Is this where I refill 134a freon?

[BatKing]

Hi,

my AC is acting. the driver side is cooler than passenger side and cooling power is a lot weaker than last summer. Also the AC is making some noise which I don't recall was there last summer.

From search the forum, it seems refill the freon will fix the cooling issue if no major leak is involved.

However, I can't find a DIY or any instructions on Where to add the 134A. the best I can get is the following post

http://www.xoutpost.com/509902-post14.html

but mine is a 04 Aug 4.4i and the engine bay look different than the above post.

is the following picture is where I should connect the bottle of 134A?


I just simply open the black cap and connect the 134A host to refill?

THanks

[meltdown325]

Can't see the pic you posted, but there are two black caps (one for high pressure and one for low). At least on my X5, the black cap right next to the radiator is the high pressure valve (avoid). The low pressure valve is near the wheelwell on the passenger side of the engine.

The two valves are different sizes, and your charging hose should only fit on the low pressure valve. Just take off the low pressure black cap and connect per your charging hose instructions.

The a/c system has a relatively small total capacity (.97 lbs), so one 12 oz net wt can is 3/4 of that capapity. Just don't add too much, wear safety glasses, blah blah blah.

[BatKing]

Thanks. So I guess the picture I shot was the wrong one. it is the bigger diameter cap just next to the radiator.

I also found there is another cap close to the back passenger side just below the big wind shield washer fluid container.

so is the smaller cap the low pressure value? the one next to the radiator is bigger cap.

[BatKing]

just a update, the SMALLER cap is the low pressure valve. my X took about 2/3 of a 510 gram can 134a. the pressure is around 35 to 40 and it won't go higher no matter I shake or turn the can. so stop after 3 couple mins.

now the AC is iced cold again. let see if it will maintain that cold... thanks.

[pezho405]

Hey in one picture of the ac control panel it read 14 degrees C, mine only goes down to 16C, is it normal? i have a 4.4 2004.