How to Recharge an A/C System

A DIY how to on recharging an automotive air conditioning system.

The Emzone AC Recharge kit was used to recharge the system on a Toyota, which came with R134A refrigerant. The kit comes with two R12A refrigerant bottles, an oil analyzer, gauge and hose and an R12 retrofit adapter.

Since it is not recommended to mix refrigerants, the R134A should be removed properly from the system by an AC certified personnel. R12A is a newer substitute for R134A and is not related to the dangerous and outdated R12. It can be bought off the shelf and handled without a license.

Procedure is straight-forward once the system has been drained. The hose is attached to the can and then to the low side pressure port on the car. Once the valve is opened, refrigerant enters the system, initially with the AC compressor off, and then on, until the desired pressure is reached.

The refrigerant contains a UV die that allows for easier leak finding.

Proper safety precautions should always be taken when handling refrigerant, as its contents are under pressure and highly flammable.

The A/C Recharge kit is available from Amazon here:

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[Deanwrd]

I use the A/C Pro gauge to install refrigerant. I figure most of the cost for A/C Pro is in the gauge and hose and since refrigerant is basically cheap; a can will cost you between 4 to 15 dollars, believe it or not it works great and I trust their gauge and hose over the regular hoses and valves used for the same product. Appreciate the folks of A/C Pro for making a quality and safe product, top to bottom.

[speedkar]

The A/C Recharge kit is available from Amazon here:
Purchase tools used in this video to dissect your own car parts:
Angle Grinder (aka snap ring pliers):
3/8" Ratchet set:
Screwdriver set:

[EddiePepsi]

Because of its flammability, it is illegal to replace R-12 with HC-12a in the United States. It is not illegal to purchase HC-12a, or to use it in refrigeration systems that were not originally charged with R-12, except for in certain states that prohibit the use of flammable refrigerants in automobiles.[1]

[anthonycolbourne]

When the original refrigerant was removed, that should have placed the system in a "vacuum" state.. if you press in the schrader valve, that vacuum is no longer there and the system fills with air... and will prevent the system from being refilled fully with refrigerant. Best to not mess with that schrader valve at all...ever.

[VinylToVideo]

This was my only option in Canada. I'm just going to go to the States and buy some STP A/C PRO 134a coolant with a slight sealer inside and cross my fingers.

[SexyStang]

Refrigerant NEVER goes bad, ever. If your system functions properly and there is No Leaks, refrigerant will work FOREVER. These kits are simply sold for cars with refrigerant leaks, once your refrigerant leaks enough it reaches a certain Low Level, it DISABLES your compressor safety switch, meaning it just blows luke warm air...These kits basically RECHARGE the system with more freeon, so your system can kick back on again. That's Basically what you're systems might not have a Low Level Cut Off Switch, so there's just not enough Freeon to get cold air...so again...you're just ReCharging it to the point where the system can function again.

[wholeNwon]

Presumably the mechanic who evacuated the system and recovered the refrigerant as required by law, left a vacuum in place. Removing the low pressure valve cover would have allowed air to enter. Or he could have put sufficient R12 in to equal atmospheric pressure to prevent air and moisture from entering. When you attached your charging kit and opened the valve with the can inverted, liquid refrigerant would have entered the low pressure line. It would likely have vaporized instantly and been OK. But then you started the compressor and still charged with can inverted allowing liquid to return to the compressor. Hopefully the accumulator protected the compressor but often not and it could be destroyed. One can only charge in the gaseous state on the low pressure side.

[garymccandless]

Before charging 134a into the a/c port, be sure and bled the gauge hose of air, this will keep air from getting in your a/c that will turn to moisture, causing damage.

[NetzKanal]

Shouldn't the engine/ac be running while refilling?

[briandarling]

I did recharge my 2005 honda civic and it worked beautifuly. U do not have to vacuum out the refrigerant as the system needs a vacuum in it to work,

[xvassilli]

I see a confusion here....the most confused people commenting on here are Americans and it's understandable, because you can't buy this stuff in many states, while it is legal for sale Canada wide and can be purchased at any Walmart or Canadian Tire as it is not ozone depleting. They think that you're replacing R134A with an older type - R12, when in fact it's not. It's a newer type that can be purchased anywhere in CANADA. I repeat its not R12! It's called R12A here in Canada, can have a different name in the States.. This vehicle's system obviously has a leak, if there is no leak the system never needs to be topped up. Older vehicle with a leaky system...who cares about proper procedure with vacuuming the system first? R12A can be mixed no problem with R134A. Yes it can, don't listen to anyone else, you dont even have to evacuate the remaining R134A it will mix no problem. This can will be probably last you a summer (our Canadian summers are short). But who cares at $30 a can? Next summer get another one and refill the same way. This is the proper procedure to refill your old beater. Or go pay more than a car worth to get it done properly. Those who are afraid about it being flammable in case of an accident, yes there is a possibility, there is also a possibility of your gas line exploding the same way during front end collision. Relax!

[TheJosa]

In my opinion: you make the bet videos out there. I wish I could see them by brand name of car as I have a 2012 Toyota Prius. Just a thought. I thank you

[mikeburke]

Very good video bro. A few others on youtube dont even MENTION the draining part. Which I understand, state laws. But thanks for this video. Very good, sir.

[furiousgeorge]

IMHO Since your system is completely empty I think it would make more sense for the first can to be the type of refrigerant that includes a 'sealer' for stopping/slowing leaks.

[wholeNwon]

It should be noted that R-12a is NOT the same as R-12. The former is just a mixture of propane and isobutane. It is compatible with the oil in R-12 systems because of the isobutane which carries the lubricant. It is ILLEGAL to use in cars in many states because of the flammability of the gases. Nonetheless some people try to use it as a substitute for R-134a though the oils are not compatible. Hoses and accumulator should not have to be changed but, again, this is illegal in many states. I think it's still illegal to replace R-12 with R-12a in the USA. I think there may be an agricultural exception but not sure.

[EddiePepsi]

Legal Status: Many states prohibit using flammable refrigerants in motor vehicles, regardless of which original refrigerant was used in the vehicle. It is illegal to use hydrocarbon refrigerants like HC-12a® and DURACOOL 12a® as substitutes for CFC-12 in automobile or truck air conditioning under any circumstances.

[bluejays]

I tried it with this kit. The gasket on the coupler was defective and leaked out when I tried to charge it. Basically wasted a can but took it back and got my money back. May try again with a different kit

[mellicentmoncivais]

Awesome step by step and explanation. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[niewojt]

Does the air-conditioning In the car have to be empty before you seal it? I am assuming you use the sealer before you recharge it?

[mustyali]

When did you make mention of r12a being better than r134a? Any hard facts in it?