Can someone explain the process to recharge the A/C? How do you add Freon?

 

well I assume you have a leak since you shouldnt need to add freon/refrigerant to a properly working system....that being said you can buy one the kits at any auto parts store with the guages and hook it up...the connection is by the firewall near the battery compartment..can't F it up they made it idiot proof the connection is such that you can only connect to the bigger valve....its kinda tight in there and I advise doing this when the car is cold..you have to have it running etc per instructions to add refrigerant but those parts get hot so....best to start when the car is cold....have fun

 

Is the system low, or is it empty? If it's empty, you will need to vacuum the system before you start. The system uses R143a refrigerant; you can buy a recharge kit at most auto parts stores or Wal-Mart for that matter. The low side fitting is adjacent to the battery. System takes 1.7 lbs if empty.

If just adding some R143a, you should run the system for about 5-10 minutes to be sure it's at a steady-state. If it is low, SLOWLY add until full and DO NOT OVERCHARGE. Believe it or not, the system will not work as well with too much as when it has just enough.

Ray

 

From your other posts it sounds like a leak. For now you can top it off with more freon and if it happens again you should have it checked for leaks. Buy a 12oz a can of 134a (You must find either pure 134a or one with PAG oil. There are other types that will not work with your AC system) and a hose kit with a gauge. Start the motor and set the AC on max cool and let run for a few minutes to stabilize the system Then use the gauge to establish a base line. It should read between 25-45 psi on the low pressure port which is by the firewall/battery. Then connect the can to the hose and connect the hose to the AC port. Pay attention to the directions on the can because you do not want to add the freon in liquid form. There's an arrow on the can showing you how to position it. The can will get cold as the freon leaves and that will slow down its progress. I found that suspending the can over the exhaust manifold (5" above) will keep the can warm and speeds things along. More heat is not better here so don't let it sit on the manifold . Once the can is connected you can open the valve on the can and monitor the weight of the can as it fills. Periodically remove the can and check the pressure with the gauge. When you get to 35 I'd stop filling and check the AC function to see if the system is working again. Don't over fill it. The system takes 1.6 Lbs total 134a. However the system will run with half that much so it may take 1/2 the can or all of it but you can only know by purging and refilling to know exactly how much is in the system. The pressure gauge will help you get close and prevent over-filling.

I just vacuumed and refilled my AC and it works great. The refill can go slower than you'd expect but warming the can to help the freon stay in a gaseous state will quicken the process.

Good luck and be safe. Wear goggles!

 

I had a friend ask me if I could help her add freon (134a) to her '98 coupe. The valve next to the battery on hers is a smaller valve than the one closer to the front of the engine. Also, the larger valve toward the front of the engine is the line that sweats and gets cold with the a/c running so this appears to be one to recharge to. Is this correct? The larger valve and cold line? The fitting seemed to be too big for the quick connect on the hose. Is it that hard to push the connector on? Thanks in advance!

 

Wear eye protectors when you charge from that port. That's the high pressure side and exactly why the quick connect does not fit it. You recharge from the rear most port by the battery. The front line should be hot and maybe cold because it's low on freon.

 

Thank you for all your replies. The system runs well but I am having problems with warm air blowing through driver's side. I read that re-charging the system helps correct this.