How to Add Freon to a Car

Freon is the trade name for a colorless refrigerant; it is used in some car air conditioning systems, and also in commercial and residential refrigerators. You may need to add Freon to your car if the car is overheating or your air conditioner is not working properly. While it's best to leave this type of liquid top-off to a mechanic, it is possible to add Freon to the car's air conditioning system yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Can of Freon Protective gloves Car owner's manual

1. Locate your car's air conditioning compressor and attach the Freon to the hoses. Review the owner's manual to find out where the compressor is located, and which hoses are attached to it. You will need to attach the shorter hose from the gauges directly to the can of Freon.

2. Purge extra air from the system. Loosen the valve on the can of Freon and let the air filter out for a few seconds.

3. Close the valve. You will need to tighten up the hose connection after the air has dissipated; close the valve tightly.

4. Let the Freon run through the car's system. Start the car and turn on the conditioner to its highest setting. Keep the can in an upright position so that the refrigerant, and not any liquid, enters the system very slowly.

5. Remove the Freon can from the hose. When the can is close to empty, but not completely empty, close the valve tightly and remove the hose.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves and eye protection to prevent contamination from this dangerous substance. If your car was made prior to 1993, you should take it to a certified mechanic for any air conditioning problems.
• Adding too much Freon to the car can cause problems to the car's air conditioning system; make sure your car can readily accept the addition of Freon by reviewing your owner's manual. If the hoses aren't connected to the can of Freon correctly, the can may explode and cause bodily harm.

Resources

• Facts About Freon
• Freon A/C Kit

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