How to Add Refrigerant?
2 Answers
The steps for adding refrigerant are as follows: Connect the manifold pressure gauge to the compressor and refrigerant tank, expel the air from the injection hose, and bring the system pressure to 0.4MPa. Turn on the air conditioning, open the manual valve on the manifold pressure gauge, and fill the refrigerant to the specified value. Below is relevant information about automotive air conditioning refrigerant: 1. Air conditioning refrigerant is essentially the working medium in the refrigeration cycle, utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant to transfer heat. That is, the refrigerant absorbs heat when it vaporizes in the evaporator and releases heat when it condenses in the condenser. Currently, there are over 80 substances that can be used as refrigerants, with the most common being ammonia, Freon compounds, water, and a few hydrocarbons. 2. During the filling process, proceed slowly. Add a small amount and let the air conditioning run for about 10 minutes, then measure the pressure and current. If necessary, add more in increments. Do not use the immediate pressure and current readings as the standard, as this may lead to overfilling. 3. When adding refrigerant in winter, you can disconnect the four-way valve coil or artificially adjust the indoor temperature sensor to reach a temperature that allows cooling. Sometimes, you can also run the air conditioning in dehumidification mode, as it is less stringent about temperature requirements.
I've done the coolant refill quite a few times, and it's a step-by-step process. First, make sure the vehicle has cooled down. Never operate when the engine is still hot, or high-pressure steam could spray out and cause burns. Wait at least half an hour after parking. Second, open the hood and locate the plastic expansion tank, which usually has markings on the cap. Before opening the cap, gently touch it with your hand to ensure it's not too hot. Third, check the fluid level—there are usually min and max indicator lines on the side of the container. If it's below the min line, you need to add coolant. Use a clean funnel to pour it in slowly, controlling the flow to avoid exceeding the max line. Remember to only use the coolant type specified in the vehicle's manual, as mixing different brands may cause chemical reactions that clog the system. After refilling, securely close the cap, then start the engine to check if the system is functioning properly. Regular fluid level checks are crucial, especially before and after long-distance drives, as this helps prevent engine overheating issues.
