Pinpointing the possible cause of the a c malfunction requires the use of an a c manifold gauge and some interpretation of the gauge readings.
Adding freon to car ac with gauges.
There is a very limited amount of refrigerant in the system and when even small amount leaks the system can no longer function properly delivering lukewarm air instead of cold air.
Most 1994 and older vehicles used r12 as the original refrigerant if the vehicle being serviced is still using r12 it must be evacuated and retrofitted.
If both gauges read below normal while the engine runs and at maximum ac it means a low refrigerant condition exists.
When your car s air conditioning ac begins to lose power and doesn t blow cool air it may be time for an ac recharge.
With the engine running and ac on and an ambient.
Thread the refrigerant can onto the energize hose.
An air conditioning manifold gauge set is a must have tool for anyone who is interested in performing some basic system work at home such as checking pressure in a c lines determining if there s a leak adding small amounts of refrigerant or performing a complete evacuation and recharge.
Stringing the can onto the hose enables you to gradually finish off the ac framework with fluid refrigerant once the can is introduced hold the can upstanding and press the trigger for 5 to 10 seconds to add the refrigerant to the framework.
If hooking a can of refrigerant with a single hose gauge to the car you will use the low side.
Read the car ac gauges.
Recharging your ac means adding more refrigerant to your ac system to allow the air to start blowing cold again.
How to tell if your car ac needs freon.
This will indicate that your car air conditioner has been recharged.
In other words if your system is low on charge you can t use your gauge set to add refrigerant to get to factory specified fill capacity.
To charge the system with a can of freon the yellow middle hose on the gauge must be connected to a freon can.
Step 3 freon pierce the can of freon turn the gauge valve to release the freon continuing until the pressure is as it should be.
The only way to know if your system is properly charged is to evacuate it and add new refrigerant with a scale.
The hose end has a twisting puncture valve on it that connects securely to the freon can.
Turn on the car and run the air conditioning for several minutes paying attention to the pressure on the gauge.
In the simplest form you ll know when you need an ac recharge if your ac starts pumping warm air instead of cold.
It should latch on easily.
Part 2 of how to properly charge up an auto r134a ac system using pressure gauge and off the shelf 12 ounce r134a refrigerant.
Some corrective action steps can be taken by the do it yourselfer though other.
If hooking a set of gauges to the vehicle you will use both.
Look at both gauges.