Help Changing Refrigerant On 97 Seville STS

[tayravage23]

So I've been getting the message about the refrigerant being extremely low and the AC compressor being turned off. I got some arctic freeze 134a+ the other day but I have no idea what to do with it.

The only thing I've ever done to a car before is change the oil.

Any tips or advice? Hell even a step by step overview?

Thanks in advanced.

[kckranz]

I'm not familiar with that brand but if it contains a sealant take it back to the store. Instead of those bottles that come with the hose and connector attached, just get a plain ole' can of 134a ($7) - it is OK to get one with a leak detector and perhaps this is a good idea. Somewhere near the cans of refrigerant, in the parts store, there will be a 12 - 16 inch hose sold separately ($6). This is what is used to transfer the refrigerant from the can to the A/C system.

So you've got the can and the transfer hose. Guess which end of the hose screws into the can? You can't get it wrong. The hose-end that connects to the can has a valve on it.

*****You will need to re-enable the a/c compressor before continuing - others will chime in to help me here or you can search for a "how-to" (it's been covered before)*****

Start the car and set your climate control to the lowest temp and highest fan setting (override the "auto" feature). Pop the hood and locate the "low-side" A/C service port with the black cap. Unscrew the cap and attach the other end of your hose to it. It will be obvious if it doesn't fit - don't force it in this case - you've got the wrong port!

Unscrew the valve (puncture the can) and the refrigerant will flow (the can will get very cold). I have read and always say to fill the system with the can upright - the system will only "take" what is needed and the risk of overcharge is small. Others with plenty of credentials will say to turn the can inverted to chug the refrigerant in (much faster but more risk of overcharge). Either way, hold the can tight in your warm hands to keep the refrigerant moving.

Test for cold air from the system. Close the valve and disconnect from the service port. If you used 134a with leak detection you may wish to inspect the system after several days / weeks and look for any green fluid from a/c components / fittings.

[HowardW]

If your system is extremely low you may have a leak somewhere which should be checked. I wouldn't recommend charging the system yourself unless you have a set of gauges, although many people add a 1 lb. can or less without problems. The system is charged on the low pressure side (larger diameter hose) via a schrader valve on the line. If you bought a recharge 'kit' it should have the hose or you can buy one seperately. I also wouldn't use the cans that come with a system sealer. You start the car, turn the air on high and connect the hose to the low pressure side and hold the can of R134a straight up.........but again I would recommend taking it to a good shop and let them do it if you're at all unsure about where to connect.

[Ranger]

Be sure to purge the air out of the hose before attaching it. Won't take much. Also before you turn the A/C on max, have the can hooked up and ready to go or the low refrigerant DTC will set again and disable the compressor again. See the sticky above and clear the code to enable the compressor.

[tayravage23]

thanks for all the replies guys

the can i got says "advanced leak sealer" so im that's the same as the sealant you guys are talking about. If the cost of taking it to a shop and having them do it is reasonable then I'll probably just do that.

[zonie77]

Search for AC specific sites that tell you how AC works and what have to do. The best is a gauge set . Harbor Freight has a set on sale (I think it's still on sale ) for $29.99. AC is not hard to work on but you really have to know what you are doing and why.

[Ranger]

the can i got says "advanced leak sealer"

DO NOT use that stuff.