I am going to recharge my AC. Thank you for the video. Many women are left alone in our senior years and the mechanics love to sell us things we don't need. Everything you can show us is certainly appreciated.
Not only seniors. So many mechanic shops are scams. There are good ones, but they're few and far between. People are doing more on their own these days. After a few dings at the mechanic shop, costing thousands, one is forced to buy the tools and watch a few how to vids.
I fixed my Grandma's A/C with your advice. I bypassed the Relay just like you said and Installed the freon. When the freon was done, I installed the A/C relay and it worked! Thank you!!!
Thanks friend! I got my clutch to finally engage, after almost giving up. You saved me money I really need for other things. Getting really hot here in southern Arizona. Now I can enjoy driving again.
A lot of times adding a bit of refrigerant is enough to get your clutch running enough to draw more in. And FYI, Freon is a brand, it's called refrigerant. Thanks for posting and helping people.
Great to have a resource like this. I summoned the courage to try this myself, changed the compressor and dryer and couldn't get the compressor to manually run. You saved the day!!
Bro, really good video. One of the best instructional and informational videos out there. R&W gives a great step-by-step tutorial--simple, clear and informative. Even if you don't know anything about cars, you'll be able to charge and fill your AC after watching this video. Thanks R&W!
Be careful of using any off-the-shelf Freon because it has a sealer in it and if it hits air it will become as hard as epoxy and it will damage your system if you ever lose all the freon and air gets in the system.
Expensive equipment, the government's fault? A place to use it, the government's fault? The certification, sure. That's mandated by the government. Not getting into wether the benefits of certification out weight the cons or not, but to say that the reason car service cost 5X the price is solely because of the government shows your extreme bias.
+RatchetsAnd Wrenches hey bro, I'm back to square one. It worked for a few days but now the compressor keeps not engaging. If I wire it to the battery it works fine., but as soon as I take off the wire from the battery it shuts off again. I changed out the relay to a brand-new one and it didn't help. What do you think might be the problem?
+Edwin Gutierrez You A/C system is leaking. When the pressure is too low, the PCM will not send a signal to energize the compressor clutch. Also, if you put R134a with sealant into your A/C system, no shop will performing an A/C service on your car. They will most likely recommend you overhaul the A/C components and replace them with new ones which will cost a lot of money.
paper clip 87 to 30 will work for a regular relay . MY problem is i have a MICRO relay so i can't figure out witch ones to jump . Does anybody know witch one for a micro relay ?
Great video. Thanks! I was really putting off putting refrigerant in my car until I saw your video. It literally took less than 5 minutes and now I have super cool air on a 100 degree day!
God bless you my friend i was going crazy trying to find the source i checked all fuses relays and all the wireing and they were all good till i saw all you tube videos and no responce till i saw your video and it solved my problem bypassing how you said and the clutch engaged i started add the freeon and it stayed on i just have to buy more to fill it up once again thank you very much you saved us alot of money god bless you and your family from the zapata family rocky ridge ohio
Excellent. I suspected the compressor wasn't engaging because all the Freon had seeped out over the winter but never would have known how to trick the compressor to engage without this video. No diagram on the relay but trial and error with small wire didn't seem to hurt anything. Thanks again.
Yes in order to get a correct reading the compressor needs to be running..if its running and you get 100psi than you have too much freon in the system. gl
What's the best way to get some out I replaced the compressor ,mind you a back yard mechanic,went well until hooking up ac pro, reading damn near 0 hit triger and wouldn't charge did this 2× at 15 second intervals still reading 0 let set and run with ac on high just as I formed by video hit triger and now all the way in the yellow what do I do,?????
how about compressor clutch kicks in about 10 times from empty then gauge shoots to 75 to 85 psi and compressor does nothing after taking 1 third of a 12 ounce can?
wow !!!!!! the shop wanted 90 bucks to do my ac I watched this vid and it myself for 44 bucks. but I also learned about the clutch and how to engage it thanx a lot my friend.
I just want thanks all of you hew make the videos the how to fix your car or truck with out spinning a lot of money i like all of them i have been working on automobiles a long time and you never stop learning again thank you very much
I have NEVER taken any of my cars to a shop to fix the A/C. They will rob you blind. The home mechanic can do it himself and save hundreds. Thanks for the video.
You go there for the sign that says $120. You think, hey not a bad deal. Park it there, for the day and go to work. Get the dreaded call a couple hours later. Yeah, you're gonna need some work before we even begin to recharge the system. When did you last? Then, it's the long winded spew of how hard their going to grind you into the pavement. A few thousand possibly? Shit! They should hand out helmets at the front door with all that good news!
Thanks for the very useful video. Sometimes it's the simplest bits of information that make all the difference. I watched a couple of TH-cam videos which said to put the Freon in the low-side port, but I was unsure how to tell the difference between the two ports. At 5:20 of this video you explained it, and mentioned, "don't worry, these connectors can only go on the low port..." Bingo! Just the info I needed to know.
Why bypass the compressor protection? Simply add refrigerant until the low pressure switch is satisfied and the compressor will start in a fully protected manner.
I tried adding R-134a yesterday to my 2005 Dodge Neon and found that my cheap Super Tech valve failed to puncture the bottle seal. Returned it and bought A/C Pro. Used it this afternoon where the gauge showed near zero PSI. Started charging and after a minute released the trigger to find the pointer in the yellow. The AC was blowing cold inside the car so left it running to see if the pointer stayed steady or dropped. It did gradually drop down into the green to 45 psi so left the car running to see if it would drop more. It stabilized at 45 psi with the temp at the vent 50 degrees which felt frigid since it's 100 degrees F in the shade today. There's still some left in the bottle so may add that tomorrow morning when it's cooler when I check the PSI to see if it's dropped below 45 PSI.
Yes its not the safest for the compressor but in my case and I am going to assume alot of other cases the freon can wasnt strong enough to force enough freon in there to kick start the compressor!
Beginning in 1994, they stopped using Freon in new cars, which is Duponts trademark for R12. You need an EPA license to buy Freon/R12 and its at least $30 a can, if you can find it. The automotive industry changed over to R134a and Dupont trademarked R134a as Suva. The correct term would be R134a or just say refrigerant for newer cars. Saying Freon is just confusing. Posting this is just to enlighten all to the correct term. Keep up the good work!
What if your relay doesn’t have a diagram on it? Also, if you’re just running power to one terminal of the relay switch - should you ground it on another terminal? Or just power it? Thx
I drive a 1995 lexus sc400 and have found the magnetic clutch relay but now im having trouble by passing this relay there is no number 30 and 87 there the only numbers labeled for each side are 1 2 3 and 5 Any help would be much appreciated 👌👌
My Dodge Intrepid had the AC go out a couple of years ago, accept... The AC was completely fine, the damper that sends air to the heater was stuck open, and did not allow the air to go through the ac coil, and it also had controller glitches. I had to get it taken in 4 times because they don't make parts for that car anymore. But it cools great now.
If freon is low or there is no freon your ac pressure switch keeps the clutch from engaging and potentially damaging ac parts so thats why you need to engage it manually like I show in the video. But since it sounds like you have absolutely nothing in the system at first try to add freon without engaging the clutch manually so you atleast get some in to provide lubrication than engage it manually. GL
I realize this is a very old post, but how do you know which relay is for the clutch, when you have multiple relays? 1-A/Con, 1 A/con 1, 1 A/Con 1 1A/Con 2? 2009 Kia Sportage 4 cyl
Hello, I have a question. I just tried to fix my airco in my Kia Picanto 2012 with one of those simple kits with a can of refrigerant, and a hose with a gauge. (mine did not come with a temperature setting). My airco had just gradually become less cold over the years and now it had completely stopped working. I was hoping for a quick fix for now, but it didn't work out so far. When I connected the kit with the gauge to the low pressure side, it showed no pressure at all. Then I filled it untill it showed 60 PSI, with the engine and airco on. (was aiming for 50 but gone a bit too far). After that I drove around the block and when I drove away, cold air was coming out of the vents, and I thought it was a succes! but.. this only lasted for a very short time, a minute or so. (that doesn't sound too good, right) So now the airco still doesn't get cold. Now, when I check the pressure on the low pressure side, the gauge shows 60 PSI, engine and airco on, or off, there is no difference. Also, the pipes don't feel cold at all. Since it is also showing 60 PSI with the airco and engine off, I'm thinking... maybe there is still not enough pressure, because with the airco off, the pressure should rise far into the red zone... (like 100 PSI) if i'm right? Do you think it's worth it to try and get another can of refrigerant, to build up the pressure and see if the airco will actually activate? (I can't seem to spot any compressor pulley turning on and off when I turn on and off the airco, everything seems to be turning always, even with the AC button off. But the fan on the front of the car does turn on and off with the AC button.) (one more thing. I was too quick to do it, and kind of forgot about the temperature thing. I think it was about 68 degrees fahrenheit here when I filled it.... So according to the temperature/PSI charts, according to that I should have filled it to about max 35 PSI... and I filled it to 60 PSI.... So Im kind of worried that I have destroyed my AC system. But, since it's also showing 60 PSI with the engine and airco off... I doubt this, and start thinking the pressure is actually too low? I hoping you could shed some light on this!
If the reading was way off and after removing freon and bringing it to the normal reading the clutch is still not engaging it could be either the relay which you already replaced or the AC pressure switch, if you have a manual for your car you can find out how to test that. Also it could obviously be problems with your compressor/clutch or other components which only an a/c specialist can probably help you with. gl
I was given a 2004 Civic that sat unused for 6 yrs. The AC does not engauge and there seems to be little or no pressure in the system. The is not worth anything but I do drive it. Should I try this hoping it will get AC working or do I need to vaccum the system and test for leaks?
I assume you removed the relay and ran power from the battery to the relay terminal and now have to keep it that way for the a/c compressor clutch to be engaged right? 1st test your relay(I have a video on this), or swap it with another good relay see if it works, 2nd check and make sure you didnt overfill your a/c system or if you added enough freon. Your A/C pressure switch will keep your a/c compressor clutch from engaging in that case to minimize damage. GL
The valve where you have to press to see if something is stuck where are you hook up the Freon to on my truck. one of them shoots out air and the other one doesn’t shoot out any air when pressed with a tool. Does that mean it only needs Freon?
Excellent stuff. I manually engaged comp clutch ,it turns when jumped but does not engage when fuse is in .should I replace fuse maybe or get new comp or both ? Any advise . thanks for the video.
Just fixed my ac thanks to you ! And I might add that it blows colder than my mechanics previous "fix" and $30 lol I wasted $10 $6 for freon and a hot spicy and large fries ! Not bad plus I got my food with ac 😎
I've been having trouble with my son's 2006 Mazda 3. Replaced compressor and haven't been able to be the clutch to engage (no voltage is coming through the wire. Your video is the first (I've seen) that has you pulling the relay switch and jumping the clutch. Why do that when you can turn the system on from the inside? Of course it didn't work for me leading me to think I have a bad wire somewhere along the line. What am I missing??
I have a 1993 toyota camry with the R-12 system. I'm thinking about converting it to R-134a. How can I convert it to R-134a and refrigerant is for R-134a system. What refrigerant do I use to get the clutch to disengage and check for leaks?
How do you know that the oil leaked out and how much to add with that product yet not overfill it with too much oil? To say the store display is lacking such information is a collossal understatement.
WARNING! If refrigerant pressure is so low that compressor will NOT engage, the system is full of air!!! The entire system MUST be evacuated with a vacuum pump. Otherwise the refrigerant will mix with air and the high side pressure will be dangerously high. Also if the system is not vacuum pumped first, the efficiency will be very poor. You may be able to add a little refrigerant if the compressor engages and kicks on and off. If the compressor does NOT run at all, there's too much air and you are risking serious damage to the a/c system. Air also contains moisture which is the worst enemy of especially R-134 systems. BEWARE!
How does this advice jibe with Donzi's comment that he's successfully restarted 100's of compressor's by just adding refrigerant? Wouldn't he have experienced the damage noted? Confused by these conflicting assertions .
I jumped my compressor just like the vid.. compressor turned on.. so I checked Freon lv it was a bit low. I bought some and when I tried jumping compressor again it didn't want to engage.. any answers?
Any ideas on why the ac light may not turn green when pushed? Fan blows, heater works, but no cold air. Was thinking could be freon low but in your video the ac light was still on. Thanks!
I can't really tell in the video, what am I looking for to know whether or not the clutch is engaged? I assume mine is engaged, my AC still blows moderately cold air, I just want to get it colder.
ArmorOfGod find your AC Compressor. The pulley will be going around something. When your AC is turned on, that thing the pulley is going around is the clutch, if it's moving your clutch is engaged and your AC is working. Same with your AC off, the clutch won't be spinning while the pulley around it is. If your AC is on and the outside of the pulley (your clutch) isn't spinning, it may need to be replaced. Like the video states, check the relay if it's not working. KCCO!
Have a problem, I evacuated (vac) the system for 45 min. and checked 45 min. later and the system hold at -28. Charged the system, the low side is 30 and high at 145, temp was 70 with about 35 humidity (all good), static pressure was 85 (even). checked for leaks with dye, soapy water and the electronic detector, no leaks found, and it cools really good, HOWEVER, the Freon leaks withing 2 weeks. Any Ideas, help, as to what it's happening? I take anything. It's a 91 Pontiac Grand Prix with 3.1
Hi great video !!! Now I have a little bit of trouble ... ( I own jeep wrangler 98 4.0 ) i did everything you show here !! I actually install ( evaporator, condenser, dryer , compressor, lines, orifice tube ) for some reason !! When I start adding the R134a after vacuum the system for 1 hr. No leaks everything look good ... the compressor engage but immediately the pressure gauge jump to 100psi !!! Even so high that some ac line pop out !! And of course the system don't charged and the compressor start getting hot ! Im totally lost here ... WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD BE THE PROBLEM ? something could be clog ? Bad line? If you have any idea or tips please ! Let me know ! Thank you so much
I removed freon without the clutch engaged because it was giving a HIGH reading. The clutch won't engage at all. Yet I'm going to try doing it manually. Replace relay already. Might be compressor or the sensor. Suggestions.
good point on the open air temporature reference. i always wonder why is there a dial over the glass guage for.. thx.. but are we suppose to add during AC compressor ON or OFF?? i seen another R134A example didnt say that was necessary. all he did was charge can with patience for 15min. his AC temperature resulted 44 degreee cool rather than 82 degrees.
Can i do a full recharge after having switched out my ac compressor for a new one without pulling vaccume only using a refill kit? Btw i would use the can made to eliminate the humidity first
Do you test the pressure while the car is running, or when its turned off? I ask because my car shows it's partly low when tested with engine running, but shows a little high on the gauge when car is not running. (Note: I'm referring to the gauge that comes with the can as shown in your video)
Thanks sir any suggestions for my 2002 Gmc Sierra. It's not engaging therefore it's not getting cold. I know it's low or completely out because I've never had any added....Thanks in advance.
Is it always connect pin 87 to the + on the battery? My clutch relay has pins 87 & 30 just like your video. But I also have pins 85 & 86 -- They look like maybe they are the power pins. Thanks
I added some to my 04 silverado but the clutch kicks on then shuts off right away and it repeats, i already changed the a/c switch, do i still manually jump it?
My ac is cool and ac compressor clutch is engaged, its alittle low but won't take the freon. It was taking freon then it stopped taking it??? Any ideas appreciated.
Ok I recently changed my AC compressors from 1996 Cherokee Country to a 2000 Cherokee xj but i had to switch out the backs in order to use my lines. The 96 mounts in the main back and the 2000 on top of the compressor. Needless to say i lost all freon and oil. I replaced 4 oz of oil and it took it but it wont take the freon. i straight wired the clutch an it works. wont take freon. Is it full of AIR?? Did changing those backs make a difference? it worked great on the 96. All help appreciated...
If the Compressor is bad will the clutch still engage? I had someone come out the other day to recharge my system and the system would not take any freon. The compressor didn't kick on, either. When I purchased the car, I was told it had a new AC compressor installed. The mechanic said I have a bad compressor. Should I try to jump it and see if the clutch kicks on, or just buy a new compressor?
I followed your helpful video on my a4 b6'04 but bypassing the relay only turned on the ac fan, the clutch never engaged, definitely I had the wright relay, after scanning with vagcom u had a high pressure sensor fault code popping up, I had a good look at it and it looks pretty clean with no rust or wireing damage. Any solution pal. Great tutorial though. Cheers
once i connect the clips from the fuse to the battery . and the compress engage and i add the freon , do i take the clips off and everything will be ok ?
Dear RNW you are great and you take your time to explain things well. But I have Question about my system which is confusing and I have not seen solution to it on you tube Maybe you can Help. I have Tundra 2001 it had front right side body damage affected the fender, RF headlight and air filter housing and bent the condenser, also replaced the Radiator, and fan was broken also. All were fixed. System had pressure even after accident. First situation was Low pressure low (15-20), and High pressure High over 250psi, and clutch engage and disengage frequently we added Freon just a little high side went way up and low stayed the same, pursuant to Toyota Diagnostic table, indicated Blockage in the Receiver Dryer or expansion valve, we replaced both, we also tested all the line connection for leak, after replacement and testing condenser for leak we got to situation 2. Now the condenser have minor bent but holding pressure, the low is steady normal at 40 psi, and the high side went too high 275 and kept increasing to about to 350- to 375 close to 400psi and we did not even put one small can and clutch engages all the time without stop. Do you suspect the high pressure sensor not closing the circuit and causing all of the issues?
Thanks. I was about to crawl under and provide power to the clutch directly. Knowing I can just provide power to where the relay is makes this much easier.
Hello I have a problem why is my A/C blow hot air.I put 134a and clutch came on but still blew hot air on right side vents and left is not as hot.please help Thx Rick
I have situation when on full blast my pressure stays around 30PSI and after compressor disengages then it goes up to 60. After few min I feel cold air inside of the car but low pressure line is not getting cold. What are your thoughts on this?
I got the opposite advise from someone else, so feeling stuck, I asked two more people and both said the same thing. To measure it with the trigger off. But thanks for your time.
what if gauge shows red but compressors not engaged? Should I get the clutch spinning then the gauge will measure accurately and I'll be able to fill it up right?
I have a 2000 caravan 2.4 , I replaced the compressor on it and it's empty from all refrigerant. Now I can't get the clutch to engage I saw your video and tried to bypass the relay and no luck clutch did not engage . Need help , thanks
I am going to recharge my AC. Thank you for the video. Many women are left alone in our senior years and the mechanics love to sell us things we don't need. Everything you can show us is certainly appreciated.
Not only seniors. So many mechanic shops are scams. There are good ones, but they're few and far between. People are doing more on their own these days. After a few dings at the mechanic shop, costing thousands, one is forced to buy the tools and watch a few how to vids.
I fixed my Grandma's A/C with your advice. I bypassed the Relay just like you said and Installed the freon. When the freon was done, I installed the A/C relay and it worked! Thank you!!!
Thanks friend! I got my clutch to finally engage, after almost giving up. You saved me money I really need for other things. Getting really hot here in southern Arizona. Now I can enjoy driving again.
A lot of times adding a bit of refrigerant is enough to get your clutch running enough to draw more in. And FYI, Freon is a brand, it's called refrigerant. Thanks for posting and helping people.
Thank you for mentioning that first part. The clutch activated after a few seconds of recharging, didn't need to mess with the relay.
Thanks! fixed my Wife's AC. which makes her happy which makes me happy
Happy wife, happy life.. thanks for your comment!
Kevin Nelson happy wife , happy life !! 😬😬
@@opparigo3470 what gauge wire should be?
Where is the low in AC valve in 2007 Tahoe
My brotha !!! 💪🏾💪🏾😂😂
Great to have a resource like this. I summoned the courage to try this myself, changed the compressor and dryer and couldn't get the compressor to manually run. You saved the day!!
Hey no problem, I am very happy the video helped you put a smile on your dads face. Best wishes for him and his battle with cancer. Cheers
Bro, really good video. One of the best instructional and informational videos out there.
R&W gives a great step-by-step tutorial--simple, clear and informative. Even if you don't know anything about cars, you'll be able to charge and fill your AC after watching this video.
Thanks R&W!
Dayne Lukes thanks for your comment, glad you found the video useful. cheers
Part of me thinks I could do this. The other part is afraid I’d blow up my car.
Be careful of using any off-the-shelf Freon because it has a sealer in it and if it hits air it will become as hard as epoxy and it will damage your system if you ever lose all the freon and air gets in the system.
Rx xxx
@@bobbrocius6969this makes it 10x better thanks for the support
You are so not alone!!!!!!
Just do it when it's hot and your AC compressor will kick on automatically
This video has saved me hundreds of dollars this summer. Who knew I could do this myself. Thank you
Is cus u white and don't know how to do crap
The shop wanted $120 to recharge my AC system. I did it for $20 after watching this video...lol...Thanks man!
Wowo always glad to hear my viewers saving money after watching my video's. And thanks alot for your donation too. Cheers
They make the employees pay for their own certification.
websuspect yeah but it gets refunded if u pass..each certification is only 25$
Expensive equipment, the government's fault? A place to use it, the government's fault? The certification, sure. That's mandated by the government. Not getting into wether the benefits of certification out weight the cons or not, but to say that the reason car service cost 5X the price is solely because of the government shows your extreme bias.
I don't care what the shops situation is..a $20 fix should never be quoted at $120
Dude, this video just saved me over 300.00 bucks. Thank you so much. This worked on my 2007 kia optima. Thanks again bro.
+Edwin Gutierrez np, always nice to hear people saving money. cheers
+RatchetsAnd Wrenches hey bro, I'm back to square one. It worked for a few days but now the compressor keeps not engaging. If I wire it to the battery it works fine., but as soon as I take off the wire from the battery it shuts off again. I changed out the relay to a brand-new one and it didn't help. What do you think might be the problem?
+Edwin Gutierrez You A/C system is leaking. When the pressure is too low, the PCM will not send a signal to energize the compressor clutch. Also, if you put R134a with sealant into your A/C system, no shop will performing an A/C service on your car. They will most likely recommend you overhaul the A/C components and replace them with new ones which will cost a lot of money.
+Edwin Gutierrez Should get it professionally done. Leak fixed, system completely vaccumed out and filled with correct lbs of Freon.
Refrigerant, Freon is a brand.
paper clip 87 to 30 will work for a regular relay . MY problem is i have a MICRO relay so i can't figure out witch ones to jump .
Does anybody know witch one for a micro relay ?
Great video. Thanks! I was really putting off putting refrigerant in my car until I saw your video. It literally took less than 5 minutes and now I have super cool air on a 100 degree day!
God bless you my friend i was going crazy trying to find the source i checked all fuses relays and all the wireing and they were all good till i saw all you tube videos and no responce till i saw your video and it solved my problem bypassing how you said and the clutch engaged i started add the freeon and it stayed on i just have to buy more to fill it up once again thank you very much you saved us alot of money god bless you and your family from the zapata family rocky ridge ohio
Skip to 5:10 if you're just needing to see how to add freon. Just giving a friendly help.
Excellent. I suspected the compressor wasn't engaging because all the Freon had seeped out over the winter but never would have known how to trick the compressor to engage without this video. No diagram on the relay but trial and error with small wire didn't seem to hurt anything. Thanks again.
Yes in order to get a correct reading the compressor needs to be running..if its running and you get 100psi than you have too much freon in the system. gl
What's the best way to get some out I replaced the compressor ,mind you a back yard mechanic,went well until hooking up ac pro, reading damn near 0 hit triger and wouldn't charge did this 2× at 15 second intervals still reading 0 let set and run with ac on high just as I formed by video hit triger and now all the way in the yellow what do I do,?????
how about compressor clutch kicks in about 10 times from empty then gauge shoots to 75 to 85 psi and compressor does nothing after taking 1 third of a 12 ounce can?
sdSdsSadrDssrssssssssssssssssssssssssdsssassaassasssasssssssasssassssssssaassaessssssssssassssssasssasasssssasssssaasssssssssasssassaasssasssssssasssssssssasswwaswwwsawwwssqwssswwwwwwwwqwsaaaawwwwweswwwwwwwwewwwwaawa www waawwwqwwawwwwwww www waawwwqwwawwwwwww www waawwwqwwawwwwwww wàqeàaaw we waeqeeaaaa
wow !!!!!! the shop wanted 90 bucks to do my ac I watched this vid and it myself for 44 bucks. but I also learned about the clutch and how to engage it thanx a lot my friend.
Compressor engage info was very helpful. Thanks!
very good video. Thanks for the information. You're the first person on youtube to show this method it was hard to find but here it is.
Great video, My husband just puts a jumper on the a/c low pressure switch.
It as located near the LOW SIDE PORT!
That is what I do too. Much easier than the relay. Mine was located on the top of the accumulator. I used a simple piece of wire to jumper the sensor.
I just want thanks all of you hew make the videos the how to fix your car or truck with out spinning a lot of money i like all of them i have been working on automobiles a long time and you never stop learning again thank you very much
I have NEVER taken any of my cars to a shop to fix the A/C. They will rob you blind. The home mechanic can do it himself and save hundreds. Thanks for the video.
You go there for the sign that says $120. You think, hey not a bad deal. Park it there, for the day and go to work. Get the dreaded call a couple hours later. Yeah, you're gonna need some work before we even begin to recharge the system. When did you last? Then, it's the long winded spew of how hard their going to grind you into the pavement. A few thousand possibly? Shit! They should hand out helmets at the front door with all that good news!
Thanks for the very useful video.
Sometimes it's the simplest bits of information that make all the difference. I watched a couple of TH-cam videos which said to put the Freon in the low-side port, but I was unsure how to tell the difference between the two ports. At 5:20 of this video you explained it, and mentioned, "don't worry, these connectors can only go on the low port..."
Bingo! Just the info I needed to know.
Why bypass the compressor protection? Simply add refrigerant until the low pressure switch is satisfied and the compressor will start in a fully protected manner.
That can take some time but is the best practice since the compressor shaft seals get their lubrication from the oil in the refrigerant.
Took one minute and compressor kicked in . 5 minutes more and It was fully charged. 2 months and still running cold.
I tried adding R-134a yesterday to my 2005 Dodge Neon and found that my cheap Super Tech valve failed to puncture the bottle seal. Returned it and bought A/C Pro. Used it this afternoon where the gauge showed near zero PSI. Started charging and after a minute released the trigger to find the pointer in the yellow. The AC was blowing cold inside the car so left it running to see if the pointer stayed steady or dropped. It did gradually drop down into the green to 45 psi so left the car running to see if it would drop more. It stabilized at 45 psi with the temp at the vent 50 degrees which felt frigid since it's 100 degrees F in the shade today. There's still some left in the bottle so may add that tomorrow morning when it's cooler when I check the PSI to see if it's dropped below 45 PSI.
Yes its not the safest for the compressor but in my case and I am going to assume alot of other cases the freon can wasnt strong enough to force enough freon in there to kick start the compressor!
Beginning in 1994, they stopped using Freon in new cars, which is Duponts trademark for R12. You need an EPA license to buy Freon/R12 and its at least $30 a can, if you can find it. The automotive industry changed over to R134a and Dupont trademarked R134a as Suva. The correct term would be R134a or just say refrigerant for newer cars. Saying Freon is just confusing. Posting this is just to enlighten all to the correct term. Keep up the good work!
Since you cannot buy "freon" anymore, there's nothing to be confused about....unless you're a pedantic ass.
What if your relay doesn’t have a diagram on it?
Also, if you’re just running power to one terminal of the relay switch - should you ground it on another terminal? Or just power it?
Thx
Thanks bud. really savedme a whole lot of bucks. I was about to pay $ 900 for a new compressor. for $40 it worked like a charm.
I drive a 1995 lexus sc400 and have found the magnetic clutch relay but now im having trouble by passing this relay there is no number 30 and 87 there the only numbers labeled for each side are 1 2 3 and 5
Any help would be much appreciated 👌👌
Thanks a lot for this great practical video. It saved me lot of money. I just did what you showed and my car's act fixed with $40.
Thanks again
Do you have to have the car running and ac on while filling it?
No, do not keep that bridge on from the battery to the fuse box. You only do that to fill the system when the compressor doesnt kick on.
My Dodge Intrepid had the AC go out a couple of years ago, accept... The AC was completely fine, the damper that sends air to the heater was stuck open, and did not allow the air to go through the ac coil, and it also had controller glitches. I had to get it taken in 4 times because they don't make parts for that car anymore. But it cools great now.
If freon is low or there is no freon your ac pressure switch keeps the clutch from engaging and potentially damaging ac parts so thats why you need to engage it manually like I show in the video. But since it sounds like you have absolutely nothing in the system at first try to add freon without engaging the clutch manually so you atleast get some in to provide lubrication than engage it manually. GL
Question? Do I have to have the truck onn when putting freeon
I realize this is a very old post, but how do you know which relay is for the clutch, when you have multiple relays? 1-A/Con, 1 A/con 1, 1 A/Con 1 1A/Con 2? 2009 Kia Sportage 4 cyl
Hello,
I have a question.
I just tried to fix my airco in my Kia Picanto 2012 with one of those simple kits with a can of refrigerant, and a hose with a gauge. (mine did not come with a temperature setting). My airco had just gradually become less cold over the years and now it had completely stopped working.
I was hoping for a quick fix for now, but it didn't work out so far.
When I connected the kit with the gauge to the low pressure side, it showed no pressure at all. Then I filled it untill it showed 60 PSI, with the engine and airco on. (was aiming for 50 but gone a bit too far).
After that I drove around the block and when I drove away, cold air was coming out of the vents, and I thought it was a succes! but.. this only lasted for a very short time, a minute or so. (that doesn't sound too good, right)
So now the airco still doesn't get cold.
Now, when I check the pressure on the low pressure side, the gauge shows 60 PSI, engine and airco on, or off, there is no difference. Also, the pipes don't feel cold at all.
Since it is also showing 60 PSI with the airco and engine off, I'm thinking... maybe there is still not enough pressure, because with the airco off, the pressure should rise far into the red zone... (like 100 PSI) if i'm right?
Do you think it's worth it to try and get another can of refrigerant, to build up the pressure and see if the airco will actually activate?
(I can't seem to spot any compressor pulley turning on and off when I turn on and off the airco, everything seems to be turning always, even with the AC button off. But the fan on the front of the car does turn on and off with the AC button.)
(one more thing. I was too quick to do it, and kind of forgot about the temperature thing. I think it was about 68 degrees fahrenheit here when I filled it.... So according to the temperature/PSI charts, according to that I should have filled it to about max 35 PSI... and I filled it to 60 PSI.... So Im kind of worried that I have destroyed my AC system. But, since it's also showing 60 PSI with the engine and airco off... I doubt this, and start thinking the pressure is actually too low?
I hoping you could shed some light on this!
hello, I have a question whether this procedure can be used in variable ac compressors? like mercedes benz w211, please help. thank you
If the reading was way off and after removing freon and bringing it to the normal reading the clutch is still not engaging it could be either the relay which you already replaced or the AC pressure switch, if you have a manual for your car you can find out how to test that. Also it could obviously be problems with your compressor/clutch or other components which only an a/c specialist can probably help you with. gl
Àqq1@Q
I was given a 2004 Civic that sat unused for 6 yrs. The AC does not engauge and there seems to be little or no pressure in the system. The is not worth anything but I do drive it. Should I try this hoping it will get AC working or do I need to vaccum the system and test for leaks?
I have a question, there no pressure where u put the Freon on, does that mean bc there isn’t any for it to have pressure
I assume you removed the relay and ran power from the battery to the relay terminal and now have to keep it that way for the a/c compressor clutch to be engaged right? 1st test your relay(I have a video on this), or swap it with another good relay see if it works, 2nd check and make sure you didnt overfill your a/c system or if you added enough freon. Your A/C pressure switch will keep your a/c compressor clutch from engaging in that case to minimize damage. GL
The valve where you have to press to see if something is stuck where are you hook up the Freon to on my truck. one of them shoots out air and the other one doesn’t shoot out any air when pressed with a tool. Does that mean it only needs Freon?
Very impressive
Excellent Video…
Is it the same procedure on a Semi Trucks any idea???
Excellent stuff. I manually engaged comp clutch ,it turns when jumped but does not engage when fuse is in .should I replace fuse maybe or get new comp or both ? Any advise . thanks for the video.
Just fixed my ac thanks to you ! And I might add that it blows colder than my mechanics previous "fix" and $30 lol I wasted $10 $6 for freon and a hot spicy and large fries ! Not bad plus I got my food with ac 😎
I've been having trouble with my son's 2006 Mazda 3. Replaced compressor and haven't been able to be the clutch to engage (no voltage is coming through the wire. Your video is the first (I've seen) that has you pulling the relay switch and jumping the clutch. Why do that when you can turn the system on from the inside? Of course it didn't work for me leading me to think I have a bad wire somewhere along the line. What am I missing??
I have a 1993 toyota camry with the R-12 system. I'm thinking about converting it to R-134a. How can I convert it to R-134a and refrigerant is for R-134a system. What refrigerant do I use to get the clutch to disengage and check for leaks?
I couldnt tell the compressor clutch engaging in your video. Please advice. thank you
So if your a.c. works but the air just isn't super cold does that mean it's already engaged and you can just add the Freon?
Yes
@@realn1gga513 how
What if your relay does not have a map for which terminal to jump? I’m asking for a 09 Mazda 3 2.3 L
How do you know that the oil leaked out and how much to add with that product yet not overfill it with too much oil? To say the store display is lacking such information is a collossal understatement.
As long it read on the blue you should be okay? What would happen if you a little to the yellow but still in the blue section? Thanks
WARNING! If refrigerant pressure is so low that compressor will NOT engage, the system is full of air!!! The entire system MUST be evacuated with a vacuum pump. Otherwise the refrigerant will mix with air and the high side pressure will be dangerously high. Also if the system is not vacuum pumped first, the efficiency will be very poor. You may be able to add a little refrigerant if the compressor engages and kicks on and off. If the compressor does NOT run at all, there's too much air and you are risking serious damage to the a/c system. Air also contains moisture which is the worst enemy of especially R-134 systems. BEWARE!
This guy is right
How does this advice jibe with Donzi's comment that he's successfully restarted 100's of compressor's by just adding refrigerant? Wouldn't he have experienced the damage noted? Confused by these conflicting assertions .
I jumped my compressor just like the vid.. compressor turned on.. so I checked Freon lv it was a bit low. I bought some and when I tried jumping compressor again it didn't want to engage.. any answers?
So how do you remove the air in the ac system? I just put a new condenser on and i know there's no freon inside. It all leaked out during replacement.
@@equisequis.55 use a vacuum pump. You can rent them from most parts stores. ChrisFix has a great video on it.
good, its way too hot right now to be witout a/c. tx for watching
Any ideas on why the ac light may not turn green when pushed? Fan blows, heater works, but no cold air. Was thinking could be freon low but in your video the ac light was still on. Thanks!
I can't really tell in the video, what am I looking for to know whether or not the clutch is engaged? I assume mine is engaged, my AC still blows moderately cold air, I just want to get it colder.
ArmorOfGod find your AC Compressor. The pulley will be going around something. When your AC is turned on, that thing the pulley is going around is the clutch, if it's moving your clutch is engaged and your AC is working. Same with your AC off, the clutch won't be spinning while the pulley around it is. If your AC is on and the outside of the pulley (your clutch) isn't spinning, it may need to be replaced. Like the video states, check the relay if it's not working. KCCO!
I wonder if the low side pressure is the same on both gauges.
Have a problem, I evacuated (vac) the system for 45 min. and checked 45 min. later and the system hold at -28. Charged the system, the low side is 30 and high at 145, temp was 70 with about 35 humidity (all good), static pressure was 85 (even). checked for leaks with dye, soapy water and the electronic detector, no leaks found, and it cools really good, HOWEVER, the Freon leaks withing 2 weeks. Any Ideas, help, as to what it's happening? I take anything. It's a 91 Pontiac Grand Prix with 3.1
Have an 06 Pontiac grand prix how do I tell which pin to put the wire to manually engage the clutch
If the freon is very low will that cause the compressor not to engage?
William Murry yeah super low Freon will not turn the compressor on because the compressor switch is turned off to prevent damage to the compressor
Hi great video !!! Now I have a little bit of trouble ... ( I own jeep wrangler 98 4.0 ) i did everything you show here !! I actually install ( evaporator, condenser, dryer , compressor, lines, orifice tube ) for some reason !! When I start adding the R134a after vacuum the system for 1 hr. No leaks everything look good ... the compressor engage but immediately the pressure gauge jump to 100psi !!! Even so high that some ac line pop out !! And of course the system don't charged and the compressor start getting hot ! Im totally lost here ... WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD BE THE PROBLEM ? something could be clog ? Bad line? If you have any idea or tips please ! Let me know ! Thank you so much
I removed freon without the clutch engaged because it was giving a HIGH reading. The clutch won't engage at all. Yet I'm going to try doing it manually. Replace relay already. Might be compressor or the sensor. Suggestions.
I dont exactly know which kind you have but just take it back and get one with the gauge on it, its more expensive but its worth it. GL
good point on the open air temporature reference. i always wonder why is there a dial over the glass guage for.. thx.. but are we suppose to add during AC compressor ON or OFF?? i seen another R134A example didnt say that was necessary. all he did was charge can with patience for 15min. his AC temperature resulted 44 degreee cool rather than 82 degrees.
Can i do a full recharge after having switched out my ac compressor for a new one without pulling vaccume only using a refill kit? Btw i would use the can made to eliminate the humidity first
Do you test the pressure while the car is running, or when its turned off? I ask because my car shows it's partly low when tested with engine running, but shows a little high on the gauge when car is not running. (Note: I'm referring to the gauge that comes with the can as shown in your video)
Very helpful video, do u know if they sale Freon mixed dye in can. ? Please let me know . Thanks
Thanks sir any suggestions for my 2002 Gmc Sierra. It's not engaging therefore it's not getting cold. I know it's low or completely out because I've never had any added....Thanks in advance.
Is it always connect pin 87 to the + on the battery? My clutch relay has pins 87 & 30 just like your video. But I also have pins 85 & 86 -- They look like maybe they are the power pins. Thanks
Thanks. You probably just saved me tons of money. Got my cadaverlier's a/c running again.
I added some to my 04 silverado but the clutch kicks on then shuts off right away and it repeats, i already changed the a/c switch, do i still manually jump it?
You didn't mention if you add the freon while the car is running or do u shut it off
My ac is cool and ac compressor clutch is engaged, its alittle low but won't take the freon. It was taking freon then it stopped taking it??? Any ideas appreciated.
Do you connect # 87 from the rely (the wire)and to the positive of the battery to engage the compressor manually
Thank you! Will this be pretty much the same for a Buick Century 2000?
Thank you now I don't have to go around asking someone to do it for me :-)
How long do you leave the 134a in for
Ok I recently changed my AC compressors from 1996 Cherokee Country to a 2000 Cherokee xj but i had to switch out the backs in order to use my lines. The 96 mounts in the main back and the 2000 on top of the compressor. Needless to say i lost all freon and oil. I replaced 4 oz of oil and it took it but it wont take the freon. i straight wired the clutch an it works. wont take freon. Is it full of AIR?? Did changing those backs make a difference? it worked great on the 96. All help appreciated...
what are the clips you used to manually engaged the compressor with? do they have to be a certain gauge and where can i get them?
If the Compressor is bad will the clutch still engage? I had someone come out the other day to recharge my system and the system would not take any freon. The compressor didn't kick on, either. When I purchased the car, I was told it had a new AC compressor installed. The mechanic said I have a bad compressor. Should I try to jump it and see if the clutch kicks on, or just buy a new compressor?
I followed your helpful video on my a4 b6'04 but bypassing the relay only turned on the ac fan, the clutch never engaged, definitely I had the wright relay, after scanning with vagcom u had a high pressure sensor fault code popping up, I had a good look at it and it looks pretty clean with no rust or wireing damage. Any solution pal. Great tutorial though. Cheers
once i connect the clips from the fuse to the battery . and the compress engage and i add the freon , do i take the clips off and everything will be ok ?
Yes, if you take the wire off and put the relay back in it's place, the compressor should engage if you have serviced the freon properly.
Maurice K thanks and do autozone sells the aligator clips ?
You're welcome. They're called "clip alligator test leads" part number 85654.
Maurice K thanks so much
can i attach the clips first then start the car up
Can I do this with the electric fan (radiator ) as well?
thanks for your help, me and my sister put some of this in her husbands car and it worked great
You put freon in her husband's car? Time to take his man card...
Dear RNW you are great and you take your time to explain things well. But I have Question about my system which is confusing and I have not seen solution to it on you tube Maybe you can Help. I have Tundra 2001 it had front right side body damage affected the fender, RF headlight and air filter housing and bent the condenser, also replaced the Radiator, and fan was broken also. All were fixed. System had pressure even after accident. First situation was Low pressure low (15-20), and High pressure High over 250psi, and clutch engage and disengage frequently we added Freon just a little high side went way up and low stayed the same, pursuant to Toyota Diagnostic table, indicated Blockage in the Receiver Dryer or expansion valve, we replaced both, we also tested all the line connection for leak, after replacement and testing condenser for leak we got to situation 2. Now the condenser have minor bent but holding pressure, the low is steady normal at 40 psi, and the high side went too high 275 and kept increasing to about to 350- to 375 close to 400psi and we did not even put one small can and clutch engages all the time without stop. Do you suspect the high pressure sensor not closing the circuit and causing all of the issues?
boy oh boy i love that back ground music lol must have a big family
I'd be loosing it already trying to shoot the video 😂
Thanks. I was about to crawl under and provide power to the clutch directly. Knowing I can just provide power to where the relay is makes this much easier.
adding power with the alligator clips , great idea . i was already going to get anew compressor and all kinds of parts.
Does alligator clips get connected to 8730 together?
Can i reuse the hose with the gauge to read the pressure? I don't have the can attached to it anymore of course its just the hose by itself.
Hello I have a problem why is my A/C blow hot air.I put 134a and clutch came on but still blew hot air on right side vents and left is not as hot.please help Thx Rick
blue is filled but isnt that like 35psi? but if its hot outside like 95+ doesnt need to be in the yellow area?
I have situation when on full blast my pressure stays around 30PSI and after compressor disengages then it goes up to 60. After few min I feel cold air inside of the car but low pressure line is not getting cold. What are your thoughts on this?
should i go look for a leak then? do you have a simple video on that....?
I got the opposite advise from someone else, so feeling stuck, I asked two more people and both said the same thing. To measure it with the trigger off. But thanks for your time.
what if gauge shows red but compressors not engaged? Should I get the clutch spinning then the gauge will measure accurately and I'll be able to fill it up right?
I have a 2000 caravan 2.4 , I replaced the compressor on it and it's empty from all refrigerant. Now I can't get the clutch to engage I saw your video and tried to bypass the relay and no luck clutch did not engage . Need help , thanks