Has anyone used a kit to recharge the A/C on their explorer

[donm527]

Hi,
My explorer is almost 3 years old and A/C recently having problems staying warm. I'm thinking of using A/C recharge kit because about to leave on trip and no time to take to dealer.

Anyone use a kit before?

Also is three years too soon for A/C to get weak? Live in Ft Lauderdale, FL FYI (get's hot lol)

 

[donm527]

Also, If you have done, in engine compartment, there are two valves but not labeled... which valve do you plug recharge kit into? Thanks

 

[bigmoose15]

Also, If you have done, in engine compartment, there are two valves but not labeled... which valve do you plug recharge kit into? Thanks

For a quick fix the simple recharge kits from your auto parts store will work, assuming you are only low on refrigerant and its not some other issue. Long term you should have a vacuum pulled on the system to remove all moisture and check for leaks, then refilled.

The quick charge kit will only fit on one of the connections since they are different sizes. If they are labeled it goes on the low pressure side to fill.

 

[peterk9]

Hi,
My explorer is almost 3 years old and A/C recently having problems staying warm. I'm thinking of using A/C recharge kit because about to leave on trip and no time to take to dealer.

Anyone use a kit before?

Also is three years too soon for A/C to get weak? Live in Ft Lauderdale, FL FYI (get's hot lol)

Mine was 3 years old and never had an issue with the A/C not getting cold. As good as the day I got it.
Have you checked out the following thread?

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389213&highlight=A/C

Peter

 

[donm527]

Thanks for the info...

I went out and got a $50 recharge kit from Autozone and see if it fixes long term because I plan to leave for Orlando this afternoon and have to see if I'm taking the Explorer.

As you said BigMoose15, only fits the one connector so no messing up on that and took a can and quick ten min drive the AC running ice cold on LO. We'll see how long that last and if not then hope my extended warranty covers it.

I am surprised that only 3 years... but I do have to remember and mention that I have almost 80k miles in 3 years driving S. Florida weather. I just replaced the 20" Hankooks last month too that came with the car new in that they finally wore down.

peter9, thanks for link and will look into it if this charge doesnt hold.

 

[13Sport]

I am surprised that only 3 years... but I do have to remember and mention that I have almost 80k miles in 3 years driving S. Florida weather. I just replaced the 20" Hankooks last month too that came with the car new in that they finally wore down.

New cars will not deplete refrigerant in only 80k miles. There's likely something larger going on here (leak, etc). The kit will give you cold air for a few weeks/months, but you'll probably be in the same place shortly down the road. I have 55k miles in 1yr/4 months and the A/C blows as cold as the day it was taken off the lot.

 

[Ryan327]

If your AC isn't getting cold you have an issue somewhere in the system. The system is sealed and should not be leaking pressure, so recharging is a bandaid at best, but most likely won't work for long at all.