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The summer heat's here and your car's air conditioner insn't quite as cold as it used to be. Chances are it needs to be recharged with refrigerant. Fortunately with today's newer ozone-safe R-134a (vs. R-12) refrigerant, if your vehicle is 1994 or newer, this is an easy and cost-effective D-I-Y project.
While there are a few brands and package kits of R-134a products out there, several of my friends had great results using Interdynamics Measure & Charge (a.k.a EZChill)...
EZChill (a.k.a. Measure & Charge), purchased at Checker Auto Parts. Regular $32.99, with coupon just $19.99!
Measure & Charge/EZChill includes 18 oz. of R-134a refrigerant plus Oil (helps extend the life of your compressor) and Leak Sealer. The most important part of this "kit" is the inline pressure gauge, which provides the most accurate method of recharging your a/c system.
This is my experience using this product.
I'd recommend doing this job in the morning while the engine is cold vs. after you just got out of afternoon H1 traffic, as you'll be working over the engine while its running. This will also ensure that the A/C compressor is engaged (if your system is working properly), which it must be for an accurate gauge reading.
Begin by opening the hood and locating the LOW-SIDE SERVICE PORT, usually located on the accumulator with a BLUE PASTIC CAP, or on the larger-sized diameter metal tube with a BLACK PLASTIC CAP, often near the engine firewall...
On our 2003 Buick (GM), it was located near the firewall as shown above. It looks like an over-sized tire valve, with a plastic dust cap that easily screws off. Remove the cap and put in a safe place (don't lose it!).
Now start the engine and set the A/C to MAX and vent fan on high.
It's recommended to use safety glasses and gloves (I only had glasses).
Shake the Measure & Charge/EZChill can thoroughly, then attach the can's plastic slip-coupler onto the low-side port by pulling the sleeve back, push it completely onto the port, then lock the coupler sleeve into place.
Before adding refrigerant, check the pressure gauge. If the needle is in the green (below 25 psi), it means the system is low and needs refrigerant. If the reading is in the yellow or red, it could either mean your compressor isn't engaged, or there are other issues that need to be looked at by a professional. Make sure the compressor is engaged during this procedure.
If gauge is in the green or lower blue, Press the trigger (under the safety cap) and add refrigerant. Continue to shake can as refrigerant is being added to system (this ensures oil/additives are properly dispensed with the R-134a). Release trigger in intervals to check gauge reading. Once the system is in the middle blue, preferably between 35 and 45 psi, you're done. Do not overcharge! Screw back on the plastic dust cap.
If your system is really low, you might need two cans. When I began, the reading was just at 25 psi (right above green). After filling the whole 18 oz. can, it went to 35 psi (middle of the blue).
The before and after difference and results? FANTASTIC!
I didn't have a thermometer on hand, so I can't give you numbers, but I'll say it like this.. before, it was just "cool". Enough for night time driving, but not quite enough for the hot daytime sun. I'd have to blow the fan on high to make it cool enough. Now it's ICE COLD. Like frost-bite cold if I put my hand in front of the vent, and I can comfortably keep the fan on low, even during daytime driving under the sun. Nice.
Recharging your car's A/C is super easy and convenient, and only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Best of all, it only costs $20 (with coupon) vs. probably $50 or (most likely) higher that would have been charged at an A/C shop.
Now that's cool.
*Refer to manufacturer for complete instructions and safety precautions.
While there are a few brands and package kits of R-134a products out there, several of my friends had great results using Interdynamics Measure & Charge (a.k.a EZChill)...
EZChill (a.k.a. Measure & Charge), purchased at Checker Auto Parts. Regular $32.99, with coupon just $19.99!
Measure & Charge/EZChill includes 18 oz. of R-134a refrigerant plus Oil (helps extend the life of your compressor) and Leak Sealer. The most important part of this "kit" is the inline pressure gauge, which provides the most accurate method of recharging your a/c system.
This is my experience using this product.
I'd recommend doing this job in the morning while the engine is cold vs. after you just got out of afternoon H1 traffic, as you'll be working over the engine while its running. This will also ensure that the A/C compressor is engaged (if your system is working properly), which it must be for an accurate gauge reading.
Begin by opening the hood and locating the LOW-SIDE SERVICE PORT, usually located on the accumulator with a BLUE PASTIC CAP, or on the larger-sized diameter metal tube with a BLACK PLASTIC CAP, often near the engine firewall...
On our 2003 Buick (GM), it was located near the firewall as shown above. It looks like an over-sized tire valve, with a plastic dust cap that easily screws off. Remove the cap and put in a safe place (don't lose it!).
Now start the engine and set the A/C to MAX and vent fan on high.
It's recommended to use safety glasses and gloves (I only had glasses).
Shake the Measure & Charge/EZChill can thoroughly, then attach the can's plastic slip-coupler onto the low-side port by pulling the sleeve back, push it completely onto the port, then lock the coupler sleeve into place.
Before adding refrigerant, check the pressure gauge. If the needle is in the green (below 25 psi), it means the system is low and needs refrigerant. If the reading is in the yellow or red, it could either mean your compressor isn't engaged, or there are other issues that need to be looked at by a professional. Make sure the compressor is engaged during this procedure.
If gauge is in the green or lower blue, Press the trigger (under the safety cap) and add refrigerant. Continue to shake can as refrigerant is being added to system (this ensures oil/additives are properly dispensed with the R-134a). Release trigger in intervals to check gauge reading. Once the system is in the middle blue, preferably between 35 and 45 psi, you're done. Do not overcharge! Screw back on the plastic dust cap.
If your system is really low, you might need two cans. When I began, the reading was just at 25 psi (right above green). After filling the whole 18 oz. can, it went to 35 psi (middle of the blue).
The before and after difference and results? FANTASTIC!
I didn't have a thermometer on hand, so I can't give you numbers, but I'll say it like this.. before, it was just "cool". Enough for night time driving, but not quite enough for the hot daytime sun. I'd have to blow the fan on high to make it cool enough. Now it's ICE COLD. Like frost-bite cold if I put my hand in front of the vent, and I can comfortably keep the fan on low, even during daytime driving under the sun. Nice.
Recharging your car's A/C is super easy and convenient, and only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Best of all, it only costs $20 (with coupon) vs. probably $50 or (most likely) higher that would have been charged at an A/C shop.
Now that's cool.
*Refer to manufacturer for complete instructions and safety precautions.
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