Recharging AC
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
Recharging AC
My AC doens't blow cold, at least not consistently. Every once in a while it seems to blow a little cool, but for the most part it's ineffective. Would getting a $20 can of refrigerant at a place like AutoZone be an easy first step in trying to get it back to normal? I've heard that low refrigerant levels can prevent the compressor from even running. Are those products even compatible with a C5? The one I'm looking at is like $18.99 and has some sort of pressure gauge on the hose.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
You run the risk of too much head pressure when you do not know how much refrigerant is in there.. it blows cold so you have some...
You should really have it evacuated and recharged to the proper amount, this also insure the right amount of oil...
You should really have it evacuated and recharged to the proper amount, this also insure the right amount of oil...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
Thanks ET. I'm still thinking of giving it a try if I can find the proper specs for pressure... any idea where I could find it? The recharge kit I've been looking at has a pressure guage, so I don't think there'd be much risk of overcharging.
- rich
- rich
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Head pressure is a variant...I am no real expert but I know that ambient temperature plays a part in the calculation... here is a tip if you are set on doing this yourself... I would only put an ounce or two in at a time..then allow this to run through the system. the trick would be putting in enough to get you to were its cold, but you can easily over charge the system and blow the compressor. The problem is you do not know how much is in there..the other issue is : where is the leak?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
Head pressure is a variant...I am no real expert but I know that ambient temperature plays a part in the calculation... here is a tip if you are set on doing this yourself... I would only put an ounce or two in at a time..then allow this to run through the system. the trick would be putting in enough to get you to were its cold, but you can easily over charge the system and blow the compressor. The problem is you do not know how much is in there..the other issue is : where is the leak?
Thanks again.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
I use a gauge on my automobiles. I purchased the gauge at Pep Boys for around $25.00. You do not want to overcharge the system. When you buy the refrigerant, make sure that it has oil in it. Refrig is also sold seperatly from the oil. You may have to add a can of the pressurized oil if your auto parts store does not sell, the refrigerent with the oil in it. All of this is based on the assumption that you are low on Freon. Hopefully thats the problem. Good Luck
Last edited by David426; Apr 8, 2006 at 10:10 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 4
From: EXTON PA
a/c recharge
Originally Posted by rcs128
My AC doens't blow cold, at least not consistently. Every once in a while it seems to blow a little cool, but for the most part it's ineffective. Would getting a $20 can of refrigerant at a place like AutoZone be an easy first step in trying to get it back to normal? I've heard that low refrigerant levels can prevent the compressor from even running. Are those products even compatible with a C5? The one I'm looking at is like $18.99 and has some sort of pressure gauge on the hose.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,394
Likes: 6
From: Melbourne FL
Originally Posted by kg54trains
Pep boys /autozone / advance auto all sell two tools for check and recharge. One tool 14.99 is used to just check refrig pressure. Another tool-20.00 lets you attach the can of refrig and will give you the pressure read out as you have control over how much refrig is deliveried to the system. Adding a can of Refrig is ok but do not use the small cans of combined leak seal / charging oil/Refrig those are a possible problem per GM. Adding Refrig is no problem, but if you are requiring ReFrig you might have a leak that requires a Techn is look for the leak source and repair, o-rings, cracked nose, loose fitting, etc.
If your system IS low on refrig. then you have a leak that needs to be fixed. Adding more refrig will only temporarlily make it work again.
You need to either borrow a gauge of buy one and check the pressure. If it's low, then you have a leak and you will need to get that repaired before adding more refrid. to the system.
If the pressure is normal; then you have a totally different problem.
Team Owner
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Pilot of Beer Force 1
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I have used the recharge kits you speak of..they have a guage on them for pressure readings..in my experience as long as you are in the green you are ok...they recharge will last you about 6 mos MOL....I need mine fixed...not sure where it is leaking but the only quote I got so far was $1200 
and having to pull the dash which I am not thrilled about. FWIW..the $25 to get you thru the summer is worth it 
and having to pull the dash which I am not thrilled about. FWIW..the $25 to get you thru the summer is worth it
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 174,312
Likes: 1,217
From: Here
Pilot of Beer Force 1
Tampa Regional Coordinator
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Organizer St. Jude Fundraiser
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Originally Posted by gpracer1
No brainer. Warranty = wow, look at that oil at the compressor.....thanks for the new compressor and recharge / ice cold air.
stealership some back
stealership some back
how bout wow..doubt he has a warranty on a 99
