“It’s a scorcher out there!” It’s practically guaranteed, every year during summer, someone – in their infinite wisdom – will alert you to that newsflash. It’s summer. It happens. What you don’t want, however, when you climb into your car, is for it to be a scorcher in there, as well. If you turn on your A/C and it’s blowing warm or hot air, there is a problem. You might have a leak in the system.
Your first step is to determine where the leak is, if that’s the problem, and fix it. Once the leak has been repaired, car A/C recharging will be needed. Not everyone knows how to recharge automotive A/C refrigerant, however.
To assist you in your endeavor, we’re going to include some instructions here.
Refrigerant Recharging – Does Your A/C Need It?
A pressurized system is responsible for the air conditioning in your vehicle. When properly sealed, it should maintain a charge and be leak free. Over time and as a result of normal usage, however, leaks may develop in the seals of the system. Eventually, refrigerant will seep out if a leak occurs. Cold air can’t be produced by your air conditioning system if it gets too low on refrigerant. For your system to function properly, it will need to be recharged.
Recharging Your Vehicle’s A/C – What You’ll Need
Safety gear:
- Mechanic gloves
- Safety glasses
Supplies:
- Can of refrigerant
- If the refrigerant didn’t come with a hose connector, you’ll need one
- Thermometer
Note: Everything you need to recharge the air conditioning system in your vehicle will likely be contained within an “A/C Recharge Kit”.
So you can avoid interruption, before you start the job, make sure all of the tools and supplies you need are close by. You’ll be able to do this in your garage, parked in the street, or parked in your driveway.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Check the car’s cabin air temperature. Don’t charge the A/C if it’s at 55°F or below.
- Find the low side service port (the line connecting the compressor and accumulator).
- Use a clean rag to clear the area of dirt, grime, etc., and then remove the port cap.
- To the low side service port, attach the charging hose. Make sure the connection is secure.
- Refrigerant will be added to the system next. Check the refrigerant package and follow the instructions.
- Using an ambient air pressure chart, figure out the correct pressure. While charging the system, monitor pressure readings. Permanent damage can be caused by overcharging the system. Seek professional assistance if you’re unsure of how much refrigerant to add or the current pressure.
- Remove the charging hose after the system has been charged to the proper pressure. Remaining refrigerant should be stored in a cool, dry spot.
- Before you put the port cap back on, check beneath it to make sure the seal doesn’t have any tears, nicks, or cracks. Replace the cap.
R&Y A/C Compressors Has the Parts You’re Looking for To Work on Your Car’s A/C
For over 30 years we’ve been helping people work on their car A/C systems. We can be of assistance to you as well.
At R&Y A/C Compressors, some of the parts we carry include the following:
- Compressor bearings
- Clutches
- Condensers
- Evaporators
- Tubes
- Valves
- Accumulators
- Compressor kits and more
To reach our customer service department, please call 305-919-8864. You may also choose to send us an email at [email protected].
If you’d rather, you can fill out our convenient online form, send it in, and we’ll be in touch. We look forward to working with you.