- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
- Messages
- 29,558
My father in law always does his own AC charging. I swear,I don't think there's anything he doesn't know how to do. He's probably the smartest guy I've ever known!!
How Hard to Charge car A/C Yourself?
- Thread starter LoneRanger
- Start date
- Status
Leaks in AC system is hard to detect just by visual inspection unless you put dye in the refrigerant but you may need UV light.
Or you can get an AC refrigerant sniffer.
It usually leak on the connectors or hi/lo pressure valves unless there is a visible big hole somewhere.
If the AC suddenly feels warm, you may also want to wash the condenser.
This is the part that is usually in front of the radiator.
Easy enough to do and go from there.
If cleaning does not help, then try to find leaks with sniffer or dye.
Compressor clutch and switches are can be bad and causes issue.
The clutch can seize or start seizing to cause high squeel when you start the AC.
In this case, you have to replace the AC compressor, some cars you can replace just the clutch but it usually more expensive.
Or you can get an AC refrigerant sniffer.
It usually leak on the connectors or hi/lo pressure valves unless there is a visible big hole somewhere.
If the AC suddenly feels warm, you may also want to wash the condenser.
This is the part that is usually in front of the radiator.
Easy enough to do and go from there.
If cleaning does not help, then try to find leaks with sniffer or dye.
Compressor clutch and switches are can be bad and causes issue.
The clutch can seize or start seizing to cause high squeel when you start the AC.
In this case, you have to replace the AC compressor, some cars you can replace just the clutch but it usually more expensive.
Last edited:
Leaking blend door seals can also a issue as they age and deteriorate. Taking the heater core out of the equation on these with a "ranco" style valve usually improves A/C performance dramatically.
- Status
