A/C recharging! Please help!

[Gordonse2000]

Hey Guys and Gals,
I just bought this: http://datatheft.net/images/ac.jpg I know some people have done this, can anyone explain where I need to plug this in? Got any pics? Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Gordon

[Macleod52]

Couldn't tell you but I don't know if that works the same as freon or not. I believe they still use Freon and if so you have to have a permit to buy it because it is dangerous stuff. I don't know how that stuff is supposed to work but I'd just be careful.

[Gordonse2000]

Thanks, yeah I knwo its not the same but you are supposed to be able to use this instead. I know someone on here used it and said it made "clouds" come out of his AC!
ANYONE??
Gordon

[Brendon]

No Freon, our cars use the R134a.

[Gordonse2000]

Cool, so i have the right stuff!!! thanks brendon. Anyone know where i plug it in???
Gordon

[Gordonse2000]

It says on the can to connect to the LOW Pressure hose. Is this the right place???
http://datatheft.net/images/AC1.JPG http://datatheft.net/images/AC2.JPG http://datatheft.net/images/AC3.JPG http://datatheft.net/images/AC4.JPG

Anyone? Please...
Gordon

[Gordonse2000]

found this on gmpowertalk

"r134a is okay to discharge on your own. Look up under the car from the bottom by the compressor. You should see a blue port. Thats where it goes. Look on your service manual or under your hood, and it should say how much freon it should take. I don't think it varies from v6 and the 2.4L... But for the 2.4L it's 2.25lbs. And since cans are sold in 12oz bottles, get 3 of those. Hook it up at the bottom (the blue port... do NOT attach to the high pressure side, you will blow the can off!!!). The lines should start sweating. After using all your cans, run it and check for any leaks using a blacklight (be sure to the freon with the UV dye). If you have any leaks, take care of that. At wal-mart here, a full recharge kit with hoses costs about $40. If I were you, I'd play it safe and get it done cheaply at an oil change place or something like that. If you screw it up, you'll be looking at about a $1500 a/c repair to replace the whole system. I almost did mine by myself and instead took it to the dealer. Hope that helps any"

[JTS99GASEV6]

Originally posted by Gordonse2000
Hey Guys and Gals,
I just bought this: http://datatheft.net/images/ac.jpg I know some people have done this, can anyone explain where I need to plug this in? Got any pics? Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Gordon
Is there something wrong w/ your A/C system? If so what? Does it blow warm air or something? Before putting anything in, be sure that your problem really is cause by a lack of refrigerant charge, not something else like an HVAC or electrical problem (fuse?). Anyway it's VERY important that your system is not overcharged. If you're sure the problem is due to a lack of refrigerant then I would try to find out why. I would buy a can of refrigerant dye if you're determined on trying to find and fix a leak on your own. This will put stain in the oil (usually red). So when it leaks out again it'll leave a color (usually reddish) tinted residue behind and that'll help alot in finding where the leak is at. Some dyes will glow under a black light to further assist in finding leaks. If the engine compartment is really dirty or dusty I would go ahead and clean it up real well, paying close attention to the A/C componants beforehand and taking note of any oily areas-this will point to potential areas that are leaking A/C refrigerant. After the dye is installed a clean engine compartment will help in finding fresh leaks since all of the old dirt and grime is gone. After the dye installed in the system, search for fresh evidence of leaks by looking closely at the hoses and their connections and then on or around the A/C compressor itself. Then check out the condensor core itself located in front of the radiator for any problems. If all looks ok then look closely at your evaporator condensation drain off hose for any oil residue build-up, that would point to a bad evaporator (the evaporator is located inside the car's HVAC system in the dash). I'm not sure where the condensation drain off hose is located on our GA's off hand, but most likely it's located on the firewall somewhere. If nothing shows up right away, it may take time for the dye to show up if there's a small leak so just periodically check for leaks for a while.
If you have opened or will have to open up the system (removed an A/C line, changed the compressor, etc.) then the system must put under a vacuum before adding any refrigerant. This will help to remove most all of the moisture in the system-if there's moisture in the system it will react corrosively w/ the R134a and eventually cause damage to the A/C componants, and usually the big $$ compressor is the first to fail.
Anyway, if you're only determined to just go ahead and use what you've bought there, the hose fitting on that can should ONLY plug into the low side port, it shouldn't fit at all over the high pressure port. In all likelyhood, what you bought there will only be a temporary fix if you have a leak somewhere, though. My experience messing w/ A/C systems over the last 17 years has proven it time and time again that will be the case.:( The leak should be fixed permanantly (ie replace the offending part), otherwise you'll be adding refrigerant practically indefinitely if you keep the car and at great risk to damaging the A/C system due to possible long term moisture contamination or over/undercharging conditions.
Good luck.:)

[swordfencer]

I know you can buy AC recharging kits and most auto shops. They come with the proper connections and hoses, and make sure you also get a pressure gauge as well so you do not overcharge the system.