Introduction: Adding Freon to Your Automobile's Air Condtioning System
By Gort
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About: Making or fixing things is how I relax. More About Gort »
Every automobile parts store I walk in these days has freon for sale. When R-12 was around I was licensed to buy and use it. I thought that was a good thing because you can be severely injured and or do $$ of damage to the system your working on. I decided I would do this instructable for the following 2 reasons . First to help people to understand and be safe. Second to equip you to make a repair to your AC system if it just needs a Freon charge to bring it back to good working order. First a few Rules you need to always follow.
1. Since your car engine is running to charge the AC system there are moving belts and pulleys,fan(s) and very hot parts. You can easily loose your fingers if you put them where they don't belong!
2. Freon if sprayed as a liquid on your body parts will freeze them instantly- FROSTBITE
3.Don't release freon into the atmosphere. It is not good for the earth.
4.Wear safety goggles at all times incase a hose blows or something goes wrong and freon is sprayed on your face.
5. If after reading this instructable you feel unsure about doing this then you should not be doing it.
THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR INJURY. I ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR YOUR TRYING THIS. THIS IS JUST A DEMONSTRATION OF HOW TO DO IT. IF YOU DECIDE TO DO IT YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Ok lets get started.
Tools needed:
1. The adapter to connect from the freon can to your freon SUCTION SIDE of the AC system.
Found where you buy freon.
2. Freon- probably 2 cans if your system is barely cold. If it is cool but not as cold as it was buy 1 can
3. A thermometer
4. An AC system in need of some freon.
Step 1: Install the Hose on Can
We now make sure the pin in the tool is backed out so we cant see the point. We install the hose tool on the can. The can is not punctured. Once you screw the pin down into the can you can not remove the hose tool until the can is empty.When you screw the pin in to the can the pin seals in the freon. The other end of the hose also has a safety seat built in it so if the pin is backed out it will not vent freon to the atmosphere.
AS LONG AS THE CAN IS UPRIGHT ONLY VAPOR COMES OUT OF THE HOSE
IF THE CAN IS UPSIDE DOWN LIQUID COMES OUT SO KEEP IT RIGHT SIDE UP!
I spent a lot of time on this simple step but that was so you do this SAFELY.
Step 2: Familiarization With Your Cars Freon System.
First see what freon your vehicle uses. There should be a tag on the radiator cover cowl or somewhere under the hood that tells you. Look for 134A. If it says 12 this Instructable does not apply to you. There are conversion kits but that is beyond the scope of this demonstration. Now check out the pictures to see what the basic parts of an AC system are. Note that there are parts you can't see and we won't address those as they are not necessary to know about to charge the system .
The basic AC system has a pump or compressor that pumps a low pressure gas
Once it travels into the evaporator it is now a low pressure cold gas again and not a liquid. It then leaves the evaporator and goes through hoses to the accumulator / drier which is just a big tank to catch any liquid that might of snuck out with the gas. Then from there the low pressure cold gas goes back into the compressor to start the cycle all over again. You may of noticed the system has a high pressure side and a low pressure side-VERY IMPORTANT. You will only work on the LOW PRESSURE SIDE. The freon is added on the LOW PRESSURE SIDE ONLY. The hose tool you bought is made so you can only hook to the low side as the high side and low side fittings are different sizes and shapes for SAFETY'S SAKE.
Step 3: Hooking Up the Freon
Remove the SUCTION SIDE port cap. This can be in a number of places on your car so you may need to look for it. It will always be on a bigger tube. By that I mean the high pressure side tubing is smaller diameter than the low pressure side. Thankfully the ports are not interchangeable so you can't plug on the wrong port. The air in the line is vented now by loosening the fitting (see pictures)
Then retightend and The can punctured by screwing in the pin until it bottoms.
Now start the car and turn the AC or climate control to high and the fan on high.
Make sure the temperature control is at full cold or set it to the lowest temp you can if it has numbers.
Now we are ready to charge the system.
Step 4: Charging the System
You now start the car with the AC system on high. You open the can tap so freon starts to travel from the can to the suction side. You only need to open the can tap 3 to 4 turns and you will feel the top of the tool getting cooler. This tells you the can is open enough. Don't try to unscrew it all the way to make it go faster as the needle can be screwed out of the can tool and then you have a fountain of freeze spraying all over- not good. Freon moves from the can to the suction side because the can is under low pressure but the suction side is under even lower pressure so the freon leaves the can and moves to the system. Now watch the accumulator can. If you can safely touch it you will see it's warm if your low on freon. As you charge the system it will become cooler. Finally it will start to sweat. That is when you stopAdding freon. Now you have about the right amount. If you add too much your over stressing the system and it is not going to work any better in fact it will not be as efficient. Overcharging also adds stress to the system since pressures are higher than normal. So now that the accumulator is sweating close the can tap. Check the temp in the car and you should feel very cool air . I dropped from 87 to 50 degrees with a can and 1/2 of another. The cans come in preset quantities. I don't ever buy the large completely charge your system can as it is usually too much. The smaller cans are what you need. I don't recommend the sealer in a can. If you think you need to add oil to your system take it to a shop so its done correctly. Any left over freon do not vent to the atmosphere. tighten down the can tap and leave the tool on the can. You can tell when a can is empty as if you shake it it will feel empty.
Close the tap before you remove the hose off of the fitting. Then recap the fitting. If your system does not work properly ( no cold air ) it is time to go to a pro. Open freon can be used at a later date but must be stored in a cool place That is CHILDPROOF. The temperature coming out of your vent can vary depending on a lot of factors so don't think you have to see the temperatures I saw.
Step 5: Final Thoughts
As you can see in the photos we dropped 30 degrees and it actually went down to 51 degrees. Good enough.
A recap:
SAFETY GLASSES AND IF YOU WANT GLOVES...
Charge the system with the can upright position. By the way it can take up to 1/2 hour to charge a system...
If your system is very low when you start putting in freon the compressor may not start turning until a sensor sees you have a predefined minimum amount of freon. Add 15 minutes more for charging. This is a safety so you don't damage the freon compressor...
If you see oily goo all over your compressor or at a line fitting don't bother charging it as it needs pro service or your shooting your wallet in the foot in the long run...
If after you charge your system the cold air comes and goes and comes and goes you have moisture in the system and it needs to go to a pro...
If things don't seem to be working as I have described in this topic then something else is wrong and you need to have a trained pro look at it...
Remember a pro uses gauges to check pressures on the high and low pressure sides. He factors in ambient air temp and even humidity levels and he can pinpoint complex problems like that. We used the >watch the symptoms< process to determine we are in the ball park in terms of the amount of freon we have in our system. My feeling is a little low is way better than too much...
After your all done check the port cap to see its in place. Put your tools away. Go for a nice cool ride. If it all works ok go look in the mirror and say. I DID IT AND PAT YOUR SELF ON THE BACK FOR A JOB WELL DONE!
FAQs
Adding Freon to Your Automobile's Air Condtioning System? ›
One reason you'll want to keep your car running when using freon is that it will help you determine whether you added the freon correctly. Because if you don't add the freon the right way, your AC will not get colder. And, of course, you won't know if the air conditioner is getting colder if the car is off.
Does the car need to be running when adding Freon? ›One reason you'll want to keep your car running when using freon is that it will help you determine whether you added the freon correctly. Because if you don't add the freon the right way, your AC will not get colder. And, of course, you won't know if the air conditioner is getting colder if the car is off.
How long does it take for AC to work after adding Freon? ›Freon settles in an air conditioner in a matter of minutes. Though, it depends on the type of air conditioner too. If the air conditioner is portable, it takes about 5-30 minutes for the Freon to settle. This time must be dedicated to the appliance for it to function properly.
How do I know if my car AC has enough Freon? ›- Your car is blowing warm or hot air instead of cold. ...
- Your car is visibly leaking refrigerant. ...
- The A/C clutch is not engaging. ...
- There's a weird smell coming from your vents.
If you see a very high pressure on the high side gauge and very low pressure on the low side gauge, there's a Freon blockage. Start by checking the expansion valve or orifice tube. You'll likely need to clean or replace it. If the pressure differential is 150 psi or more, you can recharge the Freon.
How long does it take freon to work in a car? ›Refrigerant can leak slowly from your car's air conditioning system over time, but recharging the system so it once again blows cold air is an easy DIY task and takes just about 15 minutes.
How many times should you put Freon in your car? ›Most carmakers recommend that you recharge your air conditioning system every two years.
Why is my car AC not blowing cold air after recharge? ›The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.
What happens if you put too much Freon in a car? ›It can seem counterintuitive, but too much refrigerant in your car's AC system can create too much pressure and heat, which could be why yours is now blowing out hot hair. If left unaddressed, an overcharged AC system in your car can damage the AC compressor.
Can you put too much Freon in an AC system? ›Having too much refrigerant in your AC can damage the compressor. This can happen because the excess refrigerant will likely collect inside the compressor and cause subcooling, wherein temperatures are below normal. Furthermore, the extra refrigerant can flood the compressor and damage its mechanical parts.
Can AC be low on Freon without a leak? ›
All that said, a refrigerant leak is not the only reason you might feel a low cooling output from your air conditioner. While this is definitely a symptom, it's also a potential system of: A Miscalibrated Thermostat: Check your thermostat.
Do AutoZone put freon in your car? ›If you need help performing this, or any AC recharge or service, check out our list of preferred shops in your area that can help. Or, if you'd like to tackle the job yourself, AutoZone has all the tools and refrigerant to service your R-134A or R-12 vehicle.
Is it OK to run car AC when low on Freon? ›You should not attempt to continue running an air conditioner with low levels of refrigerant because many of the parts of your air conditioner require a set level of this chemical blend in order to work properly.
What happens if you run your AC with low Freon? ›When your AC's refrigerant is low, it causes a lot of problems for your system. The coils can freeze over which causes the unit to fail to cool the house properly, wasting energy and raising your electric bills. Leaving refrigerant levels low can also cause damage to the compressor which can be costly to replace.
How do you diagnose low Freon? ›- Takes Your AC a Long Time to Cool Off. ...
- Indoor Air Not Blowing Cool Enough. ...
- Frost or Ice on Copper Lines. ...
- Water Pooling Around the Furnace. ...
- Listen for a Hissing or Bubbling Noise. ...
- Short Cycling. ...
- Electric Bills Higher.
Turn on the compressor and depress the access valve on the high side. This time, when gas is no longer coming out the high side access valve, let the valve close. The air is now purged from the system. 8 – Charge the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant and turn on the compressor.
Why is my car AC blowing hot air after recharge? ›A car A/C blowing hot air is often the result of a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a liquid that circulates through your car's A/C system, expanding and contracting as it removes heat and humidity from the cabin. None of the other A/C components will function correctly without proper refrigerant levels.
Why is my car AC still blowing hot air after recharge? ›Refrigerant Leak: A refrigerant leak can cause the AC system to lose pressure and fail to blow cold air. This is often the most common reason why a recharge may not solve the problem. It is important to have the system checked for leaks and repaired before recharging.
Do you add Freon to the high or low side? ›Every auto air conditioning system has two service ports: one on the high pressure and one on the low pressure side. When recharging with AC Avalanche refrigerant, for safety, you will charge through the low side service port. Never charge through the high side port.
Will AutoZone charge my AC? ›When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone. We carry R134a refrigerant, PAG46 oil, AC stop leak, AC system cleaner, and more.
Why is my AC not blowing cold air but refrigerant is full? ›
If your central AC is not blowing cold air, the refrigerant may be the problem. The unit could be running low and need additional refrigerant added. The most likely cause of this is a leak. A leak not only keeps the AC unit from cooling properly, but also it can cause other issues within the home.
How do I know if my car AC compressor is bad? ›- Odd Sounds. Among the most common signs that your car's AC compressor is starting to fail is that it will start making odd, clunky noises. ...
- Hot Air. ...
- Fluid Leaks. ...
- Stuck Clutch. ...
- Tripping Circuit Breaker. ...
- Broken Suction Lines.
If the air conditioner is blowing cold air but not cooling the house, there could be a leak in the home to the outside. Check that all of the windows and doors are closed. If the air feels cooler than the room temperature, it may not actually be the desired temperature and could be just the fan blowing.
How do I know if my Freon is overcharged? ›- Uneven Pressure Levels. You might have trouble telling if you have varying pressure levels on your own. ...
- Frost Layers. ...
- No Air Flow. ...
- Unusual Noises. ...
- Weak Cooling. ...
- Increased Bills. ...
- Shutting Down Completely.
Use a wrench to loosen the cap on the low-pressure port, and carefully attach the refrigerant gauge set to the port. Slowly open the valve on the refrigerant gauge set to allow some of the excess refrigerant to escape. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid injury.
How long will Freon last in a car? ›Ideally, a freon should last in a car for around 3-4 years. Leaks, adverse weather, and frequent use of the system may demand more frequent inspections. With good care and maintenance, freon gas life can extend up to five years.
How many cans of Freon does it take to recharge AC? ›Most cars hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant (or about 2—3 12oz cans), however larger vehicles and those with rear A/C will likely hold more. Check your vehicle manual for the system capacity for your specific vehicle.
How many cans of Freon does it take to fill a system? ›Two cans will fill most modern cars. Very big or older cars might take 3 cans.
How many pounds of Freon can an AC hold? ›Typical residential systems hold between 5 and 20 pounds of refrigerant. On average it's about 3 pounds per ton (12,000 BTU) of air conditioning. For a brand new system, it's very easy for us.
Where do most Freon leaks occur? ›Freon leaks are typically found at the schrader valve, valve cores, evaporator coil, copper lines, “U” connectors, weld joints, electrical connection to the compressor body, or the copper tubing. Most of the time, the leak will usually occur in the evaporator coil.
Can you buy freon and put it in your car yourself? ›
You can recharge the system yourself with a charging kit and some refrigerant, as long as your car uses r134a refrigerant. First, you'll need to check for leaks. Then, check the refrigerant pressure and test your system. Finally, you can add your refrigerant and finish the recharge.
How much does it cost to fix a freon leak in a car? ›On average, expect the labor cost to be anywhere from $150 to $500. This means the total cost could be anywhere from $160 to $1000 or more, depending on the part that has to get replaced.
How much does it cost to recharge freon? ›Residential Air Conditioner Freon Refill Cost
As mentioned earlier, Freon costs about $125 – $150 per pound. Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more.
One of the most obvious symptoms of low Freon levels is if your air conditioner is blowing warm or room temperature air. As we discussed, the air conditioning system in your vehicle operates by circulating this pressurized refrigerant. When the amount drops too low, it eventually affects performance.
Will low freon damage a compressor? ›Low refrigerant also damages the compressor, the “heart” of the air conditioner where the liquid refrigerant is squeezed into a high pressure gas. The compressor is designed to match the refrigerant charge, and if it drops, the compressor will start to overwork and will soon break.
Can you add freon to car in cold weather? ›If you need to charge your automotive A/C (add refrigerant), it should be done when the ambient temperature is above 65° F, to allow the system to build up enough pressure for a gauge reading. Therefore, this is not generally recommended during the frigid days of winter.
Does AutoZone put freon in your car? ›If you need help performing this, or any AC recharge or service, check out our list of preferred shops in your area that can help. Or, if you'd like to tackle the job yourself, AutoZone has all the tools and refrigerant to service your R-134A or R-12 vehicle.
Can you recharge freon by yourself? ›Under EPA regulations, only a certified professional can recharge your home's HVAC system. You should never try to recharge the A/C yourself, even if you have a home air conditioner recharging kit. The refrigerant used can be harmful to you and the environment if it's not handled properly.
Why is my AC not blowing cold air in my car? ›Common Reasons AC Doesn't Run Cold
The most common causes of broken air conditioning leaks or compression issues. If you are feeling cool — but not cold — air, the issue could be a clogged filter, a problem with the cooling fan, signs of radiator trouble, or it could simply mean it's time to recharge your AC.
Most cars hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant (or about 2—3 12oz cans), however larger vehicles and those with rear A/C will likely hold more.
How long does a freon charge last in car? ›
How often does freon need to be replaced in a car? Most AC systems in a car last for around 3-4 years, or five years, with recharging freon. Freon is a refrigerant recirculated in a closed system in your car to cool the interior.
How do I know if I need a freon recharge? ›- Air conditioner is always running but it doesn't cool your home.
- Vents are blowing warm air.
- Electric bills are higher than before.
- There is a buildup of ice on refrigerant line.
- A hissing or bubbling sound from the refrigerant line.
The general guideline used when calculating the amount of Freon in a residential A/C unit is 2-4 pounds per ton of cooling. For example, if you install a new A/C system rated for a five-ton load, the system will require 10-20 pounds of refrigerant.
Do you add refrigerant to the high or low side? ›Every auto air conditioning system has two service ports: one on the high pressure and one on the low pressure side. When recharging with AC Avalanche refrigerant, for safety, you will charge through the low side service port. Never charge through the high side port.
Can you put too much freon in a car AC? ›The correct amount of refrigerant lets the AC system cool your air correctly and efficiently, maintaining the correct pressure levels and system functions. Too much refrigerant leads to an overcharged air conditioner, which can reduce your unit's efficiency and cause several other problems for your system.
Can you add too much freon to a car? ›It can seem counterintuitive, but too much refrigerant in your car's AC system can create too much pressure and heat, which could be why yours is now blowing out hot hair. If left unaddressed, an overcharged AC system in your car can damage the AC compressor.
Will car overheat if freon is low? ›Freon is a refrigerant. The material absorbs the heat your air conditioner produces. Then the refrigerant line leads the heated refrigerant to the outside air, where the heat can dissipate. Without freon, your air conditioning system can't regulate its temperature, and no freon at all would overheat your system.