Tried to recharge my A/C in my car.

Question

I have a 1997 Ford Expedition recently my Air conditioner started blowing warm air so I bought one of the cans of the coolant to re-charge it myself. When I push the button on the can to refill it the gage reads that it is already full.

So my question is could there be something else wrong with the a/c in my car?

and please spare me the short unhelpful answers. I am leaving for Virginia on Saturday and would like to know if i should bring it to a garage or if simply the can-o-coolant is junk!

Answer 1

I'm assuming your vehicle is designed for r134a refrigerant which is what you tried to use.

To do the job correctly you'll need a set of professional quality test gauges.

Did the system gradually get warm or did it just stop producing cold air  suddenly?

If it just stopped it's unlikely the problem is your refrigerant level. More likely there is an electrical problem, a fuse or thermal link, or the refrigerant sensor. It could also be a problem with the inside controls. Does the compressor run?

If it's been a gradual drop in performance it is likely that it is low.

The gauge on the can is likely lying to you. As you release the contents into the system the gauge will read differently than when you stop. It will then display system pressure.

The system only needs to be evacuated if the contents have gotten damaged, are being replaced with a different type, or the system has gone down to air (no refrigerant pressure left).

Remember the vehicle must be running with the A/C on for charging to work.

Answer 2

Was your engine running and your a/c turned on high when you tried this? If not the recharge will not flow into the system.

Answer 3

I think you should take it somewhere to have it looked at. Those cans do work. Make sure you followed the directions.

Check to see if the clutch on the compressor kicks in when you turn on the AC. If not could be a number of things including low freon. If the system is indeed full with freon then you really need to have it looked at.

The problem with messing with AC is even if you get it working short term you may end up doing expensive damage in the long run. There aren't any short cuts unfortunately.

Answer 4

My guess is the compressor isn't turning on. I suggest taking it to a garage and having it looked at.

Answer 5

is your clutch engaging on the compressor?

you may have to go to a garage or A/C specialist

all the best

Answer 6

If the system is already full your problem is a sticky valve or a compressor not cycling.

You better take it to a mechanic.

Good luck

Answer 7

when you add gas to your ac system you need to use a recovery machine  to suck out all the old refrigerant and remove all the air before a charge so just because there is pressure in the system does not mean the refrigerant level is good , also there is a pressure switch and if that goes out the ac compressor will not turn on