How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in an Acura Integra

Warm air blowing from the air conditioner in your Acura Integra is frustrating. Fortunately, if lack of refrigerant is the problem, recharging the system will correct the problem. In most models, you can use an R134 recharge kit from your local auto parts store.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Leak detection kit
• Auto air pressure gauge
• R134 recharge kit

Prepare for Recharging

1. Inspect your air conditioning lines for damage. Some auto parts stores have kits that will help you to find leaks in the system and possibly seal small leaks. If you see any visible damage, take your Integra to a professional to recharge the air conditioning system with Freon.
2. Locate the Low Pressure Side port. You can find this under the hood of the car. It will be near the front grill. When you are looking from left to right, the port will be almost directly in the center. Take off the port cap and set it aside.
3. Determine if your car uses R134 or R12 Freon. R134 compatible models will have quick connect port valves. Models made before 1995 may use the old R12 Freon. If this is the case, you must have your Integra's air conditioning system retrofitted to use R134 Freon.
4. Check the air conditioning system pressure using an auto air pressure gauge. Keep in mind that the car should be on with the air conditioner running full blast. If the pressure is in the normal or high range, lack of Freon isn't the problem.

Recharge the System

5. Attach the refill kit hose to the connector on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions.
6. Open the valve on the refill hose slowly to allow the Freon to enter the air conditioning system. Keep in mind that it can take as long as 10 minutes to empty a single can of R134 into the system. Your car can hold a total of 27.4 oz. of Freon.
7. Close the valve on the refill hose and remove it from the Low Pressure Side port. Remember to put the cap back on the port.
8. Leave the air conditioner on for at least 30 minutes to allow the Freon to circulate through the entire air conditioning system.

Tips & Warnings

• In some areas, you will need a license to buy Freon, including R134. If this is the case in your area, don't try to recharge your air conditioner. Take it to a professional to do the job.
• Don't try to add R134 Freon into a car that uses R12 Freon unless you are certain that the car has been retrofitted to accept R134.
• Wear protective eye gear and gloves when you recharge your Integra air conditioning system with Freon.
• Because your air conditioning system is pressurized, you must be careful not to overfill it with Freon. Additionally, you should never try to add Freon to the High Pressure Side which is marked with a red cap or a cap with an H or HIGH printed on it.
• Never discharge Freon into the air. This is illegal even when you are using R134 refrigerant. You can take excess to a professional for disposal.