recharge kit fix a leaking AC
If your car’s air conditioning system is making strange noises, it could be a sign that you need to have it checked out. There are many reasons for this, from a loose part to an AC compressor that needs replacing. The good news is that these problems are usually easy to diagnose and fix — but you may need some help finding out what’s causing those pesky sounds.
A common sound that drivers hear when their car ac recharge kit isn’t working properly is a hissing noise. This isn’t a bad thing in most cases and is caused by the pressure of the high and low pressure sides of the air conditioning system equalizing. The hissing sound can also be a sign of a minor leak that’s easily fixed with the right tools.
Another common noise is a rattling or clicking sound. This can be caused by a loose or missing bolt or screw that’s allowing the various components of the air conditioning system to rattle around when it’s running. This is typically a simple problem to fix by tightening the loose part or screw.
Will a recharge kit fix a leaking AC evaporator coil?
The last common problem that might lead you to think it’s time for an air conditioning recharge is when the air coming out of the vents is warm instead of cold. This could be a sign of low refrigerant levels, or it could be a serious issue that requires a professional diagnosis.
Can I Recharge My Air Conditioning If It’s Making Strange Noises? While recharging your car’s air conditioning is an important part of maintenance, it’s best to leave the job to a professional technician. Attempting to recharge your AC yourself can damage the delicate components inside and can even be dangerous.
DIY a/c recharge kits are not compatible with all cars. For example, most modern cars use the newer, more environmentally friendly R1234yf refrigerant, which is incompatible with the older, more common R134a found in the canisters used by DIY kits. Additionally, many hybrid and electric vehicles use a different kind of AC compressor that uses a different kind of oil that isn’t compatible with the DIY kits.
Moreover, DIY kits don’t always remove the old refrigerant from the system before filling it with fresh refrigerant. This can cause a buildup of moisture and contaminants that can interfere with the performance of the AC system and cause further problems. Lastly, DIY kits often include a stop leak sealer that can either fail to plug the leak or can damage the compressor and other components of the system.
The only way to ensure your car’s air conditioning is functioning correctly is to have a professional diagnosis and recharge the system with the correct refrigerant. A professional technician will evacuate the system, vacuum the air out of the lines and clean the system to make sure it’s ready for a new charge of refrigerant. They’ll also check the system for any leaking issues and ensure that it’s filled to the proper specs.