Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Freon levels

Before I go ahead and attempt to recharge my AC, how do I check the freon levels already in there, it warns not to overcharge and all that. I don't want to start charging and overcharge and find out it was the compressor instead. and where is this low pressure valve or whatever? Someone help me out, I'm an idiot.

As far as I know, the only way to check the level is to suck it out with a specialized machine at the shop...not practical for the average DIY-er. If your A/C compressor is cycling on and off every 10 secs or so, buy a small can of R134a. Small cans are less than half the total capacity of the A/C system (27 ozs). The low pressure side is on the right-hand side if you are looking at the engine bay from the front. There's a black cap about the size of a dime covering the port. Nothing to it. Get the R134a with sealer if you suspect a leak. Always wear glasses/goggles since you really don't want this in your eyes.

My compressor housing leaks, do you think a can with sealer will seal the leak? Still cheaper to continously recharde ac then have new compressor installed.

Who makes the R134 recharge cans and where can you buy it?

I bought a can of EZ-charge or something to that affect at Advanced Auto Parts, it was like $5.

You can buy R134a almost anywhere. Walmart, KMart, auto supply shops, etc. They are around $4-6.

FYI: You can also buy cans of R134a with fluorescent dye. You can use a blacklight on the dye to find any leaks that you might have.

I don't think that it will hurt to try.

Walmart and most auto parts stores sell a recharge kit (for around $25-30) that gives a rough idea of the charge level. The gauge only contains "zones" (low, correct, high) that will tell you where your current charge is at.

If you want to buy something that is more accurate, I saw another gauge that is more accurate (it displays the lbs. of pressure up to 500 lbs.!), but it is more expensive.

I'm in Canada and i've looked for recharge kits here. I don't think they sell them here. I guess i'm gunna have to take a trip across the border to get a can or two.