Exactly How Does One Top Up the Air Conditioner ?

[DoctorBill]

I've been changing my Timing Belt and Adding an Automatic Transmission Cooler Radiator

to my newly aquired used Pathfinder.

 

Replacing the Timing Belt and Adding an AT Cooler

 

After that task is done, I want to see if my AC is OK.

 

Saw 18 and 22 ounce cans of 134a Freon at Wal-Mart for around $23 - about $1 / oz.

 

The cans have a hose and preessure gauge on them.

 

But I'm chicken sh*t.....never, but never messed with AC before !

 

I'm worried that I'll screw the pooch and wind up destroying what I have now...

 

Are there any links (with photos - I am visually oriented) that show exactly

how to top up and/or check the AC - w/o paying gozillions of $ to some

shop to do it ?

 

My 'bought used' Pathy is a WD21 - '95 XE-V6 4x4...167,000 miles on it.

 

People have told me about where the "sight glass" is, but I cannot find the thing !

 

Did ALL Pathys have "sight glasses" ? Is it hidden under something ?

 

DoctorBill

[Simon]

What you do is look for the low side valve, it's right beside the compressor. If you're having trouble seeing it, follow the long AC line from the firewall, down to the compressor. Hook the provided hose to the low side valve, start the truck, and turn the AC on MAX. If you've got the guage, fill to the recommended pressure on the plate on the firewall.

Edited August 6, 2009 by Simon

[edicer2]

i just turn it on max and put the filler on the L or (blue) one like simon said and i let it just keep sucking it in until i didnt seem to be sucking in anymore you can tell because there is a weight difference in the can.

[DoctorBill]

OK guys....I have four numbered photos of, I believe, all of my AC System under the hood.

 

BTW - my AC works - puts out cool air, but otherwise I know nothing about it.

 

Is this the "Freon Filling Port" ? (Photo #1)

Where I would "Top Up" with cans purchased at various stores?

 

 

This is the Compressor ? (Photo #2)

 

 

What is this thing for ? (Photo #3)

 

 

Isn't the "View Window" supposed to be on the top of the Compressor? (Photo #4)

I'll be damned if I can find it !

 

 

Please help...especially with this "View Window" thing...are you sure '95's had them.

 

Wasn't that the year they switched to the "New Ecofriendly Freon 134a" ?

 

DoctorBill

Edited August 6, 2009 by DoctorBill

[adamzan]

93 And up pathfinders have the 134a stuff. Mine doesn't have a "sight glass" either. Maybe that is only on the old r12 systems?. Also that port in your last picture is the one you top it up from. the one in your first picture is the high pressure line, don't mess with that baby!

 

Also if it gets cold, then I wouldn't worry about topping it up.

Edited August 6, 2009 by adamzan

[k9sar]

yes, the sight glass should be on the compressor but... not on my pathy either. I simply fill to pressure while the engine is running and the AC on full. be careful not to give the compressor a big gulp of liquid or it could do serious damage. That is why they say to hold the can upright and let the gas go in as opposed to inverted where you are sucking straight liquid. And like Adam said... if it blows cold, don't worry about it.

[adamzan]

I have a question though, why does everyone say put the a/c on max? On my truck the a/c is either on or off.

[k9sar]

cause we're special and you're not

 

basically, you want the compressor running so, just to be sure, you set the AC on and the temp to the coldest setting (hence the term MAX)

Edited August 6, 2009 by k9sar

[GrimGreg]

I have a question though, why does everyone say put the a/c on max? On my truck the a/c is either on or off.

 

Yeah, on or off button works the AC, but fan speed on max with AC on is what they mean. It puts the max load on the system so that the compressor won't cycle off.