Yep, coolant was recharged and at that time the garage said there was a leak but didn't say where. It lasted for a year or so and leaked out. They did put dye in the system, I can see a little of it when I take the cap off the Schrader valve. I'll check the AC lines in the engine compartment like you mentioned. Just hope it isn't in the evaporator under the dash. I just hope I can charge the system enough to get the compressor to kick in, assuming the compressor isn't shot. If the compressor would kick in at least it would circulate whatever dye is left in the system. Thanks, I'll keep you posted.

 

Your charge is very low. If you only find dye at the schrader valves, I suggest evacuating the system with a vacuum pump. I think parts stores like O'Reilly's has a vacuum pump as a loaner tool, where you put a deposit down and get refunded when you return the item.

Replacing the schrader valves is very easy. Then you can pull a vacuum on the system, close the red and blue valve on your manifold, shut off the vacuum, then see if the system holds the approx -29 psi vacuum the pump puts on the system.

This would make charging easier, because you should have a sticker under your hood or on the radiator support telling you exactly how much R-134a you need to charge. Then you buy a can of R-134a that is in the weight range to charge the system, and use the whole can to recharge.

 

Good info, thanks. I'll definitely get a vac pump. Where is a good place to get the schrader valves and removal tool? There's a ton of them online, just want to make sure I get the right ones that are good quality. I have a recharge can with a hose and gauge. Can I use that or is it better to use a can I can attach to the refill hose of the manifold gauge? Thanks again, really appreciate your help!

 

When measuring your manifold should be 35-45 on low side and around the high side should be twice the low plus 50.

Below is a good kit to get. You do what feels comfortable for you. I would personally use the manifold but then again I've been using it for years so I'm comfortable with it. I just don't like the quick fill cans because I like to see what both sides are doing while I fill.

 

thanks Sean!

 

I got a schrader valve tool at the autoparts store and it was pretty inexpensive. I don't have any information on good vs bad brands for the valves.

The dye at the schrader valve may be residual from when the shop refilled the system.

For the system pressures, the system pressure when the a/c is not running and the car is sitting should be around the same pressure as the outside air temperature. When the a/c system is fully charge, the high pressure is about double the outside air temperature. The low side pressure is around 25 psi if your center vent temperature is cooling to the low to mid 40s. Humidity has a big affect on pressures and the car should also be in the shade when verifying pressures. Vacuuming the system and adding the correct amount of R134a takes all of the guess work out of the pressures.

I don't know what R134a can you have, but I usually remove the adapter supplied. Make sure the can is sealed on top. Search MT0442 on autozone, because that adapter fits my pressure gauge on the end of the yellow hose.