How to recharge your AC system
On a routine AC recharge, Sara realizes that Sean has broken up with her in a most unorthodox way: a note taped to her radiator. Image courtesy of maxacars.com
If your car was built after 1994, chances are it uses R134 refrigerant for its air conditioning, making recharging your freon an easy DIY job when you feel your AC blowing warm. This guide only deals with R134, so if your car uses a different kind, take it to a repair shop and ask them to change you over to the newer refrigerant.
All you need to recharge your AC is a can of R134 pressurized refrigerant (Freon), and a pressure gauge, both of which can be purchased as a single kit. When you’re ready to assemble the kit, first turn the gauge counterclockwise until it stops, to make sure that the pin doesn’t puncture the freon can until you’re ready. Next, put the rubber hose on the pressure gauge, and tighten it. Then calibrate the gauge by turning the calibration dial until the gauge reads the correct temperature outside.
Next, you want to find the low pressure side of your AC unit. Your hose won’t fit on the high pressure side, and you can locate it by looking in the manual or looking for the cap with an “L” on it to the side of the AC unit. Clean the low pressure port with a cloth before and after removing the cap, since debris can ruin your AC system.
Then, turn the gauge clockwise to attach seal it, and attach the rubber hose to the low pressure port by pulling back the fitting, putting the hose over the port, and letting the fitting fall back into place. Then turn your car on, put your AC on high, and read the gauge to see how much you need to charge your AC. Remove the rubber hose.
Then, turn the gauge counterclockwise to pull back the pin, put the gauge on the R134 can, and turn the gauge clockwise to pierce the can. Reattach the hose to the low pressure port, start your engine, and turn your AC on high. Give the system a minute, then turn the gauge counterclockwise to release the refrigerant. Rotate the can back and forth, and keep an eye on the pressure gauge; the area with the outdoor temperature will tell you when your AC is charged. Keep the pressure gauge when you are done, and remember to replace the low pressure cap.
—Seth Berger
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