What happens if too much refrigerant is added to a car's air conditioning system?
3 Answers
Adding too much refrigerant to a car's air conditioning system can trigger high-pressure alarms, result in the air conditioning not cooling or reduced cooling efficiency, and even cause the air conditioning pipes to burst. Here are the specific symptoms of overcharging the car air conditioning refrigerant: 1. If too much refrigerant is added, it causes the suction and discharge pressures in the air conditioning system to become excessively high. If the system can still operate, it becomes difficult to lower the temperature. 2. The current value measured at the compressor's power supply will be noticeably higher. Prolonged operation under these conditions can easily burn out electrical components. 3. Overcharging the refrigerant can fill the condenser completely, reducing the available heat exchange area. After running for a while, high-pressure protection will activate.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I've seen plenty of cases where car AC refrigerant is overcharged. When the pressure gets too high, the compressor has to work overtime, increasing the load and making it prone to burning out, not to mention the annoying loud noise it produces. Ironically, the cooling performance suffers because the system gets thrown off balance—the air vent temperature might even rise, leaving the car uncomfortably hot. Fuel consumption spikes, the battery struggles, and energy efficiency drops. Worst of all, excessive pressure can loosen fittings, raising the risk of leaks and leading to costly repairs. So don't just top it off blindly—use a pressure gauge for accurate measurement or head straight to a repair shop. Professional tools and handling are the way to go for reliable results and extended AC lifespan.
I drive an old car, and when the AC wasn't working, I tried adding refrigerant myself. Overfilling it turned out to be a real headache. The compressor made loud cracking noises like it was about to break, the fan blew hard but didn't cool at all, and the car remained stuffy and uncomfortable. Fuel consumption increased significantly—the tank drained quickly when the AC was on, hurting my wallet. Later, a check revealed the pressure was too high, the system was clogged, and cold air couldn't circulate, nearly ruining the compressor. My advice: don't mess around. Check the recommended amount in the manual before adding refrigerant, and if unsure, get it tested at a 4S shop. Keeping it normal ensures both cooling and fuel efficiency.