A/C R-134a Recharge Advice
#1
07-07-2013, 08:44 PM
A/C R-134a Recharge Advice
2003 Honda Accord V6 EX Mileage: 95K+
I've noticed lately on 90 degree days (and up) that my A/C is not getting ice cold. I need to leave it on lo, with blowers on high to feel a chill from the vents. And even then, it doesn't get as cold as I think it should be getting while on low. I do feel a temperature difference when I turn on and off the compressor, and I hear it kick on and off. There is a difference in temp when the AC is on vs off. Changing the thermostat does change the blower speed, when set on auto it doesn't seem to blow cold enough.
I changed the HVAC blower component a few months ago, when the blowers stopped blowing hot air (in the winter). The car was repaired about a month ago for a loose wire behind the steering column. This was causing a loss of power in my accessory outlets and radio. I doubt this was related to that, but I hadn't noticed the AC issue until recently and after this repair.
Am I wasting my money going the DIY route with a can of the R-134A from Walmart and following their instructions? I've read that every year a car loses about 10% of its A/C efficiency, but the drop off from last year is significant. last year, the A/C temperature would freeze me out, if I left it on low for very long.
Thanks for the advice!
--Phil
2003 Honda Accord V6 EX Mileage: 95K+
I've noticed lately on 90 degree days (and up) that my A/C is not getting ice cold. I need to leave it on lo, with blowers on high to feel a chill from the vents. And even then, it doesn't get as cold as I think it should be getting while on low. I do feel a temperature difference when I turn on and off the compressor, and I hear it kick on and off. There is a difference in temp when the AC is on vs off. Changing the thermostat does change the blower speed, when set on auto it doesn't seem to blow cold enough.
I changed the HVAC blower component a few months ago, when the blowers stopped blowing hot air (in the winter). The car was repaired about a month ago for a loose wire behind the steering column. This was causing a loss of power in my accessory outlets and radio. I doubt this was related to that, but I hadn't noticed the AC issue until recently and after this repair.
Am I wasting my money going the DIY route with a can of the R-134A from Walmart and following their instructions? I've read that every year a car loses about 10% of its A/C efficiency, but the drop off from last year is significant. last year, the A/C temperature would freeze me out, if I left it on low for very long.
Thanks for the advice!
--Phil
2003 Honda Accord V6 EX Mileage: 95K+
#2
07-08-2013, 12:47 AM
Administrator
Go to an AutoZone and have one of their parts pros put a AC gauge on your car to see whats going on..It's done for Free. 
#3
07-08-2013, 10:14 AM
Thanks WheelBrokerAng!
I drove into my local AutoZone and the refused to lend out the part. They said they'd be held liable, if damage occured. Nevertheless, I purchased the A/C Pro, followed the instructions and I saw an immediate difference. I was low, but not completely out. Issues resolved, thanks!
I drove into my local AutoZone and the refused to lend out the part. They said they'd be held liable, if damage occured. Nevertheless, I purchased the A/C Pro, followed the instructions and I saw an immediate difference. I was low, but not completely out. Issues resolved, thanks!
#5
07-09-2013, 06:29 PM
Most ac leaks under the hood can be located by looking oily dirt buildup near the leak site. As leak occurs, AC lube is carried out of system and dirt sticks to lube.
Frequent leak sites are lower condensor (rock hit), compressor shaft seal, AC hose crimps, and connections.
good luck
Frequent leak sites are lower condensor (rock hit), compressor shaft seal, AC hose crimps, and connections.
good luck
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