All,

My AC performance could be better, It's good but not great. I would guess it needs a recharge.
FWIW:Cabin filter recently replaced.

I'm sure it just like any other car but any caveats to charging the AC on the PiG?

Thanks!

 

Do they still have sight glasses so you know when you need a recharge or am I showing my age again?

 

Good question...
Last car I messed with the AC on was my old Saab 9-5 Aero, I think it had the sight glass.

 

No sight glass. The R134a is added by weight - which means the system has to be evacuated to vacuum, then filled while the coolant weight is monitored. This generally means professional time. While the big box stores sell kits to top up the coolant, I'd go at that very cautiously (despite what I'm sure you'll hear from people who did it..) If you overpressure the system you risk a total loss (if the overpressure disk in the receiver/dryer ruptures due to too much freon), or you may damage the compressor (which then tends to push junk through the entire system contaminating it, and requiring massive work to clean out and fix.) The junk gage on the DIY kit is not accurate, at the very least you need a set of R134a gages, with the temperature/pressure chart that helps determine if the system is near to full.

 

Oh no doubt I'd let a "pro" do this, just wondering if there was an obvious way to tell it's a little light on refrigerant.

 

Mine needs help too.....Colder on drivers side than passengers.

 

That is probably not a refrigerant issue. Most likely a blend door issue.

Do you have dual-zone temp controls? If so, the door on your side may be stuck allowing too much warm air to mix with the cooler air.

 

Another common item to check is that your condensor is not blocked with debris. A blockage will cause high head (condensing) pressures and reduce performance of the system.

BTW, great write-up by Don E. One thing I may add is the purging of hoses when charging your system. As this practice is not widely approved for environmental issues, it does however prevent air, from within the hose set, to enter the system.

 

You're a little light, Bill.

 

Thanks.

At least you didn't mention anything about my loafers....

 

Guess I will let my wrench handle.

 

OMG, where am I? I must be lost...help!