Will a recharge kit fix a car’s AC compressor?
recharge kit fix a car’s AC compressor
Do-it-yourself recharging kits usually include a can of refrigerant (usually R-134a, but newer cars may use the more environmentally friendly R1234yf) with a hose and gauge. Some also have leak detection dye to help you find any spots where the system might be leaking. The kit will also typically have a pair of quick-connect fittings to connect the A/C Pro(r) recharge hose to the car’s low-pressure AC service port. The exact location of this port varies between cars, but it is normally on one of the thicker metal lines coming out of the compressor towards the passenger compartment. It is usually covered by a plastic cap, which you can unscrew.
Most at-home recharging kits aren’t the best choice, though. They’re often inaccurate and can cause serious problems by overcharging the air conditioning system. They can also lead to further leaks if they’re used to refill the system before a repair is made.
To avoid these problems, you should only buy an a/c car recharge kit that specifies it can be used for your specific year and make of car. The kit should also list the correct refrigerant type. This information can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on an under-hood sticker.
Will a recharge kit fix a car’s AC compressor?
An a/c car recharge kit should also have a set of two pressure gauges. This is important because you need to know the difference between the high and low pressure readings. The gauges can typically be attached to the air conditioning can, and the kit’s instructions will explain how to read them.
Many a/c car recharge kits feature a stop leak sealer, which is designed to plug any leaks in the system while it’s being run. While these sealers might temporarily fix leaks, they can also clog the compressor and other delicate components, leading to expensive repairs.
A professional shop has the proper equipment to correctly service an a/c system, including vacuuming and evacuation of the entire system. This is important to ensure that there is no atmospheric air left in the system, which could contaminate the refrigerant. They can also test the system to determine why it is losing refrigerant, and they can replace faulty parts.
An a/c car recharge kit can be useful for quickly replenishing the refrigerant in a small AC system, but it should never be used to diagnose or repair the system itself. It’s a good idea to have a professional service your vehicle’s air conditioning before the refrigerant runs out completely, and even then, a licensed technician can perform a visual inspection of the system and run a dye through the lines to more easily locate any leaking spots. If a problem is found the mechanic can then properly repair it to prevent future failure. This will save you thousands in repair costs in the long run.