Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

BobC on Wed July 02, 2014 8:56 AM

Year: 2002
Make: saturn
Model: l200

Is it necessary to manually engage a compressor that is not running due to a low charge when trying to recharge? Thank you

mk378 on Wed July 02, 2014 9:54 AM

No. Put refrigerant in as liquid with the engine off. If you can't get the full charge in that way, then start the engine (the pressure will be enough for the compressor to engage) and complete the charge as gas into the low side.

You should only see this low a pressure on the initial charge after repairs and evacuating. If the refrigerant has leaked out to the point that the compressor won't engage, that is a major leak that needs to be found and repaired first. Simply recharging a car that leaky is only going to last a few days / weeks at best before performance deteriorates.

BobC on Wed July 02, 2014 12:40 PM

Thank you yes the system has been evacuated. How do I put refrigerant in as a liquid with the engine off Thanks again

wptski on Wed July 02, 2014 1:53 PM

Quote
Originally posted by: BobC
Thank you yes the system has been evacuated. How do I put refrigerant in as a liquid with the engine off Thanks again
Turn the can/jug upside down, close the low side manifold valve and open the high side manifold valve. If it doesn't take the required amount, flip the can/tank back up, close the high side manifold valve, start the vehicle, A/C on max, windows open, open the low side manifold valve and continue charging.

If charging by vapor on the low side is going slow, submerge the can/jug in no higher than 125F water and put a large box fan in front of the vehicle's condenser.



Edited: Wed July 02, 2014 at 1:59 PM by wptski