Select System
Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning
Auto Body Repair
Body
Brakes
Brakes
Steering
Steering
Suspension
Suspension
Alignment
Alignment
Fuel
Fuel
Ignition
Ignition
Emissions
Emissions
Computer
Computer
Electrical
Electrical
Engine
Engine
Powertrain
Powertrain
Transmission
Transmission

Air Conditioning › Recharge

How to Recharge Car Air Conditioning :

CAUTION: Automotive Air Conditioning Systems are under extreme pressure and should only be serviced by a trained professional.

If your AC system is just low on freon the compressor will turn on and off in short cycles, know as short cycling. Topping off the system will generally take care of the issue for at least the summer season and does not require drawing a vacuum on the system before recharging.

If the compressor is not cycling at all and you have diagnosed the problem and and repaired the leak or replaced the bad part then it is time to recharge.

Recharging : Once the AC system has been opened you will need to draw a vacuum on the system between 15 to 30 psi before you can install the freon. There are several different devices out there to do this. Once you have a vacuum drawn, attach your hose from the Can of Freon to the port on the low pressure side (shown in purple in the figure to the right). Once connected, open the port on your Can of Freon and allow the freon to enter the AC system. It is OK if the Can of Freon does not empty all the way. Leave the Can connected and start your engine. Turn the Air Conditioning ON and set it to MAX. Allow the Can to Empty, turn off the valve on the Can and attach the next Can until you have added the correct amount of Freon tot he System. DO NOT OVER FILL THE SYSTEM as it will actually not be a cold as it make the compressor work harder an less efficient. View the R-134a label under the hood to determine the correct amount of freon needed.

AIR CONDITIONING HOME REPAIRS AND TESTS
Its easy to test for correct operation of your Cars Air Conditioning system. All you need is a few minutes and a cooking thermometer.   See how to test your A/C

Air Conditioning Recharge Kit
divider