How do you add freon to your car?

Question

We have a 1999 Dodge Caravan and the air conditioner takes about 20 minutes to start cooling and then it doesn't even get that cool. I read that you can put in your own freon but that you need some kind of kit and I haven't been able to find that. I am not paying some guy $80 to do it and not even fix the leak so I want to do it myself but I have no idea how. I don't know how or where to put the freon, surely it can't be that hard so if someone could tell me how that would be really nice. Thanks!!

Answer 1

It does sound like the vehicle needs a refrigerant charge. First verify that your A/C system uses R-134A. I would imagine it does, because it is new enough, but it should state that it does in the owner's manual.

You need to add the refrigerant to the low pressure side of the A/C. Buy a kit at Auto Zone (or wherever) and follow the directions on it. Some have you tip the can upside down, some say to make sure it stays vertical. Some want the A/C at half power and the engine revved to 1500 rpm and some say to put the A/C on high and not to rev the engine.

Use the internet to find the low pressure access point, usually a black or blue cap on the low pressure side of the A/C, just out of the dashboard or just after the condenser. Once you know where to hook it up and how to it, it takes about 5 minutes. Do be careful about moving belts and fans!

An A/C charge should last for years. If your A/C is cold and then gets warmer over a few days or weeks you should really have a professional charge it with a dye containing oil/freon mixture. That way they can look for the leak under a U/V light and determine where the problem is. A professional charge should be in the neighborhood of $80.

It really is easy. Wear safety glasses and watch your fingers. There isn't much risk, the R134a will not decompose into acidic gases and kill you. R134a is a pretty benign chemical -- the only real way to get into trouble would be inhaling it straight out of the can and freezing would be the biggest issue!

Answer 2

I work at a NAPA Auto Parts Store in Louisiana (its hott here haha). You will need a hose to add the freon (NAPA part number 765-2981 $13.99) and you will need some cans of
R-134 Refrigerent (part number zx3012 at $5.80/can). Start your engine and turn the A/C on a medium setting. Screw the hose onto the can of freon and screw the valve on top of the hose down to puncture the can. Get someone to rev up your car to a steady 1500 RPM's. Connect the hose to the low side of your A/C line. (dont worry, the hose you bought to add the freon will only fit on one fitting under the hood. so you cant get it wrong.) Hold the can upside down and shake it after it is connected and the freon will go in your system by itself. Only a professional with gauges can tell you how much freon you will need. SORRY

Answer 3

once you acquire the freon it might of got here with a small hose if no longer your gana circulate out and purchase one ok you will choose goggles and a few gloves considering the fact that your a common timer ok then on your engine compartment that's decrease than your hood lol j/ok seem for a small aluminium hose its kinda dazzling it may be on your left hand element it is in the adventure that your observing your automobile from the exterior the little hose on your automobile could have 2 caps the two same or diverse shade third grab the hose and notice wherein one the hose it is plug to ur freon suits it might purely extra healthy on. on the the two caps that your ganna do away with than after that carry the freon upwards and swap it on your in all likelihood gana choose like 2 or 3 cans oh yea before your upload the freon make certain you swap your a/c on each and each of how in the adventure that your confuse shoot me an digital mail so i will make it easier to .

Answer 4

It used to be R-12 was available cheaply, in cans, at the auto stores. That got outlawed. One has to recover any vapors left in an air conditioning system, check for leaks and then refill. If you don't want to pay a serviceman, autumn isn't that far away.

Answer 5

you can buy a recharge kit at auto zone for around 20$
then have someone show how to use it it is straight forward
and quick but be wise and take care that you dont get hurt
with the belts and fans running
hope this helps
also r134a is in your system now

Answer 6

Dear Fanny May:

Do not play with the things under the car's hood,it could lead You to big disaster.

take the car to a real A/C shop.They will repair the leakage and service the A/C ,
I know, My letter is hateful, but in the long run You wil understand Me

the Refrigerant is bad to the lungs and when mixed with the ambient moisture turn into a very lethal chlorine gas that burn the lungs wall when You inhale it (olor less gas). the technician Use a very expensive recycle machine to handle that thing.(and also a gas detector in hand)

the second part is more ugly..if one of the hoses explode, it will blind You for the rest of Your life.