How To Recharge Your Vehicle's AC
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Always use caution when attempting to work on your car, especially the AC system. If you aren't fully confident in doing the work, take it to a professional.
Buy cans without "self-sealer" and with zero added oil. Self sealer will gum up the system and having too much oil in the system will make it not operate properly.
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For those of you asking and commenting, I'll pin this.
Buy cans without "self-sealer" and with zero added oil. Self sealer will gum up the system and having too much oil in the system will make it not operate properly.
This method can temporarily fix your cooling issues. If you have to add refrigerant, you have a leak somewhere. So take it to a shop and have them fix the leak. They'll add UV dye to the system and locate the leak.
Outside temperature does matter with how much refrigerant you'll need to add. Since I'm keeping this short, a quick Google search on "Automotive Refrigerant Pressure Charts" will have the info you need.
If your gauge is in the yellow or red, there's an issue. This will at least tell you something is wrong and you'll need to take it to a professional to have it fixed properly.
Since UA-cam took away the ability to link products in Shorts, I cannot add links that'll take you to the products I used.
Thanks for watching and commenting, I'll catch you all on the next ride!
Do you need to stop the vehicle before taking off the compressor
Another good reason to not buy any refrigerant that says self sealant is most mechanic shops won't be able to fix it, they'll force you to buy a whole new AC unit setup and that can be expensive. If you're not sure if you have a leak then buy refrigerant with uv dye, and use a uv light on the hoses to check for leaks. That won't cause any issues with a mechanic shop
@@janenutt4233 No.........
@@kennethwatt3491 ty
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!
Bro you made it soooo much easier then the rest of the people on UA-cam
Much appreciated! That's my main goal 😉
I work at Walmart. So a lot of customers recharge their AC in the parking lot. So as I was walking to my car. I saw an empty Freon can with a blue line and gauge attached. So I grabbed the gauge line. Threw the empty bottle away. So now I got a gauge.
Man if you live in California, that can you threw away is $10
Can you use gauge without a can to check if I need to add?
Yep, 10 dollar deposit on those cans.
So glad you found that. Now you have a gauge that's wonderful
@@Scarecrow21 need a receipt though, and the can must be returned within 90 days, according to what i've just googled.
Everything a girl needs to know without watching a 20 minute video of a bunch of useless bs. Thank you so much!!!! I subscribed because of this knowledgeable info ❤
Glad to help out! Love the feedback! Much appreciated!!
😂😂😂
@@jonatanc7624yeah,, she had to pull out the "a girl" card out lol😂
i bet the girl thinks this is also "Useless Bullshit" if you mishandle the Freon it can get on your skin causing frost bite and if it gets in your eye you go completely blind
Honelsty bo, you need proper pressure set ups but sure.
This will only help you if your ac still blows cold but not super cold as he said. As an Autozone store manager I can’t tell you how many people come back upset because topping it off didn’t help or they put too much in
So what do you recommend? I bought my car without it having air. So I don't really know if it leaks dye, or what. I just know my heat gets Hella hot, but when on air, it doesn't blow cold.
@@snowblo1 Compressor could be dirty or shot. Thermostat can cause that too, even blend door. Best course is to have a professional take a look before just throwing money at it. The AC system is alot more complex than people think.
@@snowblo1Recover (remove) all of the refrigerant from the system, pull a vacuum on the system for 45 mins to an hour to remove moisture and contaminants, then hold the vacuum with the valves closed. If vacuum drops after leaving it for 30 mins or more you have a leak, then you would act accordingly to fix the leak
Just go to a real mechanic @@snowblo1
How do you release some of the freon ?
Ac systems are completely sealed and don’t leak unless something is wrong you should never have to top off your ac system.
I’m getting weak cool air, not warm air. If I turn AC full blast I’m getting even weaker cool air. Is that a leak? I keep seeing people say thií about it being closed system which it is, so why do I see mechanics recharging freon to cars who haven’t had system leaks??
I was informed the ac system loses refrigerant between 10-20% a year 👍
Should be checking for leaks ,I believe you're supposed to evacuate the line to 0 pressure then fill it with pure freon to the right level,
All 🚘 compressors have a bearing that is fitted on the shaft this is the area that you will slowly loose your refrigerant its not a perfect seal otherwise it would bind up it needs to spin
@@jonschwartz9669 "loose your refrigerant" ... Is that the new English they are using these days? I always thought you "lose" something. Loose is something that is not tight.
Thankyouuu so much this was so easy and great
The gauge says it’s good and full when the car is off but then when I start my car and turn the ac on it drops all the way to empty. Then when I turn the car off it goes back up to full, what does this mean?? (95 civic)
So, I did this and I think I overcharged it.
I got to "good" and then kept doing it a few more seconds.
That's when I started getting hissing and a bit of spray from the Low Pressure Port.
Is there something I can do with the High Pressure Port? Or, is this a pretty easy fix at a shop?
Can I try using my AC or is it better to keep it off until I get it to a shop?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi hi question here, so my ac doesn’t kick on at all, I added one can (all I had at the moment will be getting another I think) but the gauge moves back and forth every few seconds, does this mean I need to add more refrigerant? Like nothing blows out as of currently (stopped working at the beginning of summer). Thanks for the video ☺️
Thank you!!
Why were you hiding all the danders
Dangers
@@thomasclouse2823 omg i'm in dander!
Do I have to add oil too? And how do I know if the can is empty?
The issue with this, is that you're putting whatever trapped air that's inside the hose into the AC system. Mind you an AC System needs to be purged from air before introducing new freon into it. Otherwise, this method not good in the long term
how do you know when the can is empty?
Thanks brotha!!
Thank you. It's helpful.
Nice but, what do you do after? Blow the rest of the can into the air?
Why would you do that? You simply turn the valve off and disconnect it from your vehicle...Then save it.
Makes sense if there's some left in there, but I think many people would disconnect it just to throw out the can even so. I used a small 2oz can just to get some lube in there, and it had a self-sealing orifice. I would recommend those types to avoid the issue entirely, now that I've seen the process myself. For the first time in ~20 years.@@SlothKingGarage
Where can I get that knob from ?? To release it he air ?
Mine shows in the red pressure zone before i do anything :( gotta take it into the shop 😢
Going to try this
Not serios to not vacum the system first
This guy sounds so similar to Chris fix
i wonder why 🤔
What causes the clutch to short out when it looks fine?
Thanks ..
Could be a few things. Like a fuse blowing, low on refrigerant or the fact that it's just worn out and needs to be replaced.
Thank you 👍🏻
What if you change evaporator and system is empty. Do you need to add oil ?
You will, since there will be some residual oil in it when it's removed. It could be up to an ounce or a little more. I can't give a proper amount as it depends on the size of said evaporator. Usually the shop manual for the vehicle will list a ballpark amount to add
Ya didn't show how to hook the can up. Is it just screw/unscrew?
Yeah I didn't show it because it'll just screw on
The pressure, in terms of being in the blue, depends greatly on the ambient air temperature. If it's 90+ degrees outside you need to go as high as 55psi.
That gauge means nothing only tells you air pressure it does not tell yoy how much refrigerant is in your system you overfill it you'll be buying a new compressor proper way only is to drain system and fill back up with proper air/coolant/oil . Bet the can you added has no oil in it for compressor
The gauge tells you the refrigerant pressure. Not extremely accurately, but it still shows you if you have too much refrigerant in the system. There's no air pressure in the AC system just refrigerant pressure.
You don't want to keep adding oil to your system, it'll pool up in various areas in the system, especially in the condenser coils. Which will limit their ability to dissipate heat, resulting in poor cooling performance.
Is it ok to just fill it up halfway to be safe.
@@matt7iron as long as your under the spec for your system
If you mean halfway in the green section of the gauge, then yes.
When I use these types of gauges, I'll go halfway in the green or a little less.
@@SlothKingGarage what about the professionals who say you gotta remove the air out the system, kinda like putting coolant in your engine and having a bleed screw, i got E320 Mercedes and i see these Pros like Scottie Kilmer on UA-cam with 2 Air Gauges hanging from the car hood and saying you need 2 gauges to do a proper fill, topside pressure and lowside pressure must be correct and balanced, then its you need to put lube oil in first, maybe i should just byte da bullet and pay the $240 and find a good Air refill Shop.
I keep seeing to put it on recirculation before recharging but my lever is broken. I took the panel face off hoping to manually switch it but it won't move. What happens if i recharge and it isn't on recirculate?
It'll be fine if you can't. The temps won't get as cold because it's allowing some outside air to enter the cabin. The compressor also won't be engaged 100% of the tike either. So don't expect it to get super ice cold. Just be sure to charge it while you hear the ac compressor on.
Think of the non-recirculation option as allowing some outside fresh air in and the compressor not turning on as frequently. Which results in less cooler temps.
Now the recirculation part, you'll get cooler cabin temps since you're not letting in outside air. And the compressor is always on, further supplying cooler air.
Hope this helps!
@@SlothKingGarage thanks so much. I took the face plate off and was able to move it manually late last night so I'll be adding it today. Thanks so much for answering me. Have a beautiful day!
@@mississippigirl3151 Glad to hear! And you're very welcome!
I want this gauge ppz send me Link
Awesome
Whats the name of the gauge
Read my other comment on how this product will actually damage your ac compressor and gum up your ac system. Please don’t listen to this gentleman and take it to a professional.
@@danielsalcedo-azocar1102how different will a professional recharge your ac?
It is called "manifold gauge"
@@emmanuelmallarijr7715 thank you
Get the non sealed refrigerant because the oiled ones which say they can seal it will ruin your compressor in long run. It’s true there is a leak if you have warm air, but if it’s a slow leak, it’s worth $10 a can to add the freon in which could last for months as opposed to going to mechanic and pay $200.
My 2014 Mercedes e 350 says it’s in the red 😭
I'd have an A/C tech look at it 😬
@@SlothKingGarage alright thank you : )
Welp. I have mine in the yellow/red area. What do I do now 💀
It's best to stop by a AC shop, have them check over the system
Take of the nozzle without the bottle and give it a few squeezes
@@jullianbutler7970and hold your breath😂😂😂
@@jullianbutler7970if you do that you need protection glasses and heavy gloves along with a rag, it can give frostbite if you're clumsy about it
Nobody ever flippin says which side goes to what!! There’s 2 sides to the gauge which side connects to the r134a and which side connects to the car. !! Why is this simple
Bs nobody explains .
It shouldn't need explained It's pretty self explanatory lol they are 2 different connections
@@ryanharris6102 they aren’t though. Atleast not the Walmart one I got. Both sides looked the same. I figured it out anyways 😂😂
@@howto-wiki8291 you probably shouldn’t be working on your car if you can’t figure that out
@@Smoshylife you realize it’s as simple as putting the wrong side to the wrong end? Than you wasted your r134.. and your time, and you can freeze your fingers. it’s not a stupid question. It’s idiots like you though that make it seem dumb! Your also the same type of idiot that forgets where he put his wrench.!
It's not necessary to explain. It's pretty obvious which side goes where
Remember when the walmart brand freon was 4.44 ...... now its 9.88 or something like that
Bad kitty
Just bought it for $50
Remember, vote Democrat so we can pay $100 a can. 😂😂😂😂
Lets go Brandon
2024 Trump
@@hayd3238Yeah, same
It used to be $2.88
If there is a leak in the system and you fill it up without vacuuming down the system and removing moisture you can destroy critical components.
this is specifically for ones that still blow cold but not ice cold like usual. if its leaking it would have emptied out within a week max.
@@uzileopard6199 depends on the leak . Could take a couple of weeks
My leak is very slow takes a few months
My leak has taken a year...It's in the hose. Slow
You should be using a AC manifold gauge to get correct readings from high and low pressure lines.
my dads an old school mechanic he never hooks up high unless doing a full vaccum refill but not for quick little recharges
THANK YOU , WELL DONE . . Just watched the most difficult how to video, on this subject that I have ever seen in my life. Your video was very clear and instructive , thank you very much definitely will be subscribing.. 💯💯💯
Thank you! Glad it helped! If you have any suggestions on a video you'd like to see, let me know and I'll try to make it!
I know exactly what video you watched lol
Yeah the reason they are long is because they give you proper information this vid won't fix your AC if it was empty in the first place it's probably leaking so within 2 it won't work anymore
Actually if it is 85 ° outside it requires you to have 45 to 55 PSI 35 is for lower temps out side
Way to keep it simple and to the point. Great video!
What's the ambient temperature so that the gauge reading is accurate? This is a very serious factor to avoid damage of overfilling!
What should the ambient temperature be?
You forgot to add that you should not get a can that says self-sealing.
Why?
@@needs_more_dakka5774it’s because it’ll contain a substance that can block flow thru the pipes and in the long run (or a couple of weeks) it can cause AC flow to be bad snd add gunk and break down the inside of it
They cause blockages and are the reason my system is toast
It worked for about a month and blow warm again that was 4 yrs ago I’m trying to fix it again I did without air this Texas heat not playin I’m gonna get me a black light and make sure I don’t have a leak great video 👍
Texas heat is awful! Hope you found the leak!
I have a 2001 Ford crown Vic police interceptor. A neighbor of mine claims that he checked the AC unit for me he was not truthful and honest about what I needed because he wanted my car very badly and I refuse to sell it to him so I had taken my car to another mechanic and that mechanic told me it looks like somebody was trying to sabotage your car. I found out that I need a new spark plugs and coil wires so I purchased all that the guy repaired it plus he had to clean my battery redo my cables on the battery also there were screws missing from under the hood add this guy had told me someone's trying to sabotage your car. I also found out through watching videos for the AC unit this guy not only tried to sabotage my car because he wanted it he didn't have the correct gauges to check my AC unit. Well sadly this man had passed away just a few months ago and I found out that he acted like he knew how to repair people's vehicles and there has been a few people that came back to this guy and wanted their money back because he never finished the job.
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@@TheCodyK😂
Why do I get two separate readings? It reads low when the compressor is spinning and filled near the red when compressor stops spinning. Is that normal and which is correct?
When the compressor is engaged it is in a suction state, so the pressure is lower. When disengaged it is static pressure.
@Oscar Sosa So the accurate pressure reading is which one?
22-30 PSI compressor on, might be higher if it's hot out.
@@orxt So that reading is low with compressor on?
@@fernandocazares5925 Oscar is correct on the higher and lower pressure readings. With that said, when it's engaged and you see the lower pressure, that's mainly what you're going to pay attention to for this scenario.
If it's too low, add a little refrigerant at a time until it's in the acceptable range.
On my Subaru the low side is clearly marked but it is on the smaller line not the larger one make sure to not fill on the high side.
Question that’s what did but my gauge still reads zero I also take out the fan, and just have it connected to the ac and reads 0 but when I connect the can to the hose it goes up to red
If your clutch is not engaging it will start at Red you either need new freon in the system so the clutch will engage, or you need a new compressor
Sometimes the ac actuators go out..
No shit. That’s not what this videos about
@@rye_too_quick ok
Thanks for the video and I'm glad you said recommended refrigerant because I still have an old freon bottle that still looks good that I wanted to use but now I will just get what the manual calls for.
I wish! No longer can get it in Washington state 😢
Why?
I know this is 2024 we back in the 80s used hot tap water drop your can in it whilst obviously connected to the manifold took less than a minute to empty just saying to top off ok your method is different we were servicing a empty system plus we worked flat rate
It's not a good idea to "top off"
Empty from last year and refill from completely empty to green (or in your case blue. My gauge is yellow green and red)
what do i do if mine is purple
When do you want it in blue witch compressor spinning or after kicks off when it spins mine is low when it shuts off mine goes into red
For some vehicles, little to no coolant can also cause an ac to blow warm. I appreciate the short nonetheless
That’s correct my friend, an overheating engine can cause excessive heat in the engine compartment and can then there’s a lot of heat up front by the condenser and also the computer can decide to shut off the compressor as well if it detects a high pressure situation. And yea these shorts showing people how to use these cans is a crime lol, they will damage the compressor and plug up the system
it's not working for me the gage is on red 😢
What do you do if can is not finished.. ?
WHAT AREAS SHOULD ONE LOOK FOR LEAKS❓❓
Mind is freezing my ass off😂
Put mine on stays in red but when I press the trigger it goes completely low and doesn’t goes up
Does this mean I have a leak???
I think red mean its too full and wen its too full that damages the system
It may have been over filled. Have you had it diagnosed yet?
What about the knob? So confused to turn it clockwise or not
Why is yellow bad?
You need to read the specific pressure setting for your particular car and also add the freon based on the temperature outside. Its not as simple as this video shows.
yes it is
Be careful, too much will have an opposite effect
How to connect is not shown.
What does it mean when my gauge started in yellow as soon as I hook it up?
Mine started in red.
Don’t put too much in
Can you show how to find if there’s a leak?
Use a dye
Thanks straight to the point
I saw other video that was 20 mins and couldn’t understand 😅 this one is the best
Chris fix
Appreciate chu
Will it work on the front defroster too?
I just replaced the compressor, so I know there’s no freon in it.. I’m trying to recharge it, but the compressor cycles on and off.. when it reaches 40psi it shuts off, then comes back on until 40psi.. it does this like every 3secs.. because it’s not staying on, I can’t get freon into the system.. anyone have any suggestions??
What happens if my Guage stays at 0psi when I press the handle to let the refrigerant in it
run....system will explode any second
@@misterx4088Guess he's ☠
Can I use an old guage I have to check if I need to buy a can?
You have to make sure your clutch is turning on. Mine wouldn't turn on on the highest fan setting. Turn it on whatever setting engages the clutch. The gauge will bounce, once it bounces, the lowest reading is the most accurate one. Make sure it's in the green. You're welcome.
I accidentally left the can in my very hot car for 6 hrs, is it ruined ? My friend said it has to stay at room temperature. Thanks for the videos
1999 Tahoe had freon filled Topped off 4 years ago.Not as cold as it should be now……compressor turns off and on about how much will I need to add???thanks
Where do I get a gauge like that from ?
Auto Zone or Advance Auto, either one
Don't really work that way. If the gage reads low, there's a leak. If not, you can overfill it.
Love these keep going my man 👍
Do you not need to purge your filler line to get the air out before filling low line?
Thanks.
you're welcome
What about oil? Can you just add refriferant?
There's a lot more to air conditioning then just shoving refrigerant in it.
Well he did say if it doesn't work it's probably a more serious problem
Not to mention that refrigerant is not a fuel. It doesn't get used up by A/C over time. If your system is low on refrigerant, it has leaked out and will continue to do so until the leak is corrected.
Excellent video. Clear , concise and to the point.
Is it bad to have a missing valve cap?
It's not the end of the world, but you should get a cap for it to keep debris out of the valve area. Before attaching a hose to it, clean the area so you don't get any debris in the AC system
Does it matter what outside Temp is or anything like that?
Which is filter for the air conditioner from a Nissan Versa 2015
There's instructions on the refill can. You described the process correctly. 👍🏻
Need to purge out the air in the line before use
The low pressure line is always smaller
Does this product seal minor leaks as well?
They sell some that does have leak sealer, but I do not recommend that. You're better off getting the leak repaired since it's going to most likely just be an o-ring that's bad
Wow i have the exact same can and the same gauge
Great job. Nice and easy.
What if its in yellow or red
I accidentally hit the yellow time to see a mechanic and get it to the blue ouch and plus the girlfriend and her mom were annoying me worrying about me
Ouch, that's rough dude. As much as it sucks, at least you attempted it and learned from it. Next time you'll get it spot on! I've messed up countless times, but hey, it's fun though, just part of the process
How often does your compressor cycle on and off? I have the same engine.
Not sure, maybe every 30 seconds or so?