Recharge My Car’s AC If It’s Not Blowing Air
It’s not uncommon for car AC systems to need recharging, particularly after several years of use. Often, the refrigerant will leak out of the system, causing low pressure. Recharge kits are available at many auto parts stores and can be used at home by following the instructions provided with the kit. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of DIY AC recharging.
The recharging process is relatively simple, but you must be familiar with the system to make sure the proper amount of refrigerant is added. If too much is added, it can cause damage to the compressor and other AC components. To avoid this, always follow the recommended pressures listed in your owner’s manual and on the side of your air conditioner compressor.
You will also need to have the correct type of refrigerant for your system. If you’re unsure which refrigerant your vehicle uses, consult your owner’s manual or a repair manual online to find out. Many systems use R134a, while older models may require R12 refrigerant. DIY car ac recharge kit typically contain a mixture of both types, but it’s important to be aware of this limitation before using one. Mixing refrigerants can damage AC components and may be dangerous for you to handle.
If your AC system is not working at all, it’s likely that the AC compressor clutch shoe or pulley are not engaged. A jump wire can be inserted into the clutch terminals to get the compressor clutch to engage. Once this is done, you can turn the car’s engine on and begin the recharging process.
Can I Recharge My Car’s AC If It’s Not Blowing Air?
Ensure the low side service port is open and unplugged before attempting to recharge your car AC. The low-side port is usually a round, plastic tube connected to the AC compressor. It is typically plugged with a black cap, which must be removed to expose the port.
After the refrigerant has been added, it should take 2 to 2.5 hours for your AC to start blowing cold air. This time period is necessary for the system to properly distribute the coolant throughout the entire system.
It’s always wise to check the pressure of your AC system after recharging it. This will help to spot any leaks that need to be repaired.
You should also keep an eye out for a change in the smell or taste of the air coming from your vents. This could indicate a refrigerant leak that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Although DIY car ac recharge can save you money in the short term, it’s best to leave professional repair and maintenance to certified technicians. Recharging an AC system without addressing the underlying problem can mask issues and lead to expensive repairs in the future. To avoid this, schedule an appointment at Massey Yardley CDJR in Plantation to have your air conditioning serviced by our expert team. Our ASE-Certified technicians will be happy to help!