A/C R134a Recharge - NOT Convert

[thgood]

I just got my 94 explorer last week, and the a/c does not work. It has r134a stickers and I think that the turck was orginally filled with r134a. When I switch the a/c on the compressor does not kick in -- I took it to a shop and they said its probably just because the refrigerant is low...

There is lots of talk about the r12-r134a conversion kits but little about just recharging...

Should I just buy a conversion kit and add a bit more oil to the system as well, what would you do ??

----
Tom
94 Ex Sport 5 spd

 

[tbomb]

if it already has r-134a, why would you convert it? what could you convert it to? try just adding some coolant to it - its cheap, about $15.00/pound. i had mine recharged by a place a few weeks ago (i was .5 lbs low), works perfect now, cold as cold can be.

 

[EliteConcept]

yea you should convert it.........if you want to buy all new A/C parts next year after the r12 and r134a mix and eat holes in your A/C system...
FIll up with R12 or don't put anything in at all.
I learned this info from a friend of the family who is a A/C expert

 

[Jason94sport]

My 94 has 134A from the factory. R12 is the old stuff, 134A is the new. Are those stickers ford factory stickers, or does it look like someone just stuck them on?

 

[thgood]

Pictures - r134a Warning sticker

I think they are Ford factory sickers, I took a couple of pictures - could you take a look and see if they are similar to yours:

Dead Link Removed

I know I don't need to convert it from r134a to r134a -- the actual question was about how to refill it and should I add more oil?

Originally posted by Jason94sport
My 94 has 134A from the factory. R12 is the old stuff, 134A is the new. Are those stickers ford factory stickers, or does it look like someone just stuck them on?

 

[BoatsRcool]

I think ford started using r134a in 94' cuz my 92 had r12 but my sisters 94 navajo has r134a

 

[thgood]

Recharging

So it does look like the r134a is original

so what would you do to charge it, simpliy add a bottle of r134a coolant....?

Or would you need to add some oil too?

 

[offroadkc]

I think most manufacturers switched in '94. I had a '94 Chevy that had the 134a in it.
It's most likely original.

 

[Jim F]

I have a 94 Chevy Cavalier that has R12. Go figure.

 

[jimbo74]

just went out and looked @ mine....1994 xlt has r134a..... it says do not overcharge..... how can I recharge it?

 

[Jason94sport]

Yeah my stickers are the same on my 94. You can buy recharge kit form the auto store. It will have 1-2 cans of coolant, A guage, & some hose with connects. Get that follow the directions. It will have a table with the right amount of coolant you need. The gauge will tell you how much you put in, & if you overcharge it. Also, if the system is discharged, It might be better to let a shop do it. They will test the ac system for leaks, & make sure it works like it should. No sense is trying to charge it, if it will not hold the charge.

 

[jimbo74]

mine is fine... i just would like to refill it.. it hasnt been done in awhile.....

 

[JamminG4Jim]

I just recharged the AC in my '94 EB Explorer (r134a)...

Pretty straight forward. I followed the instructions that came with the recharge kit, which say:

1: Put the guage on the low pressure fitting and make a note of the reading. Ambient air temp will effect how low or high it reads (There's a graph showing what NORMAL pressure should be).

2: Put the guage on the High pressure fitting and make note of this reading also.

If one reading is ok and the other ones low or high, it says there's some sort of internal problem. Then a AC specialist is the only way to go.

BOTH Low and High readings on mine were low, which indicates low coolant. 1 can brought the levels close to what they should be, and about 1/2 way thru putting in the can my compressor started cycling on and off, then came on steady.

If I were you, thgood, I'd find a buddy who's done it before to show you how. It's not hard, but safety guidelines have to be followed to make sure nobody gets hurt and/or nothing gets damaged.....You're messin with a pressurized system, so BE CAREFUL!!!!!

If you're the least bit wary of doing it yourself, it's better to seek a pro to do it for ya!!!!!

Hope this helps.

Jim

 

[thgood]

Which kit?

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the info, which brand refill kit did you use and where did you get it?

Thanks

Tom

 

[JamminG4Jim]

Tom

The brand I used is called "Interdynamics"..I shopped around for the best deal and found mine at K-mart for $32.99.............

I checked Checker Auto, Bumper to Bumper, etc. and found they ALL carried the SAME BRAND NAME of Kit!!!!

Just be VERY Careful, ok??????? Get some goggles to wear while putting anything on the pressure fittings..You only get one set of eyes...

Jim

 

[KEbert]

You might want to put in a can of stop leak aslo since you system is old. I did it to my brothers Honda Accord and it was like a completly different AC.

134 sucks. My x gets to 38 degrees with r-12. Oh ya, I also get the stuff for free.

 

[thgood]

Kyle -- free is good you should get me the hookups ;-)

Thanks for all the help, I think I am going to get the Interdynamics kit and give it a go!

Jim, thanks for the safety warning too! I will let you know how it goes!

Tom

 

[JamminG4Jim]

Hey, I didn't notice you're in Mpls!!!!

If you wanted to, you could bring it over here and I'll help you!!!! I live in Oakdale!!!!!!

Saturday's OUT tho....Let me know!

Jim

 

[Triton46]

EliteConcept: yea you should convert it.........if you want to buy all new A/C parts next year after the r12 and r134a mix and eat holes in your A/C system...
FIll up with R12 or don't put anything in at all.
I learned this info from a friend of the family who is a A/C expert

Good job, misinformation of the week!

If you don't know what you're saying, please keep it to yourself.

R-134A kits will not 'eat holes' in your ac system. It is advised to change your O-rings (if your R-12 system has leaks already ) and flush any R-12 out of your system (R-134a is composed of smaller molecules). It is also recommended to only fill the system 85%. Any more will build up too much pressure.

I have done this conversion to my 91 and have had no problems.

 

[Big E]

Just my two cents. If you guys are having to add r-12 or 134-a to your trucks. There is a leak. Best thing to do is take it to a shop and have them inject some die in the system to find the leaks. Just an idea to save some money.

Eric