how do you add refrigerant to a car air conditioner?

Question

1992 dodge dynasty 3.3 6cylinder

Answer 1

need gauges and know-how to not overcharge and blow it up

Answer 2

first is to figger why you have to charge it.
if you are certain it is low on freon then:
inspect for leaks. most of the time some oil will also leak out in the same spot as the freon is leaking. so look for any oil along the lines, the pump, the condenser and along the lower end of the firewall, there is a drain for the evaporator, look for any traces of oil there. unless the leak is a really small leak, then you are wasting your time charging it.
after the leak(s) is(are) repaired, (note: the system must be discharged with the proper equipment to repair most leaks), then the system must be evacuated to remove moisture which is the #1 enemy to a/c systems.
then recharge. recharge to spec. sometimes there is an underhood label still present. charge to that spec.

if the system just doesn't get as cold as it used to and there is a small leak, i recommend repair all leaks. if you don't then you are giving the penguins a slow and grueling death.
i recommend take to shop with a coupon for a/c service. some shops have a service to top off (freon extra), and check out the system.
if you still want to try by self, then slowly add a bit at a time. always add on the low side. the low side is where the fitting is on the larger tube. it is still dangerous to add to the low side so at least use safety glasses. if you can get your hands on a can of r-12 which is what your vehicle was manufactured for, then get an adapter and add a bit at a time. take your chances. just remember. there's a lot that can go wrong.
be safe, take something like this to a qualified automotive technician.

another suggestion is to have the system converted to r-134. i have personally converted 4 systems on 4 different makes and all have converted without having to flush anything with little performance sacrifice.

gryphon, your response seems a little short. maybe learn more about what you're talking about or be a little more descriptive and understanding.

Answer 3

if you do it yourself you need a set of gauges, be careful not to overcharge it. Some a/c systems have a pressure relief valve in case you do just that. If you put too much in, it will not cool properly. Add a little at the time and watch your pressure gauges until u achieve proper cooling. It is a good idea to have the system checked by a professional cause o rings and seals do deteriorate over time and freon tends to "weep" past these seals.

P.S. Gyphon, from reading your answer, you are not much of a mechanic, you are right about the R12. but anyone with a good understanding of how a a/c system works and the proper tools can do it.

Answer 4

It has an expansion valve...you won't blow it up. You should find the leak an repair it if it's leaking in a matter of days or weeks. Otherwise, you can go to the store and get a little can of stop leak and some refrigerant with a quick disconnect. You may have to buy a set of adaptors for it. Fill untill it gets nice and cold. If it's empty, usually 2 cans (24 oz) Generally measured by the pound. Those take 2.5 pounds, which is around 3 cans. Good luck.

Answer 5

Are each and each of the hoses attached precise? there's a leak someplace it is inflicting the freeone to leak out. also you do have your air administration on your vehicle became to A/C excellent? there's a button you would possibly want to push in once you turn your air on. also did you examine radiator and air belts? i do not comprehend lots about autos, i'm merely dealing with what I were by with autos that had A/C issues. desire you get it fastened quickly formerly summer time quite starts heating up.

Answer 6

i agree with the rest of them for 2 resons first of all the ac system is a seald unit so you should not need to add to it with a unless a seal is bad sometimes if one seal is dry out then theres going to be more then one to replace (can get very costly) and next if you dont know what your doing you can make it worse and cause injury to your self and more damage to the ac system

Answer 7

Take it to an automotive A/C mechanic. You will be far better off in the long run.

Answer 8

This is something best left to the pros---too many things can go wrong and here --if they go wrong it can get very costly indeed

Answer 9

you don't - you have to bring it to a dealer-

first of all your car is probably not equipped with the R12 system.... next it needs to be flushed and PRESSURIZED

the new stuff gets recycled they empty it and then fill with new...
this way it does not harm the environment

*this is coming from a mechanic (yes girls can be mechs too)