[Flyfisher590]

I have a '15 JK Rubicon and I've never charged the AC system yet. It may be time to check it or top it off. This is something else that I've never done, but a quick glance at YouTube says it's easy.

What do y'all like for a AC product that makes this easy? Does the connector hose and pressure gauge come with the can of refrigerant?

 

[Skullcowboy]

This is the one I bought some time ago. The hose is 2 foot long which helps with seeing the gauge on the can if the low pressure port is low in the bay somewhere. Haven't done my Jeep yet so not sure where that is. And once the can empty it will fit any refill can you buy. And yes, most cars are pretty easy to do. Youtube, like you mentioned, ROCKS for stuff like this.

 

[jwt873]

Make sure your A/C refrigerant is R-134A.. Some 15's came with 1234YF. They aren't compatible. I don't believe there are any quick-charge kits for 1234YF.

 

[Tray Burge]

There's no such thing as "topping" it off, refrigerant doesn't dissipate like TV commercials would have you believe. If it's not cooling properly, you have a leak somewhere.

 

[WaltA]

There's no such thing as "topping" it off, refrigerant doesn't dissipate like TV commercials would have you believe. If it's not cooling properly, you have a leak somewhere.

One of my other vehicles has a Freon leak.


It will cost me either (1) over $1,000 to fix the leak or (2) about $10 a year to top-it-off.


Guess which I picked?

 

[darinm]

There's no such thing as "topping" it off, refrigerant doesn't dissipate like TV commercials would have you believe. If it's not cooling properly, you have a leak somewhere.

Correct. Most auto parts stores will sell a small thermometer you would stick into the vent (less than $5). The output temperature will tell you if its cooling within it's normal parameters. If it's not cooling properly, then a set of gauges will help to narrow the issue down, or a trip to a good mechanic. Look at the URL below for a high level guide. Most folks don't own gauges, so If that's you, I would start with the actual vent temp to know if you indeed have an issue. Then go see a trusted mechanic for diagnostics and repair. It may be cooling properly, but just not able to keep up with the heat. I know mine is cooling withing expected range, but with the soft top this time of year, you would think something is wrong.

https://www.buyautoparts.com/howto/ac-pressure-readings.htm

 

[Wrangleur]

I would not recommend any of those DIY recharge stuff ESPECIALLY if your system works properly as it should now.

Besides that, A/C can easily last for over a decade without maintenance need.

Messing around with it prematurely, you can actually create more problems, most obvious being schader valve leaks, because the checkvalves sometimes tend to not re-seal properly once opened.

 

[n3tfury]

I would not recommend any of those DIY recharge stuff ESPECIALLY if your system works properly as it should now.

Besides that, A/C can easily last for over a decade without maintenance need.

Messing around with it prematurely, you can actually create more problems, most obvious being schader valve leaks, because the checkvalves sometimes tend to not re-seal properly once opened.

This.

I took mine to the dealer 2 days ago as it was no longer blowing cold air (2014). The only two things I haven't done myself on my Jeep is the recharge and gears. Everything else is done by me.

 

[aggrex]

Plus some of those "instant fix" DIY cans contain sealers/leak stop which are not recommended for regular use. They serve a purpose for problematic older leaky systems on a budget.

 

[Bob Sanders]

There's no such thing as "topping" it off, refrigerant doesn't dissipate like TV commercials would have you believe. If it's not cooling properly, you have a leak somewhere.

Well, there is if you have a leak!


It's legal to "top off" in the USA if it's a small leak. In Canada "topping off" is illegal and the leak MUST be found and fixed before a refill can happen


The problem is the oil you lose with a leak and constant "topping off". People usually "top off" the refrigerant but no t the oil. Sooner or later there isn't enough oil in the system and you start damaging the compressor.

 

[Tray Burge]

As it should be, Freon isn't really a good thing to release into the environment. Good point about the oil too, never really thought about that!

 

[thetravlor]

I was told by my mechanic friend that to do correctly it is necessary to completely empty system and vacuum it empty to make sure that all moisture is removed. Adding to top off will mostly make it worse

 

[mommymallcrawler]

Glad I read this post. My 2014 is definitely in need of some professional AC service. I live in Phoenix. Its going to be over 100 every day oh for the next couple months. Time to get it taken care of!

I got the blinky AC light. It is only marginally cooling using climate control...after the blinky defrost light. I have the feeling this is going to get expensive.

 

[Wrangleur]

@mommymallcrawler
Hopefully it will be just a simple to fix electrical issue.

I would start diagnosis on the electrical end first. Most importantly check if it is not ice buildup on the evaporator core (inside your A/C box) that is the issue. Ice in there may sound like a cold idea, BUT ice is blocking the majority of airflow through the evaporator core and so the air can not be cooled efficiently.

The easiest way to check for hints of ice buildup in there is to observe the duration of fluid dripping after you parked your vehicle. If it is dripping strongly for hours, you may have ice melting away inside.

Last resort is to evacuate/recharge the system. Make sure to find someone with good qualifications for this. It is an easy job, but there are a number of just as easy ways to screw things up.

 

[Bob Sanders]

I was told by my mechanic friend that to do correctly it is necessary to completely empty system and vacuum it empty to make sure that all moisture is removed. Adding to top off will mostly make it worse

Not necessarily true. Moisture can not enter the system if the pressure remains above atmospheric. It's the same reason why air never leaks INTO a tire when you have a nail hole or something in it.



As long as the low side does not go below atmospheric pressure (causing a vacuum and the compressor to suck in outside air), then you're good to go for as many "top off's" as you wish with no harm done to the A/C. Just don't forget to make up for the oil loss.


Of course none of this takes away from the fact that PROPERLY repairing, vac'ing and refilling is the way to go.

 

[Wrangleur]

@Bob Sanders
The issue with 'top offs' is that you can't tell for sure how much refrigerant is in the system. Reading the pressure gauges alone won't give you an accurate account.

 

[Bob Sanders]

I have a '15 JK Rubicon and I've never charged the AC system yet. It may be time to check it or top it off. This is something else that I've never done, but a quick glance at YouTube says it's easy.

What do y'all like for a AC product that makes this easy? Does the connector hose and pressure gauge come with the can of refrigerant?

Check your evap inlet and outlet temperatures at 1500 rpm or so. If everything is good, they should be roughly the same temperature (within about 5 degrees or so). If inlet is colder than outlet your charge is low. If inlet warmer then charge is high.


High charge is just as bad... maybe even worse than low so don't just indiscriminately add a bunch of refrigerant. The compressor has a burst disk and will go if the pressure gets too high. It makes a big mess of oil all over!

 

[Jeeper416]

@Bob Sanders
The issue with 'top offs' is that you can't tell for sure how much refrigerant is in the system. Reading the pressure gauges alone won't give you an accurate account.

You will be close enough. Cars mostly use yf1234, which is a drop in replacement for 134a (which itself is horrible for global warming potential btw). Just get the PT chart and watch your suction pressure and aim for about 15-20 degrees across the evaporator.

 

[Bob Sanders]

@Bob Sanders
The issue with 'top offs' is that you can't tell for sure how much refrigerant is in the system. Reading the pressure gauges alone won't give you an accurate account.

P gauges will get you close enough... but for sure... I agree. The best way is an evac and a refill by weight.


Don't get me wrong... I'm not and advocate of "top offs". They are illegal here in Canada and we don't do them. Indeed it's the lazy man's way of handling things.


BUT... if you live in the US and don't have money in your pocket to properly fix your system.....

 

[Bob Sanders]

You will be close enough. Cars mostly use yf1234, which is a drop in replacement for 134a (which itself is horrible for global warming potential btw). Just get the PT chart and watch your suction pressure and aim for about 15-20 degrees across the evaporator.

Both r134a and yf are regulated refrigerants here in Canada. You can't purchase here without a license. Of course to get around that, stores are now selling hydrocarbon refrigerants (propane based) which are not regulated. They advertise as "drop in" and it's actually not. You have to run at higher pressures, but I will say it's easy to leak test the stuff.
All you need is a bic lighter