive it's called

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