View Full Version : A/C Charging
cougargirl2001
01-09-2006, 10:34 AM
Ok, did a search and can't find anything on it...wanting/needing to charge the A/C but need some guidance (i.e. pics) on where to hook up....either post here or reply to my husband at sosaudio1@bellsouth.net
Thanks!!!
RiverRojo
01-09-2006, 10:39 AM
Do you have a refill kit? If you do, it shouldn't be hard. The high and low sides of the ac pump have different size fittings. Your kit would fit one. Which would be between your battery and the cougar symbol on your front grille. It should have a black plastic cap screwed onto it.
02gsxr600
01-09-2006, 10:53 AM
Ummm, this is something that you should take to a professional! R12 is used by old vehicles so you dont need to worry about that, however R134a is very dangerous for many reasons. First of all, you are not totally positive that there is no pressure in the system - just because your A/C isn't working doesn't mean there isn't gas in the lines. There are multiple sensors throughout the system that report if there are any problems and shut down the system such as the high pressure safety switch, low pressure safety switch, a sensor on the compressor/compressor clutch, etc.
R134a is very dangerous to your health for several reasons. First and most importantly, it is basically the same thing as phosgene gas (a chemical nerve agent used by the military)! Second, it is much more dense than air - therefore if you inhale any (even a small amount) you will not be able to get it out of your lungs and will soffocate.
Those are just the health risks, you can also do a lot of damage to your car as well. As I said before, there may still be gas in your system and you don't realize it. Before "recharging" your system as you put it, there are multiple things that need to be done first. You must first "evac" the system, using a $10,000 machine you must first suck the system dry and catch all of the contents in a container. Then you have to check for leaks. Obviously if you are losing some of the gas, then there must be a very small leak somewhere. Therefore, not only is the gas escaping, but you are also taking moisture into the system as well. When ANY moisture at all is mixed with either R12 or R134a, a chemical reaction takes place creating HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) as a byproduct. HCL is an extremely corrosive acid and will eat more than just a small hole in your system! So, like I said - you MUST have your system evaced first, then check for any leaks (done with a UV dye), then immediately install a new reciever dryer before refilling with R134a. A reciever dryer is basically a cylinder that connects in line with the system and has a large pack of silica gel. Silica gel is the same thing you find in some clothes or even food packs at the store that absorb moisture.
"Recharging" as you put it is kind of a term of the past - back in the days of R12. I'd highly suggest taking it to a professional or you may end up with some serious problem which could include death.
skater
01-09-2006, 11:22 AM
Ummm, this is something that you should take to a professional! ...
You realize auto parts stores sell kits to recharge your R-134a A/C for $20 or $30, right? It's not that hard and nowhere near as dangerous as you make it out to be. Yes, if you have a leak it should be checked and fixed, but that's obvious.
As long as you aren't trying to put R-134a into an R-12 system (not a problem since our cars use R-134a from the factory) or vice versa, it'll be fine. Just watch the gauge and be careful not to overfill it.
cougargirl2001
01-09-2006, 11:30 AM
Thanks! Just needs to be recharged...nothing huge....my sunfire I used to have needed....I let it go.....air went out all together....then all lines/compressor/etc...had leaks and the cost to fix would have been $800+ so I am wanting to make sure and keep up to date on my new (used) car....LOL....
River & Skater...Thanks!!! 02-thanks for the tip
wadespencer99
01-09-2006, 11:42 AM
Yeah...overfilling is bad lol.
sosaudio1
01-09-2006, 11:54 AM
Thanks! Just needs to be recharged...nothing huge....my sunfire I used to have needed....I let it go.....air went out all together....then all lines/compressor/etc...had leaks and the cost to fix would have been $800+ so I am wanting to make sure and keep up to date on my new (used) car....LOL....
River & Skater...Thanks!!! 02-thanks for the tip
Cool that is where I started to attach it before...but...when I attached it, it seemed like there was more pressure there. It was just a quick on and off but it froze the gauge at dangerous. Could have been a couple issues there, not sure if the pressure is set too high or if the can was already open...oh well I guess I am off to AutoZone again....
L8R
Rich
Why do people think they need a "recharge"? Freon doesn't "wear down"....your AC system doesn't use Freon like your engine uses fuel.
If you have low (or no) freon, then you have a leak. Your system is leaking somewhere...it may be a slow leak, but you ARE leaking freon. Put some dye in with your freon and oil, wait a few weeks...or until your AC blows warm again. Then use a leak light and glasses and find out where your leak is. Fix your leak, THEN refill your system.