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Are you facing any difficulty regarding your car’s air conditioner? Or did your car’s AC system lost cooling? Whatever is the problem, don’t worry as there are chances that your vehicle may need freon thus, required refilling of the air conditioner. So, here our article will guide you and help you step by step to determine how to put freon in-car air conditioner. So, let’s begin with a discussion of the related matter.

Signs That Your Car Air Conditioner Needs Freon

The freon is compressed and pressurized to produce the cooling effect in the car by the air conditioner. It turns the gas present in it into liquid. Thus, this change in pressure essential allows the system to create cool air circulating throughout the vehicle.

There are situations when freon leaks occur, and hence the cooling effect is inhibited. Thus, there are several signs which tell that your car needs freon recharge or filling.

1. Room Temperature Air

Whenever you feel that your air conditioner is not working properly or emitting air at room temperature. All this signifies either the low level of freon or any malfunctioning in the AC.

2. Visible Leaks

Another sign is the leakage of fluid. If there is freon leakage, then it’s clear that the car has low-level freon in it. It is observed around the compressor lines or inside the cabin.

3. Clutch Doesn’t Engage

So, in this case, you must always hear the clutch engaging while switching on the air conditioner. The sound is mandatory because it signifies the compressor pressurizing the freon through the clutch.

However, clutch works by reading freon level. So, if you are unable to hear the sound, then there is low freon.

4. Ice On Compressor

It is also one of the valuable signs determining the level of freon. In this case, there is ice on the compressor, which is usually caused by the moisture taking freon. Thus, signifying the low level of freon in the car.

How To Put Freon In Car Air Conditioner?

Air conditioning filling or recharging your AC with freon is a pretty inexpensive task to perform. And it required about ten to fifteen minutes to complete the procedure.

It is quite an easy procedure to perform but can cause a problem with the air conditioning system if done incorrectly. So, you must follow the given steps carefully and properly to avoid any issue.

1. Locating The Low-Pressure Side Service Port

The very first step in the process is to identify the location of the low-side system service port in the car. It is usually fitted onto the larger portion of the refrigerant lines. You may have to look around keenly as these locations will vary and can obscure on some vehicles.

The high-pressure lines are generally smaller than those with low-pressure lines in the car.

After locating the low side port position, twist its cap clockwise, which has an O ring on the top. While opening the cap, if you hear a leak, the cap needs to be fixed and replaced.

2. Connecting The Recharge Kit

In the next step, remove all the safety located at the valve base determined by the white or red plastic tags. After that, pill the retainer ring upwards onto the low-side service port for attaching the connector.

While performing the procedure, you will hear a slight amount of pressure being released for a minute second.

3. Assemble The Dispenser

For doing so, I would recommend you to apply goggles for the safety purposes of your eyes. After that, consult a pressure chart given along with the refrigerant instructions for adequate system pressure.

Now, dispense the refrigerant and continue doing it until the desired level is reached. And please ensure that you may not over-pressurize the system as this would again create the problem.

4. Charging The System

It is the main step in filling the freon. The step is initiated by switching on the engine and idly allowing it to warm up to the operating temperature. Once you are done with the engine’s warm-up, switch on the air conditioner and adjust it to the lowest temperature.

After the system is turned on, wait for at least thirty seconds to know the liability. Continue this procedure of press and release until the system reached the desired pressure indicated on the gauge.

Here also, make sure that you do not overfill it as doing so would opposite all the system’s actions.

5. Disconnect The Charge Kit

It is the last step of the procedure, so be careful and end it smoothly. Once the maximum temperature is reached, or the coolness attains its peak, release the connector collar to remove the applied kit. Make sure at this time, that both the engine and the system are still running; otherwise, the removal of the kit is difficult and thus, increases your problem.

After removing the kit, reinstall the cap and seal all the areas which you initially unseal. And also, be careful while tightening the cap, as overtightening will adds to a new issue.

At last, switch off the engine. Thus, the AC too automatically shuts down. Now, whenever you use the air conditioner, it will work as smoothly as previous.

How Much Does It Cost To Put Freon In Car?

Freon is one of the core components of the air conditioning systems of the vehicle. And it needs replacement or refills at regular intervals to keep the air conditioner functioning correctly.

The freon replacement cost lies within a price range of $180 to $250, whereas the freon itself costs $55 to $120. However, slight variation could observe from place to place.

Bonus Tips:

Refer to the video below to watch the in-depth video guide to recharging your car ac by yourself:

Frequnetly Asked Questions :

So, here are some of the frequently Asked Questions about can I put freon in my car Ac myself , can AutoZone put freon in your car etc?

Conclusion

We hope all the readers are pleased with our article. Also, now you know each step in detail how to put freon in-car air conditioner.

If your doubts persist regarding the topic, you may comment below in the comment section. And we’ll soon answer all your questions as quickly as possible.