Preventing AC problems later

txredgt

10 Year Member

Oct 26, 2009

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Jul 18, 2011

#1

• Jul 18, 2011

• #1

It seems like my compressor is starting to kick on more often and it seems pretty regular as well. My guess is that it is starting to get lower on Freon but I haven't confirmed that yet. I went to a place and they wanted 150 just to take the old stuff out and then put new Freon in. They couldn't even diagnose it for me, just could flush it all and put new stuff in. What does it take to check the pressure in the AC? Difficutly level? Car is an 02GT for those who are on mobile.

 

txredgt

10 Year Member

Oct 26, 2009

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Jul 19, 2011

#2

• Jul 19, 2011

• #2

Bump, anyone know how to test the freon levels on our cars? It was acting stranger today so I think its getting close to needing work done and I would like to know what it needs before having to take it in.

 

B

bdcardinal

tree hugger

Jun 10, 2003

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santa barbara, CA

Jul 19, 2011

#3

• Jul 19, 2011

• #3

To properly check the r134a (your car does not use freon) charge you need a gauge set. The evac and recharge with putting the system in a deep vacuum is the proper method.

 

txredgt

10 Year Member

Oct 26, 2009

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Jul 20, 2011

#4

• Jul 20, 2011

• #4

bdcardinal said:

To properly check the r134a (your car does not use freon) charge you need a gauge set. The evac and recharge with putting the system in a deep vacuum is the proper method.

Click to expand...

Hm, I definately learn something everyday about my car. Just a simple gauge will work for checking this?

 

trombonedemon

Well-Known Member

Jun 25, 2009

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U.S.A, U.S.A., U.S.A.!

Jul 20, 2011

#5

• Jul 20, 2011

• #5

txredgt said:

Hm, I definately learn something everyday about my car. Just a simple gauge will work for checking this?

Click to expand...

You should shop around for different prices, that seems a bit above the norm for just changing out refrigerant.

There are gauges at Auto Zone you buy, to check the Hot and Cold sides. To check for the leaks get your self black pen or a black light that hooks up at the cigarette socket. The refridgerant has lime green oil; glows in "black" light, so you can check leaks that way.

Thats why you might wanna take it to a specialists because I'm not sure you can add the dye in your self without vacuuming all out.

 

bhuff30

Founding Member

Dec 11, 2001

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Olathe KS

Jul 20, 2011

#6

• Jul 20, 2011

• #6

The local parts store will usually carry at least a couple types of UV dye you can charge your AC system with. You put it in just like you would refrigerant.

How long ago was the last AC service? Personally, I wouldn't mind recharging the system once a year, say each spring. Even twice a year wouldn't be the end of the world. More than that, and you might want to go leak hunting.

 

txredgt

10 Year Member

Oct 26, 2009

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Jul 21, 2011

#7

• Jul 21, 2011

• #7

I have owned the car 2 years an it has yet to had the ac serviced.guess its time to get it looked at