DIY Adding R134a

[joinarnold]

I went to Kragen auto parts today and got a DIY R134a recharge kit, since my 2001 x5 is blowing warm air.

I've searched and haven't found any reference to if this is a good or doable thing.

Can't I save the cash and do it myself, just like I change my own oil?

[corima]

Years ago, when auto manufacturers were switching from R-12 to R-134a I descided to take the course and get certified do the conversion myself, and legally purchase R-12. So, over the years I have serviced the AC system myself on all my cars. The basic answer to your question is yes. To the job properely it is more complicated than just adding refrigerant to the system. At minimum you need a good manifold set to measure the pressure on the high side, and low side of the compressor. You can add the refrigerant that you got to see if the compressor kicks on. It should only kick on, if there is pressure in the system. Its easy enough to add, but if you add too much, you will blow the seals in the compressor. That is why you need a good manifold set, to check the effeciency of the AC system. Once the system is running, you will need to check for a leak. Once you fix the leak, you will probably need to replace dryer, have the system vacuumed, so that new oil and refrigerant can be added. I dont mean to sound like an alarmist, but just adding refrigerant, may solve your problem shortly, it doesnt take into account that there may be really something wrong your AC. Just go price a replacement compressor. YIKES! Then again, it could just be some other electrical fault causing the AC compressor not to kick on.

[joinarnold]

Come on. What kind of answer was that?
To let you know, I put the stuff in my car and it worked perfectly.

[corima]

Originally Posted by joinarnold

Come on. What kind of answer was that?
To let you know, I put the stuff in my car and it worked perfectly.

Then I guess you showed me!

[alpac]

Originally Posted by joinarnold

Come on. What kind of answer was that?
To let you know, I put the stuff in my car and it worked perfectly.

Corima gave you an accurate and very good answer. Adding refrigerant may fix your problem temporarily but if your A/C is low on refrigerant it is usually the sign of a a bigger problem, starting with a leak somewhere. Corima was also right in saying that without measuring the pressure on the low and high side of the compressor you cannot assess your A/C system.

[dkl]

with Corima that just adding refrigerant is only a short term solution. There's a leak somewhere in your system for you to loose that much refrigerant.

Joinarnold, What type of answers were you expecting? Just be grateful that you got an informative detailed answer. Remember...nobody owes you anything and certainly nobody is obligated to answer any of your questions.

[alpac]

Originally Posted by dkl

Joinarnold, What type of answers were you expecting? Just be grateful that you got an informative detailed answer. Remember...nobody owes you anything and certainly nobody is obligated to answer any of your questions.

[swissfrank]

joinarnold, glad to hear it worked for you. Eventually even a properly working AC system will need to be serviced!