Once the temperature went crazy hot in Chicago, I noticed that that A/C in my 2004 SS Supercharged did not blow cold air.

Here is what happened:

I had four (4) cans of twelve (12) ounces of R-134a. I put all four in the car per the instructions. I noticed that it started to get very cold towards the third can. Then when I finished with the fourth can. The motor would surge at idle and the A/C was not as cold as when I finished with the fourth can. I freaked out and I cut the bottom of a can off and hooked it up to the system and let some refrigerant go free. I have no idea hot much got out.

Bottom line is this. I learned the specification for the air conditioning is 2.4 lbs (38.4 ounces) of R-134a refrigerant. I would like to put exactly that in my A/C system. Is there a way I can empty the system and put in three (3) cans totaling 2.25 pounds (36 ounces)?

That way I would feel better about my A/C compressor that I probably tried to kill by putting in four (4) cans 3 lbs (48 ounces).

 

What you have done is illegal. Go to a shop and have someone do it correct and not destroy the environment.

 

ChibiBlackSheep, good looking out.

"It is illegal under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act to knowingly vent substitute refrigerants during any service, maintenance, repair or disposal of an appliance."

I was under the assumption that because R-134a does not contribute to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, it would be safe to vent from the system by yourself without collecting it. I was wrong. Assumptions are bad.

I am glad I asked here first before doing anything illegal. Don't worry, I didn't let enough out to violate the section because I closed the valve immediately when I got sprayed with neon green liquid (leak detection?).

I will go to a shop before the 3+ lbs of refrigerant in my system damages my compressor.

What is a ballpark amount they should charge to handle this?

 

Well if you are having an issue with the car where you needed to recharge in the first place, they will have to diagnose it first you could have a simple o-ring leaking and they'll repair that and fill you up and it not be expensive.

I don't honestly know a ballpark figure for you. AC repairs could be as cheap as $100 or sometimes more expensive. You could always ask them for a quote before you bring it in.

 

Mine cost $85 just to fill it and check for leaks, no other problems. Of course, this can vary widely. I could have done it myself at home for much less (I have the filler hose with the gauge on it) but I wanted it checked for leaks and repaired if necessary.

 

My system is shot, I'm going to make an appointment to get it fully checked out, I know there is a problem with it.

 

That sucks, I know I was fearing the worst (i.e. compressor failure, etc.) when I took mine in. I still felt fortunate paying the $85. It is a trusted, small private garage. They're having me bring it back next week to double-check for leaks.

 

what is the norm air temp to come out ur vents? on recirc its about 42 or so.and i live in the st. louis area. its been hot here! also where is the low side so i can put 134 a in it if i need it?

 

I wanna say the AC system is good for like 20-30 degrees below ambient.

 

ok. where is the low side at? 2004 3.8 non s/c.