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How Do I Make the A/C Ice Cold?

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Old 07-25-2013, 10:26 AM
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How Do I Make the A/C Ice Cold?

Hey Guys,

My A/C puts out cold air but I want it to be better, what would be the best option to get maximum coolness? Would appreciate any feedback...thanks.
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Old 07-25-2013, 10:29 AM
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Well honestly I was not too sure that those r134 kits would work but I figured for $20 bucks it was whatever.

Bought one from Advanced Auto, read the directions, and just add some till the gauge says you have enough. My a/c was literally about 70 degrees at max cool. Now it blows out freezing cold air even on days where the temps is 110 outside.
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Old 07-25-2013, 10:46 AM
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Basically recharge it and then enjoy colder air. After a lot of use, years and years, it just doesn't get as cold as it used to. Recharge should fix that
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Old 07-25-2013, 11:02 AM
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It's all about having the right pressure-vs-temperature charge.
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Old 07-25-2013, 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Amerikaner83
Basically recharge it and then enjoy colder air. After a lot of use, years and years, it just doesn't get as cold as it used to. Recharge should fix that
Are you talking about a professional recharge or the can and gauge option? It seems like everytime I try the can option I hear my compressor have trouble kicking in because of too much coolant. I've been studying the FSM though I have to check the pressure levels at a decent temperature. Its hard to read it with ambients over 95 degrees without precision shop tools.
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Old 07-25-2013, 11:50 AM
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If you do the Walmart recharge, DO NOT use the stop leak type, as it will gum up expansion valves and other orifices.

For the BEST performance take it to a dedicated AC shop that will;

1 pull the system down with vacuum to;
a. evacuate the system of old refrigerant
b. test for leaks
2 use high and low side gauges
3 replace ALL the refrigerant
4 replace oil by weight
5 test pump for condition
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Old 07-25-2013, 11:53 AM
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Just FYI, Refridgerant do not run out. Since they stay in the system, only way it get "low" is you have a slow leak somewhere in the system. That the biggest misconception where people think they get used up or low which is not correct. I found out when I was taking auto mechanic class, which was very interesting and did an experiement on it how the a/c system works. Like some of the guys says take it to a professional if you are not sure what you're doing or how to do the a/c system since it's not for the faint of heart.
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Old 07-25-2013, 12:03 PM
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I would have it professionally done. By adding it you could overcharge it and blow o-rings....blah blah blah
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Old 07-25-2013, 12:28 PM
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Ok...I'll get it professionally done. What do you guys think is a reasonable cost for this service?

If anyone in Illinois can recommend a shop that would be cool.
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Old 07-25-2013, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Chrono
Ok...I'll get it professionally done. What do you guys think is a reasonable cost for this service?

If anyone in Illinois can recommend a shop that would be cool.
In Maine, I had mine done for $70 which included the evac and refill. But here they range $70-$125 for the full service.
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Old 07-26-2013, 11:58 AM
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just get a charge can kit..follow the instructions...add a little at a time till the AC gets ice cold.

If you buy the kit that comes with a guage then add refirgerant until u reach the right pressure vs outside temperature point
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Old 07-27-2013, 08:11 PM
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dude its not that hard. provided your ac system isnt leaking too bad, DIY it for like $20 bucks. Some places like advanced auto will even let you use their gauge so all you really need to buy is some r134a.
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