So I'm pretty sure I know how to refill the cars AC fluid (freon) using one of those kits from Autozone. You essentially buy the kit, plug the gauge into the low pressure line of the AC lines, then refill the thing? Anyone else care to explain this further?

 

You need to vacuum it down first to remove all the moisture in the system and so see if it holds the vacuum( around 29 inches). Then you fill it up. Probably a good idea to change the accumulator and orifice tube too.

 

what do you mean vacuum it down?

 

If there is an issue with the a/c, just adding freon isn't going to fix it. If there's a leak you need to repair it, after that you need to use a vacuum pump to pull down the system to a full vacuum for at least 30 min, this gets most of the residual moisture and air out so the system will work correctly. Also as mentioned you should replace the accumulator/drier, as it uses a desiccant to remove moisture and is really only a one-time use item.

Suggest take it to an actual A/C shop and have it done right.

 

That ^

 

Alright. I had to replace the compressor, that's why there wasn't freon in the system.

 

Then for sure do it right, replace the drier and have it vacuumed and charged properly. If you just pump refrigerant into the system you will still have air/water in there from being open to the atmosphere, which will reduce system performance and shorten the life of the new compressor.

 

LIKE HE SAID ^^^^
don't skimp out on a/c repair

 

Alright, was just trying to spend $30 on a charge thing vs $200 for a shop to do it.

 

The days of the Autzone or Canadian Tire auto repair in a can days are over, The newer cars have to be fixed properly you really just can't buy a can of Freon and expect it to be repaired.

 

I work at a firestone auto center, you could take it to there or Sears auto, most of them have an a/c machine. If all you need is an evac and recharge it should be in the range of $120-150 and any half-competent tech can do it. Most of the guys at those shops are not great techs at troubleshooting a/c work but a simple recharge is just hooking up the machine and following the procedure for about an hour. Do ask them to let it vacuum for at least 30 min to allow it to properly boil off any moisture since you know the system was opened and you aren't changing the drier.

 

It's not a newer car. It's a 1999.