how do you recharge the a/c?

[BowlofRice]

so i have a 95 camry and was wondering how you recharge the a/c? use r134a right? searched the forum but couldn't find one specific to the gen4 4cyc.

[jjthenovice]

First of all, why do you need to recharge the ac? If it's low on refrigerant, then why is it low? If it's a leak then you need to take care of that first. Having said all that, unless you have the proper tools and stuff, it's better to let a qualified tech fix it. Depending on the problem, it may not be enough just to add the refrigerant. The system may need to be pumped down (getting air out of system) and then add the refrigerant. I'm sorry I can't answer which refrigerant is in your system.

[lucanhookup]

idk the answer but i can tell you your car is a GEN-3 and not a GEN-4 mabe that would help in the search??

[marc780]

I'm assuming the reason you want to recharge it is because it is not putting out cold air. And while jjnovice is pretty much right in his post, sometimes it is worth a try to recharge it yourself. It isnt hard to do, costs about $30 and there's a chance it might fix the problem.


They make refrigerant kits which you can get at walmart. These kits include the gauge, hose and valve to attach to the refrigerant can, and the instructions. You can also choose a kit that includes refrigerant with leak-stop chemical added to it, and this might stop a minor leak. But lke jj said, its a crap shoot whether this fix will be permanent or not. Also, the problem might be something else that has nothing to do with low refrigerant.
Here's a helpful site:
http://www.id-usa.com/how_to_recharging.asp

[jjthenovice]

If you decide to try yourself, make sure you wear some protective googles to protect your eyes. If freon hits yours eyes, you'll more than likely be blinded. Be safe.

[Mike Gerber]

Yes your car uses R134. Toyota started using R134 with the 94 model year.

Mike

[BowlofRice]

hmm thanks for the tips. but yes marc780 was right, my a/c isn't blowing cold air like it used to. still cold but not like it used to be. i figured that it just needed a recharge. i guess i'll take it to a mech and see what they say. i thought r134 lastes forever i guess not if you have a leak...

[retiredat44]

Definitely have an A/C shop do it..... Toyota A/C is a pain in the ass to work on,,, highly sensitive to adjust and recharge... you might save money on parts...... but only an A/C shop can get the charge right, and diagnose problems... save lots of money in the long run..

[FireEater]

if you are taking it in for work on the AC, i have heard that it is better to go in the winter than the summer, if the AC is still cooling adequately. whether that's true or not...

[marc780]

Bowlofrice, try cleaning out your condenser and radiator fins with low pressure air or water. (Exterior only) If they are clogged with dirt and bugs this can also affect your A/C cooling ability (because the heat can't transfer properly).

[marc780]

BTW fireeater, God will get you for that last post.

[Hajoca]

behind your bumper is a silver can, it has a sight glass on the top, do you see fluid moving when the AC is on?