How to charge Honda Civic AC with a can
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 พ.ย. 2024
- How to recharge Honda Civic AC (8th gen 2006-2011) with a can. If your AC is blowing warm or hissing you might be low on refrigerant. If its a slow leak adding a can will usually do the trick to make your AC cold again.
Amazon.ca
This is a replacement for 134a, it's a different product and does work, as I have used it.
amzn.to/3bt91jD
If you want 134a amzn.to/3JSia3G
Charge hose w/ gauge amzn.to/46PyhZG
Amazon.com
For the charge hose w/gauge amzn.to/43ryPC3
If you need a new compressor amzn.to/36dJQ2j
If you are doing this to a 2016 or newer civic you need 1234yf refrigerant, the connector is different.
amzn.to/3kAJvdF or if you already have the gauges just get the connector amzn.to/3FeLPAl
For the 1234yf refrigerant amzn.to/3ye3iHS
As an Amazon affiliate I earn a very small commission from qualifying purchases, this does not affect your price at all. Please consider supporting the channel :)
#garageking
Best prices for 134a and the hose/valve are on Amazon.com, and they ship to Canada if you are in Canada, better than the Amazon.ca price
For the charge hose w/gauge amzn.to/35WbEWv
For a 13 oz can of 134a with disposable hose amzn.to/3F14GOo
If you need a new compressor amzn.to/36dJQ2j
Never stop making these videos!!!🙏🏻
@@MrHighRow Thanks for the vote of confidence brother !! Its comments like these that keep me going !! Thanks !!!!
I just replaced condenser on civic, how do i get air out of system with regular can charge system? Method you showed probably won’t work. Isn’t air heavier than freon? It should stay on bottom of system because of simple gravity.
I do have another vid on how to do it with gauges. You can do it with a can but you need to evacuate the system. It’s not that the air is heavier. It’s the moisture in the system so when you attach a vacuum and draw it as close to 30hg as you can what you do is change the boiling point of the moisture and it gets drawn out of the system. You can evacuate from either side and then add the can. As a best practice you can evacuate the air in the small line from the can by piercing the can the. Loosening the can until it vents a bit. Just make sure you have a 134a connector on the end. Sorry for the long winded answer but in a nutshell you have to evacuate the system first. You should do this anytime the system is opened.
I should have added that you need a vacuum pump to do this. I’m not at home right now but I can send you links to things you need tomorrow just to give you an idea.
Dude -- thank you. I can tell this video took a lot of time to make too with the captions, animations, etc. This was the most helpful AC recharge video on TH-cam for recharging the AC on the 8th gen Civics. I watched 3 videos before this and none were as straightforward. Maybe consider testing a different title to push it to #1 in the rankings?
Thanks so much for the comment brother !!! It does mean a lot to me, and I really appreciated the feedback. I'm always playing with my vids and I'm going to take your advise and do some keyword searches. I have a few AC videos on the channel and I noticed since June they have all been getting more views (due to people searching for AC) I was also thinking of changing up the thumbnail, but its difficult as there is a lot of competition. Maybe a close of of the gauge or something.....
Facts
@@GarageKing put an angry wife as thumbnail that will get the vid going viral… 😝
@@mariop.2758 LOL you know it brother and don't think that hasn't crossed my mind haha !!!! Thanks for the comment :)
I was thinking the exact same thing when I was watching this. I’m trying to figure out the proper way to charge my girlfriends Honda and this was the most informative and quality video I found out of several. Thank you for your help seriously!!
Thank you
3 years later and this video came clutch for my 15 Honda civic
Thank you for the comment !!
Maybe the best car repair video I’ve watched. I like it when people take their time and show each step in detail. Subbed.
Thank you good sir !!!
Great info.
Recharged my wife’s civic. Blows as cold as new. Thank you for taking th time to show how to do this.
Thank you for the great comment !!
Brilliant! This guy is great! Probably one of the best, most succinct automotive instruction videos I've seen since Eric the Car Guy.
Thanks so much , truly appreciate that !!! Thank you !!!
Why is my local shop charging $200 for this?? Thank you so much!
10 min. video, 10 min. reading the Haynes, and $40 recharge kit has made me supermom today.
That is awesome, and thank you so much for the comment !!
One of the best tutorial videos on TH-cam. This was so helpful and detailed. I know this had to have taken some time to put together. Thank you for all the warnings, the step by step and for your time.
New sub here 🔥
Thanks so much and really appreciate the comment !!!
I am a girl and I’m going to try this on my car tomorrow. I went to a mechanic shop and he wanted to charge me $350 😮😮 like what ??’ No way . The most i ever paid was about $200 but thank you so much for this video. I know I can do this so I’ll just buy it myself. It’s a great thing to be handy on your vehicle
Thank you so much for the comment, and you can do it :) You will save a ton of $$ by doing some of your own vehicle work. Its so expensive these days to take it to a shop, so anything you can do on your own will definitely help :)
Did it fix your AC
@@thepistolguy859 Sure did, it was blowing cold for quite sometime. Recently (this summer) it got warm again. I recharged it and it only lasted a day so I knew the leak was bad. Just did a how to find your ac leak video and on my car it turned out to be the condenser. Still editing the video, but the civic is ice cold again !!!
I absolutely love learning how to do these things even if I don’t actually do it myself!! This is an awesome detailed tutorial. Thank you 🙏🏾💙🙏🏾🦋I’m driving an 06 Civic Sedan LX since 2014 and am learning so much as it needs its repairs and having educated individuals like you help me to understand helps so much when I take it in to an autoshop!! I go with an educated understanding the how to do it details!! It’s the dang labor and parts that can’t be escaped sometimes!! Stay safe and stay healthy out there!! Healthy is wealthy in this world!! Rock on 🤘
Thank you for the great comment, I can tell you took some time to write this so I really appreciate it. I love sharing my knowledge that I gained being a mechanic and its wonderful knowing that this knowledge is being utilized by others. Thank you so much !!
You’re welcome 🎉
Matt Damon is teaching me how to charge my ac Freon.
Love the comment, and its not the first time I have got that !! Thank you :)
refrigerant
@@DisenchantedLove ?
@@DisenchantedLove You know it
He looks more handsome than Matt Damon
My dad's used to always work on cards on the side for so many people, so I enjoy these videos even more for the sounds and especially the car talk. Love your tips, especially speeding up the process by turning the canister upside down.
Thanks soo much :) I have one guy who just likes watching them when he is making himself dinner!!! He just finds them educational and interesting to watch. Thanks so much for coming by :)
I did exactly as you instructed. Worked great. It was the first time I ever charged my cars AC. I charged the AC in my 2012 VW Beetle. Same concept. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Thank you for the feedback, appreciate the comment !!
Very helpful! Best video I’ve seen so far to refill AC in a Honda
Glad it helped! and thank you for the great comment !!
Dude you’ve got a gift for laying things out super easily and the information is great! I hope this blows up!
Thanks so much man !!!! Really Really appreciate it !!!
Best step by step vid for recharging civic A/C by far. Tks for sharing
Thank you for the great comment and happy Sunday to you :)
Great instructions, I do have a question. Why do you not shake the can? I seen another weird it said to.
Hey there and thanks for the comment. You can shake the can if you want LOL :) Some instructions on some cans say to shake, while others don't say anything. I just checked an extra can I have in the garage and it says to "agitate" while filling. I did that at the 8:30min mark (video was sped up) These cans are pressurized, so I think they just want to make it easiest for you to empty the can. I find it easiest by putting the can upside down so the liquid can come out and go right into the car, if its upright, then the gas comes out and goes into the car, and the liquid in the can changes to gas as it empties (when the can is upright) So it really doesn't hurt to shake the can, and if the manufacturer says to shake it, well you may as well. Hope this helps you out, and hope you are enjoying your weekend :)
Great vid!! I opened up a word doc and took literal notes while I watched the second time. Trying it out this week. No AC in my 2008 Civic. Hoping to change that! Thanks, Garageking 👍.
Thanks for the great comment, most of the time this is all you need to do. If you fill it and the AC compressor wont engage then you most likely have a bad thermal switch which is quite common on Hondas. Its located right on top of the compressor. Its a bit of a pain to do, but you don't have to discharge the system to do it !!
Did it work? I’ve got a 2008 civic same as you and replaced the ac relay to no avail.
@@lordtachanka4520 When you say AC relay do you mean the AC electrical relay or the thermal switch?
Wow! I swear your videos get better every time I watch, I love the 2nd POV! Have a lovely day the amazing Garage King
Thanks soo much brother!!!!! Really appreciate it, and you too have an amazing day my friend!!!!!
X xyv N cjj
Thanks for the detailed tutorial, saved me alot of time and expense, I'm sure I would have made a mistake without your help, ac is ice cold now, you're the best!
Thank you good Sir, and hope you have a great weekend my friend :)
Great video. It covered all the bases and gave me confidence that I could do this without screwing something up. Thank you!
Thank you for the great comment !
Sweet, it's 110 and the AC in my 2014 civic isn't getting cold. Now I can fix it!!
You bet, save a few bucks and do it yourself !!!!! Thanks for the comment :)
Excellent video, I rely heavily on manuals and videos, and your video is the one I’m saving. I respect your approach and attitude and I just subscribed, thank you.
Thanks so much for the kind comment and support. I don't want to let you down, but they are not all this good haha, some are product reviews that I buy, and some are fix-it type videos like this one, the content varies, but I post regularly. Thanks again !!!
Thank you so much for info. My poor mom just got to hot in car so I'm going now! To do exactly what you showed!!
Thanks for the comment, and I wish you and your mom all the best !!
Excellent video. I enjoyed the promptings to "pay attention." That really did help. Great work!
Thank you for the great comment and glad you were able to get value out of it !!
Ill probably just have the dealership do it but only with an advisor I trust luckily of all the dealerships I've been to I found 2 great advisors
Hey thanks for the comment. You are lucky to have two advisors you trust. The industry has good people in it, you just have to find them and it looks like you did. Thanks again for the comment :)
I have a 2012 civic, and my compressor is not turning.Should I try to add the refrigerance anyway? , in case the issue is that there is absolutely no refrigerant in there? I'm obviously hoping that that's the issue not a bad compressor.Thank you very much..
YES, but before you do so, connect the can to the hose (don't pierce the can) and then just connect it to the low side (where I fill in the video) The gauge will then tell you what pressure you have in the system. If the gauge is really low, like 40-60psi, then the compressor won't run and you are low. P.S. normally the compressor does not go, if you fill and the compressor does not engage then most likely its the thermo switch located on the top of the compressor. It can be changed without discharging the system.
Super helpful. Just used this procedure with R1234YF for my 2017 Civic. I could hear the compressor kick on as I filled it, now blowing cool again, we'll see how long.
Good show !!! Let"s hope it holds. Sometimes it can last years so you never know, fingers crossed for you buddy
Is it still blowing cool?
Excellent video! Every single detail included! Fantastic job
Thank you good Sir !!
Great demo. For novice mechanics, your details and suggestions were very helpful. You have a new subscriber. Thank you. Keep em coming.
Thank you : ) You will see a three things on this channel, the car repairs, The Snap On flyer of the month (I love talking about tools) and some reviews.
Just wanted to say thank you for your helpful video it was so well put together, all done and no problems whatsoever
Thank you for the great comment !!! Much appreciated
@@GarageKing your welcome i had 0.5 c at the vent and started with 21.7 c
That is awesome!!! Quite a difference!!
Thanks for explaining it in detail, the others didnt explain it well, this video is perfect thanks bro.
Thank you for the great comment, much appreciated !!
Thank you. Your video was very helpful. My wife is happy her AC now works in this 100 + degree weather
Nice work! and glad you were able to tackle it !! Thanks for the great comment.
The best video for charging AC! Thank you so much!!❤
Glad it was helpful and thanks so much for the comment !
Thanks for the clear instructions. Gonna recharge my daughter’s Civic this week.
Thank you for the great comment, and you can do it !!
I did it! It worked!!! Cost me 1 can $12 and a gauge $15. Thank you so much!!!
@@willgny7749 That is awesome, and very happy you were able to get it done !!
What an outstanding video!! I have a question about oil charge. My car is an ‘06 Mazda3i w/ 170K miles that has spent its entire life in Florida; we use the A/C pretty all year long, yet we have never, ever had the A/C recharged. Lately, the A/C has been taking a very long time to blow cold. I got a 12oz can of R134a, but do I need to add a can of oil charge, too? If so, what kind and quantity would you recommend?
Hey there and thanks for the great comment !!! I do aim to please !! If you have never had the AC recharged, 1st you are lucky, that is great !! Now with the oil, I would not add any at all. Even though the manuals specify how much oil is in each AC system, its really impossible to know. Its not like refrigerant where you can evacuate the system and then weigh in a new charge. I am a licenced mechanic and I was always taught to replace what comes out. So if you replace a part, you measure how much oil comes out, and then put that same amount back in. Now if you have recharged a system 10 times and its leaking everywhere (pressure pushes the oil out) then you need to add some. But you are not in that boat. I would not add any oil in your case :)
Hi thank you for this. I have bought a repair kit because garage advised a crack and told me what to buy. So I bought kit with can of sealant. Do I do this the same way as what you do
In this
Video to refill ?
Hey there and thanks for the comment. The sealer is treated the same way as the refrigerant so it’s just like putting a can of refrigerant in UNLESS there is something on the can that says “equivalent to” for example some sealers are 5oz but they are equivalent to 8oz of refrigerant so in those cases you treat it to what it’s equivalent to. Hope I helped you out and good luck with the job :)
@@GarageKing thank you for taking the time to reply !!
@@dawnfitness73 For sure !!!
First video that came up, it’s super helpful.
I’m going to try and see if I can save $325
Do It !!!! Save yourself some cash, its really not that hard to do. Just pay attention to the gauge and keep it in the safe zone. Thanks for the comment and hope you are having a great Friday :)
This is a really good explanation. I’m trying this out this afternoon.
That is awesome !!! And you are going to save yourself a few bucks for sure !!!
@@GarageKing My compressor doesn’t seem to be engaging :(
@@Shade7x Oh crap !!! Just make sure you have put enough in, sometimes it takes a bit for the compressor to engage. If you have put the refrigerant in and it won't turn on then most likely you need a new thermo switch, they are a common failure point on the civic. The part is worth under $100 but its a pain to get to. Its on the top of the compressor so you have to take the alternator out. Keep in mind that's a common problem. It could be the magnetic clutch in the compressor. Some people just get a remanufactured compressor as they have come down in price. See amzn.to/36dJQ2j
What year is the car. Thank you for your video btw!
Thanks for the comment !! This one is a 2006, so first year of the 8th gen.
For some reason the engine noise is oddly satisfying 🤣 I like how the audio is in sync with the clip.hrewt edits GK 🙌
I have heard that before, I should do an ASMR with an engine running hahaha, maybe it will help me get to bed easier!!! Next week its only going to be a 45 second clip, I'm making a new trailer for the channel :)
I just charged 2 cars it literally took a half an hour and cost 70 dollars for parts, super easy, great video
Thank you for the comment good Sir
THIS IS A GOOD AS IT GET!!100---100 EXCELLENT VIDEO, BY FAR. THE BEST!! TY
Hey thanks soo much for the great comment !!! Really Really appreciate it, thank you ;)
Thank you, my car is blowing cold, but not super cold. Does that mean it is low on 134a? and How do you know when to stop so you don't over fill it if I want to charge it up?
Well, if it's still working you really don't know how much is in there. The only way to know is to evacuate it, and weigh what comes out. I just did a dye video on the civic today (yes leaking), and replaced the condenser. When I was filling it took about 2oz to turn the compressor on so not much to get the ac going. By the time you have about 4oz in it, its starting to cool. I find from experience that when they are about 1/2 full they cool pretty good. So as an estimate you are probably around 1/2, so I would not add more than 8oz, as 16oz is 1lb, and that's a full charge from 0. BUT - PLEASE DO AT YOUR OWN RISK. I'm not there to supervise.
Liked the editing on your video, made the video seem really short, easy watch!! Thanks
Thanks Bro
Love the intro, this video is so helpful, I get to learn something new everytime. Thank you
You are so welcome! And thanks for stopping by :)
hi, i want to refill my 2008 honda accord and am wondering if i should use a 12a or 134a, does it matter which one i use? cos all i see in stores near me are 12a refrigerant .
You can use the 12a as it’s a replacement for 134a, but just know you use about 1/3 of the amount of 134a required. They usually come with a conversion chart. 12a has different properties but works well. I have used it. The procedure is exactly the same, but just know you don’t use much of it. FYI - depending on how fast your car is leaking the 134a will last longer. Great to see you tackling this, have a good day and thanks for reaching out :)
@@GarageKing Thanks
@@kaitlynracco1206 anytime :)
Thanks bud! My beater is a 2007 civic, identical setup to this, and it’s running super cold for this hellacious summer! Side note: you from up north? I’m in TN now but lived in wisconsin for two years and am familiar with the accent haha. Love it there!
Hey thanks for the comment and I do live up north LOL I'm in the Greater Toronto Area so not too far from Buffalo NY !!
If you fill it and the compressor does not start up you most likely need either a thermoswitch, or a magnitic clutch. The cost of rebuilt compressors has come down a bunch and if you need a new compressor here is the link for an affordable one amzn.to/3KhybgH
GK, any tips on a recirculating button not working efficiently? (Civic 2013).. hasn’t worked consistently in a long time. Tons of shops around my area don’t know what’s wrong with it.
Don’t know if it’s the actual motor opening/closing having an issue, or if it’s a fuse issue.. thanks!!
Hey there and thanks for the comment. I doubt its a fuse issue as more would be wrong than just the recirc. I haven't had to deal with that problem but I would say if the light behind the recirc button operates when you push the button then I would lead to the blend door motor not working. If its weak it will not push the door hard enough to make that seal and the small amount of hot air that gets through can make the AC look as if its performing inefficiently.
Nice video I’m here for the ride
Enjoy my friend and thank you :)
I appreciate your educational video. I am somehow confused a little bit. What does the gauge actually measure? I thought it measures the gas pressure in the AC system, so that I know at what pressure I should stop. But then how can the pressure go down when you are adding more gas to the system? Per the video, the gauge only measures the "charging pressure" or how much gas is left in the can?
Hey there and thanks for the comment, ok here we go LOL :) The gauge measures the car pressure when the valve is closed, but measures the can pressure (going into the car) when the valve is opened. The only true way to know how much is in your car is to measure it in by weight and in the field we use a scale to do this. You can approximate with a gauge, but its not accurate. There is no way to measure how much is in the can, you just "feel and move" the can and you can feel how much is left in there as the can gets lighter and lighter as you swish it around. You always add on the low side and the pressure in an AC system is always fluctuating, and why does this happen? When the car is shut off (AC OFF) the high and low sides equalize. When you start your car and turn on AC the compressor draws the low side down, and pushes the high side higher. Simply put this pressure differential between the low and high side creates your AC effect. When there is too much pressure differential the compressor stops running and the low pressure side raises (the high and low start to equalize) then when they get too close the compressor cuts back in and pushes the high side higher and the low side lower, this cycle is repeated constantly. When you are adding refrigerant it looks like the gauge is lowering, and in fact it is, as the can pressure is higher than the low side line pressure. So you have to throttle it in and once the can is empty you can open or close the valve and it wont make a difference on the gauge as there is no more refrigerant in the can. If you have an actual set of high and low side gauges you can see it. I did a video with gauges th-cam.com/video/qG1uo2YYAjc/w-d-xo.html Hope I helped, let me know if you have any other questions :)
@@GarageKing I really appreciate how you spent your time to respond to my question. I did watch the other video from your link. It's a good add on to this one. Now, I seem to understand how the gauge works. Your video encouraged me to buy a can of refrigerant to fix my car's AC. BTW, I just subscribed your channel now. Thanks a lot!
@@mytub9 Thank you, and I aim to do my best. AC is kinda complex, but all cars pretty much work the same way, its just that this is moved here, or something else is moved over there. Appreciate the support and if you have any other questions just let me know. Thanks !!
Thankyou.thanks to your video I have cold Air back again
Thanks so much for the comment !!! and glad you have your AC back again :)
Great tutorial, saved me a couple hundred bucks - thank you 😊
Thank you for the great comment
Dude, It feels like I was getting an car AC tutorial from Matt Damon. You both look alike ;)
That is awesome LOL :) I have been told I look like Matt Damon before, definitely a compliment, and I'll take it any day !!! Thank you for making my day ;)
Hi, thanks for the video. My AC clutch is not engaging. I see that often the reason the clutch doesn't engage is due to low freon. How can I determine if I should proceed to add the r134a?
You can screw the can onto the hose BUT DON"T PIERCE, DON"T TURN THE SCREW, you are only putting the can on to seal the one side so when you pop the connector onto the LOW side of the car you will be able to see if you have any pressure.
@@GarageKing thanks for the reply! I continued sleuthing and found that the compressor clutch relay wasn't working. Replaced and found the freon unnecessary. Thanks again
@@jbgiant Awesome !!! Glad you got it done
Hey bro! So Informative! You’re really the Garage King 👍🏽🥰 Your filming is so professional! I love love love! Superb channel 👍🏽🥰❤️❤️
Thanks soo much my dear!!!!!! You are awesome :)
Great video!!! Super informational, and well laid out. 👌
Thanks so much for the kind words !!! Truly appreciate the comment :) Thank you :)
Good tip on purging the gauge and airline.
Thank you
Thanks bro!! You're an American hero 👏🏽🙌🏾
Thank you !!! Much appreciated !!
thank you for the help, as well as your concise explanations! i also loved the animations you added:)
Thanks so much for the great comment and glad the video helped you out. Hope you are enjoying your Saturday Paige !!!
Great video! Question! I have a 97 honda civic. Had the system emptied out so I could install my new compressor and drier. I'm trying to find the correct info on how much freon to put in my car. The shop said something like 22.9 oz. And 1 pound. Were could I get the correct info so I can do this myself!?Thanks!
I may have put it in the video, I remember opening the book. If it’s not in this video go on my channel and search AC and there is a video I do with gauges and weigh it in. I go to the book and say how much. Im not trying to get another view out of you. It’s just that I’m on vacation so I’m not home. I’ll be back on Wednesday night. I can send it to you then if you can’t find the other video. Just remind me as I’ll forget as I get many comments from the different videos. I do answer every comment :)
@@GarageKing cool thanks!
Look for a sticker under the hood. There’s usually one that says how much and what type of refrigerant.
I just bought an 07 civic and might consider trying to recharge it myself after checking the compressor clutch to see if it engages or not .with 418000 kms though I assume it's leaking at the compressor shaft seal .
Thanks for sharing your expertise "g"
Hey Congrats on buying an 8th gen civic. Great cars and with 418000kms, WOW !!! That is awesome, they truly do run for a long time. Keep it maintained well and you should get some good use out of it. WIth that many kms I would not be surprised if its the compressor shaft seal, its made a lot of revolutions in its life.
Very helpful, but why did you skip taking the can off? Now I'm nervous I'll mess that up 🙈
I went back to look at the video and you are right, sorry about that. Its actually very easy so I don't know why I didn't catch that part on camera. You remove the can WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, this way the pressure stays low. When the can is empty (you saw in the video near the end the gauge go down) then you just disconnect it and a little will come out of the can. No way around that, it will hiss for a few seconds.
GK, you are just awesome! Another success story here on a 2008 civic coupe. I have not had AC like forever. Went out and bought AutoZone California R134a Refrigerant 12oz, then charged my car an hr ago. Inside car temp went from 87F to 46F when done, with ambient temp 92F (California). Thank you so much!
Two questions if I may, 1/ when I tried to purge the air in the line, I didn't hear any "Psst" sound at all, like the pressure sound at 4:28 mins into your vid. Why was that? I went ahead anyway, any consequences?
2/ Could you make another video to diagnose leaks with a dye? My car is old so hopefully the charge stays; otherwise, I would have to diag a leak in the AC system. Thanks again!
Hey there and thanks for the comment. If you didn't get any "Psst" sound it most likely because you didn't have any pressure at all in the system. What I tried to show was loosening the can a bit (before you do the job) will allow some of the refridgerant to come out, just a tiny bit, and that will push the regular air out. So for you, you probably got a little air in, no worried with the lenght of the charge hose its such a small amount. I'm planning to do a dye video :)
Your video made me feel like I could actually do this! That’s a huge compliment since I’m clueless. Question: the can I purchase holds 20oz but my civic uses 16. How can I tell when to stop filling as I am not waiting for can to empty.. Does the gauge tell me upfront if it needs coolant and if so how much?
Hey Thanks for reaching out, and if your name is Wendy I assume you are female. Good for you for tackling this, too many get scared and you can do it!!!!! If the can holds 20, but the civic takes 16 I would not do that. You can overfill a vehicle a few oz and its ok, but you really don't know how much is in your system. The gauge will only tell you the pressure in the system, not how much is in the system. Kind of like if you put at thermometer in a pot of water, its going to boil at 212F or 100C, but you don't know how much water is in the pot. When I use my gauges (not a can) I weigh in the refrigerant, that's how you do it without using a can, by weight.
If your compressor is spinning when you put the AC on (I think I show that in this video) then you have at least about 2oz in there (that's about what it takes to trigger the compressor on this car). To cool your car all you need is about 6oz. It will be low, but it will cool just fine, and you won't notice much of a difference with more. If it's 1/2 full it will cool the same as when its totally full. Its just your compressor will cycle less (another lesson haha)
I would buy 6oz cans and use a full can and see how cold it gets. If its very cool, but not cold, then use the second can and you should be ok. If anything you may be a little under full but thats fine. Its important not to overfill as that stuff is liquid on one side of your AC system (the high side) and gas on the low side (where you are going to add the refrigerant) If you put too much in, there is too much the liquid can hit the compressor, and as you know, you can't compress a liquid so thats a problem, something has to give..........
When you fill it, go slow and watch the gauge, keep it in the blue, around 40psi, you don't want it going too high. FYI - On a hot day it will be higher and take longer to fill.
Its better to be a few oz low than to overfill. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions :)
@@GarageKing thanks for the informative reply and awesome video! I’m a woman and was having the same issue as Wendy. My pressure says normal but the air doesn’t get very cold. I’m too scared to overfill so I’ll just deal as is until i can get it serviced. Thanks for helping!
@@taureanantoine1164 Hey Taurean, thanks for the comment. The pressures will always show as normal until its pretty much empty. Its not like a fuel gauge. If the air is quite warm I think you would be safe to add a 6oz can. Most likely you only have 1 or 2oz in there if its barely cooling. Wendy had a 20oz can so that's more than the civics total capacity of 16 so if she emptied the can it would be overfilled for sure. But if its just warm I think a 12oz can will be fine. Normally the system can be overfilled a bit. Most systems at 1/2 still cool quite good so I think you are really low. You should be good to go with a 12oz can, and doing it yourself will not only make you feel like a queen, but you will save some serious $$$$ I love when women tackle their car work !!! Here is the link to a cheap gauge to fill and some 134a if you are up to it. amzn.to/3MyznOB and amzn.to/3lxz4Yw sometimes you can find a 3 pack for a decent price.
If my ac is going in and out (hot air some hours and cold others) am I still safe to out in a full can?
depends on how big the can is, now they are made in different sizes. You should be ok with a small can. Keep in mind I bear no responsibility, I'm just going from experience.
Thank you!! Excellent instructions...works like a charm!!
Thanks so much and enjoy the AC on this Saturday :)
My Ac takes very long to cool. I am thinking of refilling it with a 16oz can. Should I empty all the refrigerant in the car first and then refill it? Or should I simply refill 1 can into the car system? I drive civic 2006
Hey there, the capacity of your system is 16oz, so if you put a 16oz can in your are going to overfill it. Its safe to overfill them a bit, but the problem is how much you have in the system. There is no way to really know. If it does not get cold, but take a long time and just gets cool then you probably only have 1 or 2 oz in it. If it still gets cold (even after a long time) then you still have a decent amount in the can. You may be safe with a 16oz can depending on how full your system is, a little overcharge is ok. You are probably better off with a 12 or 13oz can, because that way you are probably going to be full at the end, or just under full. They are pretty affordable. Here is for a 13oz can amzn.to/3F14GOo you can see its not too expensive.
@@GarageKing thnks
Great video. Really break it down well.
Thank you.
Thanks for the comment !!
Thank you easy and informative worked like a charm on my honda
You're welcome!
Thank you. This will save me a lot of money.
You bet it will, and its really not to hard to do :) Happy weekend to you :)
Very helpful. Thank you so much. 😃
Glad it was helpful!
That was very EDUCATIONAL....THANKS!!!
Thank you for the great reply !!
I do have a problem. Can you help with it. My presure was high when the engine off (I used the kit to check). And it down to low when the engine on. Is it ok. Cause my AC keep warm today. Get some research on internet and they talk about refrigerant. I have no ideas. Thanks for your help
Hey Thanks for the comment. When you check your AC on the low side (thats the bigger hose) it will be high when the vehicle is sitting for a while and that is because the high and low side equalize. When you started your vehicle it went too low, that is because the compressor is taking the refrigerant from the low side and pushing it to the high side. Simply put, you are low on refrigerant :)
Thanks for posting this was helpful for my 280k mile civic
Thank you for the great reply, appreciate it and keep your civic on the road !! 280K and its got more left in it. These Hondas run forever !!
Hey I bought a kit from amazon and the connector won't seem to fit on my car. its a 2010 civic as well. is there some trick to connecting the hose up to the ac? Seems like the thing is too big and gas just vents to the atmosphere when i try to connect it
Hi, There are two ports on your honda. Make sure you are using the LOW side port which is bigger. If you are using the LOW side port, then check the kit you bought. It could be for 1234yf. thats a newer refrigerant with different (but similar sized ports) Your car should be 134a, and there should be a sticker under the hood which shows the type of refrigerant. Confirm its 134a, and then confirm your kit is for 134a. Also when you connect, make sure the can is screwed onto the kit, BUT the needle HAS NOT pierced or been screwed into the can.
Bro what year is that civic I have a friend that has a 2017. And it’s blowing hot. Wonder if it’s the same thing
Hey Thanks for the comment, this one is a 2006, 2017 is similar, but I think it uses 1234yf instead of the 134a that was used in the 8th gen.
Great job man, used this as my step by step today and everything worked beautifully! Your rock!
Thank you good Sir !!!
Did it on my wife's car, she thinks I'm superman...had to show her your channel after getting some praises...you're doing the lords work buddy!
@@chrisdsouza7836 Your the best and I'm showing my wife this comment !!!! Thanks brother !!!
Awesome job and narration!!!!!👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you good Sir !!!!
Great video. I will try this on my 93 Honda Del Sol Si. Thanks for posting the video.
Thanks for the comment :) I think it should be very similar.
@@GarageKing your welcome. Yes It is similar. It worked perfectly.
@@boxer951 That is awesome, thanks for the follow up :)
Thank you for illustrating so well
Thanks for the great comment !!! Happy Sunday to you :)
That was very easy to watch and learn from within a reasonable amount of time honestly. I do need to know if I can find out how much is left in my 2013? It's a 1.8 L Civic and it's just not blowing very cold.
Hey there and thanks for the comment. If its not blowing cold at all you probably only have about 1 to 3oz in the system. Under 1oz and you compressor probably won't engage, and once you hit about 4oz its starts to get cold. There is no way to know for sure, other than to evacuate the system and measure, but my guess would be 1-3 in there. Hope this helps you out :)
once the can is pierced, if you close that valve down, will it stop it from flowing at all so you can use some of the refrigerant later on another vehicle if you do not use it all?
Hey there and thanks for the comment. You are right that if you turn the valve down, not all the way in, just until the flow stops you can reuse on another car, but it will leak down quite quickly, most will leak down over a day.
The good thing is you should not have to worry about that as most cans now are resealable, so they actually have a valve built into them so they don't leak. You only turn the valve down enough to get whatever flow you want, then when you are done you back off the valve and a small valve in the can moves back, the flow stops, and then you remove the gauge. When you order a can most will say if its a resealable can.
Great video, I am going to do it now that I know how .......thanks again !!!
Thank you for the great comment and good luck :)
Great video. Easy to understand. THANK YOU!
Thank you !!!
Thanks for posting this video. You explained everything very well.
Thank you very much, your comment is appreciated :)
My A/C in my Acura TL works but isn't running as cool as I'd like it to be, its around 73 ~ 75 degrees.
What do you recommend, should I just go to the dealer and fork over the cash they want to charge me, or should i DIY it?
Granted, I never worked on a cars A/C so I'm worried i may damage something, thoughts?
Your TL is R134a (I believe) so you could always try putting in 1/2 can and see if that makes a difference. If there is no difference then it could be the blend doors in the dash that are not fully seating. At least you know its running as it is cooling. Also make sure your radiator fan is blowing when the AC is on, it should always be on when the AC is on (90% of the time). If this does not work and you don't feel comfortable going any further then I would take it to the dealer. Hope I helped you out :) Have a good day :)
Every time I forget how to recharge I always use this vid😅
That is great and love the comment !!! I must admit this is one of my best vids, I really liked doing this one !!
Great job making this video. Fantatic job!
Thanks soo much good Sir !!!!
Your video is extremely helpful and clear. 👌 Thank you!
Thank you for the great comment. If you have any questions just let me know and enjoy your weekend :)
Great video.... easy step by step ...... really helped
That is awesome and glad I could help !! Thanks for the great comment :)
Mines at 30 at idle so it’s got Freon. It clicks on and off when turning a/c on and off and compressor is turning also. You mentioned a bad sensor maybe the issue?
If it stays running (the compressor) and the gauge stays at 30 you are not empty at all, once you turn the car off and the compressor stops running it should raise up much higher thats why its best to take the gauge off when the compressor is running (lower pressure on that side so less leaks out when you pop the connector off) If the compressor is spinning you are fine, you might be a little low, but everything is working.
Thank you ,my question is what if my ac is only blowing out cold air from one side of the car inside and can i re fill ive got a 2017 civic 🤔🤗
Hey there and thanks for the comment. If its blowing cold on one side I would say its probably your vent doors are not working properly. Does the 2017 Civic have separate cold and hot for driver and passenger? I know this Civic did not, but I'm not sure about yours.
Exactly what I needed to know. Thank you. Subbed and liked.
Thank you my friend !!
Thanks for this! It helped me do my refill for an 09 Civic. I got the FrostyCool 134 (replacement for 134a and r12) that you linked. The cans are 6oz and on them, it says one can is equivalent to 15oz of 134a. Just want to triple check that when you use this product, you don't use both cans right?
Hey there and thanks for the comment, and you are right one can only !! The 6oz can of replacement is equivalent to 15oz as you mentioned and the capacity of the system is only 16oz. Now when you checked your system if you compressor is not starting then you have less than an oz in there (usually) If you compressor runs but its not cool then you probably have 2oz give or take. As long as its not cool then you are ok with one can as you will not have much in there. Hope I helped you out :)
@@GarageKing thanks so much! The compressor runs but just warm air. After refilling, I get cold air like before. Problem is it’s only for like 10-15 mins and seems to be when the cars been off for a while. If I’m driving to multiple locations I’m ok on A to B but B to C and C to D, it’s warm air. The compressors still spinning and pressing the AC button inside toggles the compressor on and off just fine but no cold air till after a couple hours of not running the engine again.
Any idea what it could be?
@@karlgajonera1646 Hey Thanks for the comment, If you start it the next day and its still cold then you know its not all leaking out. There is the possibility that the blend door (hot/cold door) in the dash is not sealing or not closing fully and allowing hot air to mix with the cold air. On a hot day the low pressure line under the hood (the thicker line) this is where you put the refrigerant in, should be cold and sweating (dripping water) because its cold and the outside air is hot. If the compressor is running, and there is refrigerant in the system it should be cold.
@@GarageKing was monitoring this a bit more and I think the compressor stops working after a while. I confirmed by checking it in the engine bay and had someone else press the AC button on and off. The compressor doesn’t spin at all. It’s doing this seemingly only once the cars all warmed up though hence the comment I made that it only works for like 5-10 minutes.
@@karlgajonera1646 Hey there, sorry for the late reply, your comment just came in, even though its dated 2 days ago. I find sometimes I get a bunch of comments and they are a day or two old, weird, anyhooo........ I wonder if its your thermo switch. Its not a terribly expensive part and its located on top of the compressor. I think its about 30-50 bucks from honda and it is a common problem.
Best video in tube for this job !!! Thanks a lot !!!😍🥰
Thank you for the great comment, I truly appreciate it !!!!!!
I know you might not have the time but quick question. What if my compressor didnt kick on UNTIL i started the recharge? Ive been at it for 20 min now and its pretty hot now. The can is empty now as well and i feel no difference😅
Hey There, if your compressor kicked in after you started the recharge that means you were very low. When you are adding on the low side look at the gauge and if the pressure is dropping below 20psi (when the can has emptied) and the valve is still open then you don't have enough in your system and you probably have to use another can. The Honda does not take too much, I would say 2 cans is too much, but possibly 1.5 cans (depending on their size) should be ok. Also put the air on recirculation, so the outside hot air is not drawn in.
Ads running I'm watching now GK🙌my mum's always trying to tell me something about her vehicle imma guide her here for the real deal. Just like the way you explain and drop the screenshots on the edits. And the little joke gif 🤣. Another great clip 👍 well done the GK 🙌
You are the best!!!!!!
Thank you for making this easy!
Thank you for the great comment and hope you are enjoying your day :)