How to Repair an Air Conditioner in an Automobile
If you turn on your air conditioner and no cold air comes out, your car is most likely out of freon. Repair your air conditioner by recharging the freon with the use of a can of freon and a service hose. Always consult your user's manual or your mechanic before recharging to ensure that freon is the correct refrigerant, to determine the freon capacity of your automobile, and to locate the AC service fitting in your engine. Many vehicles built before 1995 take an older type of refrigerant that can only be added by a licensed auto mechanic.
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Instructions
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Attach the hose attachment valve to the can of freon. Puncture the can's seal by turning in the valve. The turned-in valve will keep the opening on the can closed. Turn out the valve to release just enough freon to fill the hose and to push out the standing air, and then turn back in the valve to re-seal the opening on the can.
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Remove the cap from the low-side pressure air conditioner service fitting and attach the opposite end to the service hose. Do this as quickly as possible after puncturing the seal on the can. Be careful to not attach the hose to the high-side fitting, as this can cause a backfire. Hold the can upright, and do not tilt it as this will cause the freon to leak.
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Start the compressor in your air conditioner system by starting your automobile and turning the air conditioner on high. The compressor needs to be on to effectively suck the freon from the can into the system.
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Turn out the valve on the hose to release the freon. Wait for the can to empty. Once emptied, turn off your car. Close the valve on the hose and remove the fitting-end. Replace the fitting cap.
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Tips & Warnings
Larger capacity systems may require a second can of freon.
Some service hoses also come with pressure gauges that allow you to monitor the recharge process.
Never add more freon than your automobile's capacity calls for.
