By TC on Monday, May 14, 2001 - 05:12 pm: Edit

Hi all,

My air con is no longer cold. I think it needs a recharge and I would like to do it myself to save few bucks. Can I do it? Thanks

By dave on Monday, May 14, 2001 - 09:15 pm: Edit

Sure, you can do it yourself. I picked up a kit a while back to recharge mine for about $20-$30. Worked fine.

By Rob on Thursday, May 17, 2001 - 04:02 pm: Edit

A/C System Recovery and Recharging Procedures

WARNING :
The air conditioning system is charged with a high pressure, potentially toxic refrigerant. Repairs or servicing must only be carried out by an operator familiar with both the vehicle system and the charging and testing equipment. Wear eye and hand safety protection. Open connections slowly in case liquid or pressure is present. Allow to bleed off slowly.

All operations must be carried out in a well-ventilated area away from
open flame and heat sources. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when opening refrigerant connections.

CAUTION : Overcharging air conditioning system will cause excessive head pressure.

An air conditioning portable Refrigerant Recovery Recycling Recharging Station for use with Ri34a refrigerant incorporates all the features necessary to recover refrigerant R134a from the air conditioning system, to filter and remove moisture, to evacuate and recharge with the reclaimed refrigerant. The unit can also be used for performance testing and air conditioning system analysis.

Recovery And Recycling


High pressure servicing connection
Low pressure servicing connection
Connect a Refrigerant Station to the high and low pressure servicing connections.
Operate the refrigerant recovery system according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Measure the amount of oil discharged from the system. Add an equal amount of new refrigerant oil to compressor before evacuation sequence.
WARNING : Refrigerant must always be recycled before reuse, to ensure that the purity of the refrigerant is high enough for safe use in the air conditioning system. Recycling should always be carried out with equipment which is design certified by Underwriter Laboratory Inc.. for compliance with SAE-J1991. Other equipment may not recycle refrigerant to the required level of purity.

A R134a Refrigerant Recovery Recycling Recharging Station must not be used with any other type of refrigerant.

Refrigerant R134a from domestic and commercial sources must not be used in motor vehicle air conditioning systems.

Evacuation And Recharging


Add refrigerant oil to compressor if necessary.
Renew the receiver/drier. CAUTION : When a major repair has been carried out, a leak test should be carried out using inert gas.
Connect a Refrigerant Station to the high and low pressure servicing connections. CAUTION : Whenever the refrigerant system is opened, the receiver/drier must be renewed immediately before evacuating and recharging the system.
Operate the refrigerant evacuation system according to the manufacturer's instructions. NOTE : If the vacuum reading is below 700 mm Hg after 15 minutes, suspect a leak in the system. Partially recharge the system and check for leaks using an electronic leak tester. Check suction lines first, then run the compressor for 5 minutes and then check the high pressure lines. CAUTION : The system must be evacuated immediately before recharging commences. Delay between evacuation and recharging is not permitted.
Operate the refrigerant recharging system according to the manufacturer's instructions:- Refrigerant to charge system is 0.90 kg (32 fl/oz) With rear air conditioning total charge is 1.15 kg (40 fl/oz)
If the full charge has not been accepted by the system, start the engine and run it at 1500 rev/min for a minimum of 2 minutes. Switch on the air conditioning system, open the car windows, set the temperature control to cold and switch the blower to maximum speed.
Consult Refrigerant Station Manual for correct procedure to complete the charge.
Carry out the air conditioning system performance test.

By pjkbrit on Thursday, May 17, 2001 - 05:14 pm: Edit

Cobblers...get the kit and follow the intructions...WARNING...it's actually pretty simple...WARNING...you'll save a fortune...WARNING...if you get refrigerant on your hands you will die a horrible, long and drawn out death in front or your neighbors who will laugh at you...please!!!
I did mine 3 years ago after I got the R12 removed and refilled with the contents of the kit...works great to this day!!!