What happens if too much Freon is added to a car's air conditioning system?
2 Answers
Excessive Freon in a car's air conditioning system will increase the pressure within the system. When the air conditioning control system detects excessively high pressure, it will frequently cut off the compressor's operation, resulting in poor cooling performance. Additionally, the persistently high pressure in the air conditioning pipes can damage the components. Inspection method: Observe through the sight glass on top of the dryer tank. If no bubbles are visible in the sight glass while the car's air conditioning is running, and no bubbles appear after the compressor stops, it indicates an excessive amount of refrigerant. In this case, simply release some refrigerant. The principle of air conditioning is to compress gas into liquid and then convert the liquid back into gas. During the conversion from liquid to gas, heat energy is absorbed, thereby releasing cold air. If there is too much refrigerant, it occupies the space required for the conversion to gas, preventing the liquid from fully converting into gas, which leads to poor cooling performance.
I've been repairing cars for decades and have seen too many cases of overcharged Freon in AC systems. The system pressure will skyrocket, causing the compressor to work under excessive load, which can easily lead to damage or burnout. The cooling effect actually gets worse because the refrigerant doesn't circulate properly and can't cool efficiently. It may also cause Freon leaks and increase the risk of pipe ruptures, leading to more expensive repairs. Normal pressure should be between 200 to 300 psi - anything above this range indicates overcharging. I recommend car owners avoid DIY refills and instead visit professional shops that use pressure gauges to recharge according to manufacturer specifications. Regular AC system maintenance can prevent these issues, extend compressor life, and give you peace of mind while driving - after all, a broken AC in summer can be unbearable. Checking sealing rings during maintenance is also crucial.
