Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

landon on Tue June 18, 2013 4:17 PM

Year: 2009
Make: Chevy
Model: Impala
Refrigerant Type: 134a
Country of Origin: United States

I have a 2009 impala that needs a dab of freon but I cannot locate the low pressure side of the fitting.
Could someone tell me where it is?
I have charged other vehicles that I owned with no problem so I am capable of doing this.

iceman2555 on Tue June 18, 2013 9:26 PM

Your vehicle does not need a 'dab' of Freon. It needs a system service. Attempting to 'top of this system' will result in a loss of compressor durability. This vehicle utilizes a variable displacement compressor and a undercharge will reduce lubricant flow to the compressor due to a possible de-stroking of the compressor.
Save some time and money....have the system serviced....recover/evacuate/recharge to OE spec's utilizing the proper equipment.
Good luck

-------------------------
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

landon on Tue June 18, 2013 11:31 PM

iceman2555, I didn't realize the ac was different on this car. Luckly I posted this before I found the recharge valve. which I have.
I read on the internet what you meant and now I realize what could have happened.
Thanks for letting me know.
Landon

mk378 on Wed June 19, 2013 10:04 AM

Variable systems do need to be charged by weight for good results. Especially using the typical can and hose with single gauge, will tell you absolutely nothing about the charge status of a variable compressor system because the compressor is designed to hold the low side pressure constant over a wide range of operating conditions (both normal and abnormal).

Refrigerant is not consumed in operation, the only reason it goes away is because it has leaked out. Some effort should be made to find the leak, as leaks won't get better over time, only worse.