How much refrigerant does my car’s AC system need?
my car’s AC system
A/C car recharge kits are the cheapest and easiest way to temporarily improve your air conditioning. They work by re-charging the refrigerant and sealing any minor leaks in the system. You can buy a basic kit for less than $100, and it includes everything you need to complete the job yourself. However, these DIY systems have some important limitations. The recharging process itself doesn’t clean the entire cooling system, and they often cause significant damage to delicate parts when they overfill the AC with too much refrigerant. The stop leak sealant included in these kits can also clog up the system, leading to expensive repairs down the road.
Before you can start recharging the a/c car recharge kit, open the hood of your car and locate the ports that will be used to connect the kit. These are the barb-like fittings sticking out of the metal AC line under the hood. They’re typically labeled “L” and “H.” Find the lower pressure port, which is on a thicker pipe. You should have two ports, but the recharge kit will only come with a hookup that fits onto the low side port.
Next, locate the AC compressor, which is a pump-like device attached to the engine. The AC lines run to and from the compressor, so they should be relatively easy to see. You’ll also notice a belt that wraps around a pulley and the compressor clutch. The compressor will have a large cap on top that should be removed before you can get to the refrigerant port.
How much refrigerant does my car’s AC system need?
Once the ports are located, attach the hose to the port and begin filling. Follow the instructions on the package and the recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the proper pressure for the ambient temperature at the time of recharging. If you’re unsure, consult a professional at a licensed auto service center before proceeding.
You should always read the instructions carefully and wear gloves and eye protection while recharging your AC. AC refrigerant can cause frostbite if it touches skin or blindness if it comes into contact with your eyes. You’ll also be working under the hood, which means there will be spinning belts and hot parts that could burn you. Tie back long hair and wear a shirt with sleeves and pants to protect yourself.
Most recharge kits use a combination of R134a refrigerant, compressor oil and leak stopping compound in the canisters. Many newer cars, however, use a different type of refrigerant called R1234yf and require a special type of oil. This makes these DIY recharging canisters incompatible with some cars.
Additionally, many recharge kits don’t include a gauge, making it hard to know how much refrigerant you’re adding to the system. This can lead to overcharging, which will damage sensitive components like the compressor. It’s also worth noting that the stop leak sealant in recharge kits can clog up the system, causing it to overflow and potentially damaging your vehicle’s compressor and other important cooling systems.