How to Recharge the AC in a 2018 Chevy Silverado
Вставка
- Опубліковано 23 січ 2025
- In this video, we'll guide you through the process of #recharging the #AC system in your 2018 Chevy #silverado . We'll cover everything you need to know, from the tools and materials required to the step-by-step instructions for completing the recharge process. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a first-time car owner, our guide will make it easy for you to recharge your AC and get back to enjoying the cool comfort of your Silverado.
R1234YF Refrigerant (1 Can) & HD Brass Can Tap with Gauge: Amazon
amzn.to/3w14OOv
Subscribe: / @robert_cain
Step-by-step guide on how to recharge the AC system in your 2018 Chevy Silverado. If you've noticed that your AC isn't blowing as cold as it used to, or if it's not working at all, it's likely that your AC system needs a recharge. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple DIY task that you can complete in just a few hours with the right tools and materials.
Before we get started, here's a list of the tools and materials you'll need for this project:
AC recharge kit (with gauge and hose)
Safety glasses
Gloves
A/C system UV dye
UV light
Rags or towels
Now that you have everything you need, let's get started!
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
The first step is to prepare your vehicle for the AC recharge process. Park your Silverado on a flat surface and turn off the engine. Pop open the hood and locate the low-pressure AC service port. It's usually located on the passenger side near the firewall. Remove the cap from the port and set it aside.
Step 2: Attach the Recharge Hose
Next, attach the recharge hose to the low-pressure service port. Make sure that the gauge on the hose is in the "off" position before attaching it to the port. Then, attach the other end of the hose to the canister of refrigerant.
Step 3: Add Refrigerant
Now it's time to add the refrigerant to your AC system. Start the engine and turn on the AC to the maximum cool setting. Then, open the valve on the recharge hose to release the refrigerant into the system. Keep an eye on the gauge to make sure that you're adding the correct amount of refrigerant. Most AC recharge kits come with instructions on how much refrigerant to add, based on the size of your vehicle's AC system.
Step 4: Check for Leaks
After you've added the refrigerant, it's important to check for leaks in your AC system. This is where the UV dye comes in handy. Add a small amount of the dye to the AC system and run the engine for a few minutes with the AC on. Then, use the UV light to inspect the AC system for any leaks. If you spot a leak, you'll need to fix it before proceeding with the recharge process.
Step 5: Check the AC System Performance
Finally, it's time to check the performance of your AC system. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes with the AC on, and then use a thermometer to measure the air temperature coming from the vents. If the air is cold and refreshing, then you've successfully recharged your AC system! If not, you may need to repeat the recharge process or seek professional help to diagnose the issue.
If this video helped you please Subscribe 👍 (and the AC Kit Link is: amzn.to/3w14OOv)
Hey, Thanks for the help! I did it myself and saved 350.00 Awesome diections!
That’s awesome! Glad to help….
Bro thank you. Saved me
You’re welcome - be sure to subscribe
Thanks this helped a lot. I had a hard time locating the lower charge port
You’re welcome!
I have the same identical truck with the same issue, starting to blow hot air. Went to Oriellys and was blown away. Most other refrigerants in the 20-30 dollar range. The shit i needed (1234yf) $119. They at least named the product correct 1234YourFucked. Anyway, thx for the video bro. Exactly what i needed.
Yeah! I said the same damn thing. Happy to help tho
Lmao, you got that right!
I agree with you bro. Its friggin ridiculous what these guys want to charge you! If you can safely do it yourself I say give it a try. Great vid. Thanks!
charging people $300+ for a re change is insane. They literally just have to plug in a can and wait. I was asked to take this video down by a few mechanics tho. Lol, losing easy money
Thanks for the vid... worked for my truck.
Glad to help
Thanks for your help. I just bought a can of the wrong stuff and went to connect and found bubbles when I removed the low side cap.
Bubbles often form when air or moisture is in the refrigerant lines. This could mean the system wasn’t fully evacuated before charging or there’s a leak.
I would recommend a fully evacuated and then a make sure you use a refrigerant with sealant.
How do you know when it had enough in it? Or if it needs more then one can? What’s the gage supposed to go up to?
You just need to get the in the green. When you’re running it full blast and it’s reading green, you’re good to go.
I took my sierra in to the dealership because I've been having issues with my transmission temp sensor. I just got a diagnosis (no code was reading). When I finally got my truck back 4 days later, it was about 30° out (celsius), turned my AC on which had been working amazing. Suddenly it's blowing hot air. I refuse to take it back to the dealership. I know an honest mechanic that charges $90CAD/hr (typically $175+) but I just can't justify spending that amount on getting this new issue diagnosed, then fixed.
I'm gonna try to recharge it on my own. I thought maybe the dealership saw me as a "dumb girl", trying to get me back in to spend more $, so I figured they just unplugged something. I'll take a look around now that I have a better idea of where my AC is located. I'm hoping it just needs a recharge!
Thanks for making this video. I've been searching the last 2 days trying to find any info I can. This video has been helpful!
You’re welcome! I was frustrated as well with just simple recharge being so expensive. Give us an update when you figure it all out. A lot of people use this video to solve other issues. So feel free to share…
The condenser is cracked & leaking, common issue with these trucks.
What does it mean when right when i connect the hose, it shoots way past the 100 psi?
Once you turn your ac system on the pressure will go down ( my guess in the 20’s). Remember, you’re charging the system while it’s running and fully functioning.
What you're seeing is likely the static pressure in the system. This is normal and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem.
To get an accurate reading of your AC system's pressure, you need to:
- Start the engine
- Turn the AC on to maximum cooling
- Set the fan to the highest setting
- Let the system run for a few minutes
If your blower is set to high and vehicle is running and it does this, you have a bad compressor
How far do you fill it?
Until the gauge shows green while your system is running. Mine only took one can, sometimes you need two.
@@Robert_Cain what brand did you use
Just an fyi, if it starts blowing warm/hot again, check the weld points on the right side of the condenser (if facing the truck). You should be able to see them through the grill, but these trucks are known to fail at one of those points and leak. Ask me how I know.
Darn! Sorry to hear that…
You’d think with this being the most common issue GM would actually govern a shit about their customers and recall it.
Does it have to be a thread on adapter for the coupling
Because I found the same bottle with the hose on it, my trucks blowing hot air for 3 months already so I assume it’s got no refrigeration in it
There are different types but as long as it the right 1234yf and not the other kind it doesn’t really matter.
You might have a little leak so try to find one with “stop leak” on it. I linked one in the video description.
@@Robert_Cain update: I tried to do it my self and messed up the fitting where the coupler goes and my trucks in the dealership for 3 days☹️🤦♂️
Thanks, man
No problem! Happy to help, subscribe man..
What if it’s already full with R1234Yk and still blows cold
Then you’re all good 👍 wouldn’t add more unless it’s blowing hot.
I can't believe this I literally just got the kit but got 134A 😭😭
No!! Send it back…
That’s not the same control panel that I have on my 2018 Silverado. I guess they had different dashboard controls on the different model types.
That’s interesting which model do you have?
Unless you have a leak.. The Condenser is notorious for leaking in the 2014-2019 Chevrolet trucks and Suburbans.
I guess so, this is a headache for many of us.
I have the same truck, got it tested with the dye and its my evaporator that's leaking, dealer said 21 hours to dismantle the dash to get to the unit, i was hoping it was the condenser then easy fix, hope it don't happen to anyone here
Sorry to hear that. How much is it to get that fixed?
Same thing happened to my 2018 silverado 1500.. cost 2k and change.. lucky it was still under warranty..
2k! Yikes