Fixing a car A/C system requires knowledge, patience, and the right tools. While hiring a pro will save you a lot of time and energy, there are those that prefer fixing things themselves. Below is a guide that will help.
Identify The Problem
This is the first and most challenging task you will face because air conditioning problems can come from dozens of causes. Is it making odd noises? Is the air being emitted from the vents warm or hot? Do you smell an unpleasant scent? Is water leaking on the floor? The answers to these questions will give you a good idea of what you’re dealing with.
Shut Down The Engine
Your engine should be shut down for at least two hours prior to working with the hoses. You’ll need to know which type of refrigerant your vehicle uses, be sure to wear goggles for eye protection and gloves for hand protection, and do not touch any car component you’re not familiar with.
Connect Your Hose
Twist your can while putting a hose on. Do not lock its pin yet. Instead, locate the lower end port in the A/C. It should show the letter “L” which is printed near the cap. Take off the cap, then connect and keep the hose’s other end at the lower port. Be sure that it’s tight with no leaks.
Let The Air Out
Now loosen the can’s end to let out any air. Pay attention to the sound it makes. A greater sound means more refrigerant inside. Unleash for about two seconds then retighten. Next, turn the can’s pin clockwise and then allow it to pierce the can.
Turn Your Car On
You’ll want to turn on your car’s engine now. Once it’s on, activate the air conditioning and turn up the settings to the highest and coldest level.
Begin Recharging Your Refrigerant
Return to your can and then turn its pin in the other direction so the pin is let loose and no longer blocks the airway. Refrigerant should begin flowing into the air conditioning. Pay attention to the gauge. If everything has been done correctly it should move up gradually into a blue zone.
Remove Your Hose
Once everything is out, deactivate the engine then lock your pin in the hose. Be sure it’s full and locked. Then extract your hose from your vehicle’s air conditioning system and close it using an L cap.
When working on your vehicle’s A/C and related components, be sure not to touch its engine bay. However, you will have to physically touch the fill port, which can be found near the engine’s bay left side. It has the shape of a pipe with dual hoses that protrude from the end. Also, not every vehicle uses Freon. This guide is for r134 so anyone who is working with a vehicle that still uses R12 or R22 will need separate instructions. Automobiles manufactured before 1994 will usually use R22 or R12, while vehicles manufactured after 1994 mostly use r134.