Charging your R134a AC System

This is a short video to show you how to simply and easily charge your R134a based AC system. In this example I'm using my 2002 Ford Explorer. You can read more on this at http://www.theymightberacing.com

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• AC
• r134a
• charge
• auto
• maintenance
• motor
• sport

[bigbob1122]

I've got a 1995 Crown Victoria that needs the A/C recharged. What can I do, before buying this kit, to be sure that my system doesn't need to be vacuumed by a shop? I want to check so I don't waste more money buying this kit if I would just wind up having to go to a shop anyway. Thanks.

[TheyMightBeRacing]

@bigbob1122 For starters I'd double check to make sure the vehicle takes r134a and not r12. From there I would turn the car and A/C on and determine if the A/C compressor kicks in. If it does, then you should be able to refill it. If it does not kick on then either it's broken or there's not enough freon in the system to allow it to engage. At that point I would be concerned about the seals functioning correctly. An A/C diagnostic can run from 50 to 100 dollars. IF you check the weekly circulars

[TheyMightBeRacing]

@bigbob1122 (part 2) then you are likely to find coupons for diagnostic service. Another option is that many cars have an override mechanism that will force the compressor on for filling purposes. I'm not familiar with the car you reference, so I don't know the exact method. If you do this and the A/C dies again, then you definitely have a leak. I wouldn't be suprised if your orings are completely dried out on a 16 year old vehicle.

[TheyMightBeRacing]

I making this comment ONCE and ONLY ONCE. To all of you armchair mechanics that have no understanding of pressurized systems let me explain something to you. You can be low on R134a and still not have moisture and oxygen in the system. As long as the system remains pressurized at a level greater than the ambient air, then NO MOISTURE WILL GET IN. If the system is absolutely dry, then yes, have it properly vacuummed, filled and oiled. If all you are doing is adding .....

[fthrcast]

You should be filling the low side of the compressor , where the springloaded fittings on these can/type refilling kits only goes. Set your fan to high , and also set your A/C control to "recirculate" , as that drops the pressure in the system - allowing you to get more refrigerant into the system - as opposed to bi-level. Then switch to bi-level if the can is not empty. You should also always be wearing safety glasses and gloves , because the can will freeze - when it is part of the system.

[MrCraz6r]

If any Air conditioning system has a leak - it needs to be repaired. R-134A systems along with newer R-410A system use POE oil which absorbs moisture very easily. When the oil absorbs moisture it creates acid which. destroys your compressor and system parts. Any system with a leak needs to be repaired, flushed, change compressor oil, vacuum pumped down to 250 microns. There is not a vacuum pump time limit or time frame. Proper servicing requires a micron gauge be installed in line with the vacu

[CouragePS3]

I'm wonder if is so easy to recharge the a/c system why outo repair shop buy RRR machines, looks so stupid to spend 5,000 dollar on an a/c machine when you can do the job with out the machine. of course with out proper equipment and training your not doing it right. is a guess game to charge the system like this "pro" advise. The proper way to do it is recover the refrigerant, evacuate the system for at least 30 minutes, and then charge by weight.

[riceski]

@7477238 I had a dodge neon hose come lose - - I replaced the o-ring and put more freon in the unit - bingo - works great.

[mikeypawla]

Great vid. Thanks for using our SubZero product. Remember to always check the ambient temperature and use that to determine the proper fill pressure. our pressure charts are at idqusa:

[papago81]

i have a question i just got a car but the ac is just blowing hot air, do i have to empty that air or just apply the R134a. ????

[thorntongifts]

Good job, thanks!

[FloppyDonut]

Don't the correct pressure also depend on the ambient temperature?

[jaymmyjaym]

Thanks! Just whet I needed!

[cwood1388]

Thanks for posting this! I learn by watching so this really helped!

[7477238]

@Robrt32 I don't think it's absolutely necessary to hook up a vaccuum pump to an AC system after servicing it but I did anyway when I replaced the damaged condenser and receiver/dryer in my 00 Maxima, I used the pump along with manifold gauges to see if I still had a leak in the system and thankfully it didn't.