How to Recharge Refrigerant in Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
Car air conditioning refrigerant recharge methods are: 1. High-pressure side charging, suitable for recharging after leak detection and vacuuming. Note that the compressor must not be turned on during this method, the engine should be off, and the refrigerant tank needs to be inverted; 2. Low-pressure side charging, where gas is added. This method is characterized by slow charging speed and is typically used for refrigerant replenishment. Tips for car air conditioning refrigerant recharge: After completing the refrigerant recharge, close the low-pressure manual valve on the manifold gauge, shut the injection valve on the refrigerant tank, stop the engine, and quickly remove the manifold gauge from the compressor to prevent excessive refrigerant leakage.
Last time I went to the repair shop for insufficient air conditioning cooling, the technician explained that refrigerant charging is a professional job that must be performed by a qualified technician using specialized charging equipment and pressure gauges connected to the high and low-pressure ports. The system needs to be vacuumed first to remove moisture and air, then slowly filled with new refrigerant R134a. Otherwise, impurities can damage the compressor or even cause refrigerant leaks that pollute the environment. I once tried a DIY kit myself but failed to control the pressure properly, wasting money and worsening the leak. I suggest that if your AC vents aren’t cold enough, don’t blindly add refrigerant—it might be due to aging seals or a clogged condenser. It’s safer to have it inspected and repaired at a professional shop. Regular AC maintenance is also important; getting it checked once a year before summer can prevent such issues.
