I agree with 843 reply the best. presure gauges won't always tell you if the a/c system has a full charge you have to compare pressure readings with charts for out side temp. and there needs to be a fan in front of the car for air flow when testing. Most techs can wing this and get the system close to full but the best way to fill an a/c system is to evacuate the system and refill with the correct amount of freon. If Im justs toping off a system I charge with output temp. from the vents with the system on max and in recirc and windows up. then compare my reading in the service charts for that model car im working on.

 

Brad, I've never done it, and it never hurts to ask. Some day I'll need to do this, and I was asking for now AND then. Just because I ask shouldn't DQ me from doing it myself.

 

with r134a the best way to recharge is to recover the remaining freon, then weigh in the correct amount. every vehichle is labeled with freon capacity. that ****(duracool etc) that u buy at thrift stores often times has sealant in it. thats the kind of stuff that plugs up someones $3000 recovery machine. besides, if a system says r134a why not put that in. every shop has it.

 

I'm sorry but I think it does DQ you and anyone else that is unfamiliar with A/C systems and does not have any A/C recovery equipment. Freon is not like engine oil, where anyone can add it. Now if you want to get trained, licensed, buy the equipment and get EPA approved, then you will be qualified.


The quick fix cans create lots of A/C business for auto shops.

 

I'd say take it in. If it is low than there is probably a leak. They can recharge and put some dye it to find it.

 

I thought you still need a license to buy the stuff? Anyway it is not a thing to be played with, that's one that I don't hate the "pros" for.

Have you noticed that you don't need to push the A/C button if you push the recirc button, the A/C light does not come on but the compressor runs (just like defrost). And then it will not let you turn to floor. It's buried in the book.

 

you don't need a license to buy 12oz cans of r134a but you do need one for all others.

 

[QUOTE=ChevyMgr;578707]I'm sorry but I think it does DQ you and anyone else that is unfamiliar with A/C systems and does not have any A/C recovery equipment. Freon is not like engine oil, where anyone can add it. Now if you want to get trained, licensed, buy the equipment and get EPA approved, then you will be qualified.

 

if its not cooling when standing still it means theres not enough airflow across the condensor. is your rad fan coming on?

 

First, I do know this is an old post, and I certainly understand that the opinions of those that answered the OP opt for taking it to a specialist..... But, we can't all afford to run to the dealer every time we have an issue without at least looking for some of the things that we can fix....
My AC compressor does not come on so I tried looking at the obvious things like the fuse and the diode for the compressor. Since I have 2 HHRs, I took the diode out of one and swapped with the other without any change in results.
When I turn on the AC switch the light on the button does come on, but the compressor does not run, nor does the radiator fan come on.
My question is, are there other areas, that I can check before I take it to a professional?
If the Freon is low, is there something that shuts down the compressor?
I just want to figure out what kind of bill I am looking at if I can't find something stupid that I can fix.