Why Can't Refrigerant Be Added to the Car Air Conditioner?

[MadelineFitz]

The reasons why refrigerant cannot be added to the car air conditioner, whether at high or low pressure, are as follows: 1. Blocked connection: If high and low pressure readings can be observed, it indicates that the issue of blocked high and low pressure pipe connections can be ruled out. 2. Compressor damage: If the low-pressure side is high and the high-pressure side is low, it may indicate compressor damage. In such cases, refrigerant cannot be added. The most common symptom of a dirty or blocked expansion valve is frosting. 3. Poor heat dissipation: If the opening is small, the low-pressure pipe will not feel very cold when touched by hand. If the opening is large, the low-pressure pipe will feel very cold. Additionally, a dirty condenser causing poor heat dissipation or a failed dryer bottle can also lead to this phenomenon.

[JudeLynn]

Once I tried adding refrigerant to my car's AC system myself, but no matter how I tried, it wouldn't take any. Later, I found out there was a refrigerant leak in the system. If there's a leak in the AC system—like from aging pipes or a broken seal—the refrigerant will just leak out as soon as it's added, making it completely ineffective. Another issue could be insufficient pressure: if the compressor isn't running or the low-pressure valve is clogged, the gauge readings will be abnormally high, preventing anything from being added. Improper operation is also a problem—forgetting to turn on the AC system to circulate or connecting the tools backward can also cause issues. It's best to first check the entire system for obvious leaks using a soapy water test to spot bubbles, or perform a pressure test if needed. Regular AC maintenance, like cleaning the condenser and inspecting pipes, can help avoid refrigerant leaks and save money. Additionally, the problem becomes more noticeable during hot summer months—low refrigerant levels lead to poor cooling performance, making driving uncomfortable. If DIY isn't an option, it's better to take it to a professional repair shop for diagnosis to ensure the AC runs properly, as failure to do so can affect driving comfort and safety.

[NicoleDella]

I feel it's quite common for car air conditioning systems to have difficulty taking in refrigerant, mostly due to system settings or minor faults. For example, a stuck high-pressure switch or unopened valve, or excessively high pipeline pressure can prevent the refrigerant from being pushed in. Or if the compressor bearings are worn and it's not turning, adding more refrigerant won't help. I've also encountered cases where the filter was completely blocked, with debris accumulated at the inlet, cutting off refrigerant flow. During operation, it's essential to ensure the air conditioning is on and the engine speed is stable, but many people overlook this. Regular checks of the air conditioning system's sealing are crucial to avoid refrigerant leakage issues. This involves safety concerns, as improper addition or leakage of refrigerant can pose poisoning risks, especially in enclosed car cabins. It's recommended to use a dedicated pressure gauge to check the pressure range before attempting to refill. While driving, don't ignore warning signs like unusual noises or slow cooling from the air conditioning; addressing issues early can save on repair costs.

[JasmineRose]

There are various reasons why refrigerant cannot be added to a car's air conditioning system. The system may have a leak, allowing the refrigerant to escape; the compressor might be broken and unable to circulate; or the pipes could be blocked, hindering flow. Operational errors, such as not turning on the air conditioning, can also lead to failure. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues.