Fix Hot Air Issues By Locating Your Car’s Low Side A/C Port
If your auto’s air conditioning system is blowing hot air, you don’t have to send it to the mechanic right away. You can easily fix it yourself by adding some refrigerant to the A/C to cool it down. But if this is the first time you are attempting this, there is one important thing you need to know: every auto A/C system has TWO service ports, one on the high-pressure side, and one on the low-pressure side. For your own safety, you must refill the AC refrigerant via the low side A/C port, NEVER the high side port! Not knowing this information could cause you some serious harm!
How do you locate the low side A/C port, you ask? Read on more for our step-by-step guide to find out.
First: Find The Compressor
Typically, the low side A/C port is located between the compressor and evaporator on the larger diameter A/C line. Your first step would be to find the compressor, which would be driven by the fan belt near the radiator, at the front of your auto. It should be easy to determine by looking for the fan belt, but if you have trouble locating it you can check this list of compatible compressors for your engine.
Second: Locate The Evaporator
Once you have found your compressor, you need to follow the line from the compressor to the evaporator, which looks like a radiator. The compressor is usually located near the firewall behind the dash, directly under the windshield. Along with this line, you would usually find the low side service port for your A/C. It will have a black or blue plastic cap that needs to be removed before you can pour the refill in.
Do take note that some vehicles will have the low side service port directly on the compressor itself. If this is true for your vehicle, you would not need to follow the line to locate the evaporator – just keep a lookout for that black or blue cap along the compressor itself.
Learn More About Fixing Your Auto
We know that many of you are weekend warriors, changing out of your office shirts to get your elbows greasy fixing up things in the house as well as your auto. Every person has limited weekend time to identify the problem, find the replacement parts needed, get them back home and fix them up. That’s why R & Y A/C Compressors has created a learning center for you to find more information about your auto and what you can do to fix the little problems that may come along. In this learning center we have glossaries, videos, articles, guides, and FAQs to help you along every step of the way. Also, if you think you have an issue too big for you to fix, our certified technicians are here to help you out. We are just a call or email away, and our customer service would be able to offer you any assistance or advice needed.