Recharging the SI's A/C system, HELP!

[thatsnotstock]

Hey Guys,

I have an 06' SI fg2.

I realized yesterday that my A/C system seems to have lost its "juice". In previous cars, I've been able to buy a refill kit for $20 or so, and recharge the system myself.

But here's my question...Which location to I fill the system from? The green circle or the red one?

Pardon my lack of knowledge. I've searched around but can't seem to find anything regarding which location it is.

[peter_x]

Always recharge from low side... the larger tube.

[thatsnotstock]

you rule. thanks for the help man.


even though I called Honda and talked to my dealer. He's going to hook me up with a free recharge

[volvo9]

First you have to find out why it's empty though. A/C systems don't go bone dry in 2 years for no reason.

[drahgon]

my bet is on a rock through the condensor

[thatsnotstock]

i agree. they're checking everything out on Tuesday.

[junbug30s]

Originally Posted by drahgon

my bet is on a rock through the condensor

I just poked a hole through my condenser like a newbie...I have to replace the condenser today. That cost me $218 from Honda...then they quoted me like $150 for re-vac and re-filling it back up. Kinda expensive if you ask me. Also, why re-vac if there's nothing to vac in the system since it all leaked out the hole??? I'm just going to buy the A/C recharge kit at a local parts store and fill it myself...unless I should be spending $150 at Honda...but I don't see why I should be...any ideas?

[thatsnotstock]

an update on my story too.

rock through the condensor as well . . . its a really tiny hole.

I argued my way to a free recharge and blac test, though my condensor will eventually need to be replaced.

It's leaking so slowly I'll probably just go the DIY recharge kit way too.

[volvo9]

Originally Posted by junbug30s

I just poked a hole through my condenser like a newbie...I have to replace the condenser today. That cost me $218 from Honda...then they quoted me like $150 for re-vac and re-filling it back up. Kinda expensive if you ask me. Also, why re-vac if there's nothing to vac in the system since it all leaked out the hole??? I'm just going to buy the A/C recharge kit at a local parts store and fill it myself...unless I should be spending $150 at Honda...but I don't see why I should be...any ideas?

The system needs to have a vacuum applied to it for 2 reasons, one is to remove all the air and allow for the system to run properly. The other reason is to remove moisture.

If this was an old car I'd say gof or it, i've filled plenty of systems from dry without applying a vacuum, but I would not do it on a new car, it's not worth it trying to save a few bucks and then having problems down the line.

[junbug30s]

Originally Posted by volvo9

The system needs to have a vacuum applied to it for 2 reasons, one is to remove all the air and allow for the system to run properly. The other reason is to remove moisture.

If this was an old car I'd say gof or it, i've filled plenty of systems from dry without applying a vacuum, but I would not do it on a new car, it's not worth it trying to save a few bucks and then having problems down the line.

damn, that sucks. Would that much moisture have accumulated in just a day? I live in Texas, and it's really hot out here so is moisture really a factor here? As far as air goes, I'm pretty sure it all came out when I poked through the condenser...because it hissed really loud for a few minutes. If it really needs to be done w/ vacuum applied to it, looks like I'll have to spend an additional $100+, this sucks!

[junbug30s]

Originally Posted by thatsnotstock

an update on my story too.

rock through the condensor as well . . . its a really tiny hole.

I argued my way to a free recharge and blac test, though my condensor will eventually need to be replaced.

It's leaking so slowly I'll probably just go the DIY recharge kit way too.

I feel your pain man!

[Pir8pete]

how many pounds do you put back in? 1.2 ?

[junbug30s]

Looks like if the system shows under 10psi, it needs to be recharged due to the likely hood of air entering the system.

Auto Air Conditioning (A/C) Recharging FAQs

[HTX]

lol texas makes hell look like a vaccation spot

[junbug30s]

Originally Posted by thatsnotstock

an update on my story too.

rock through the condensor as well . . . its a really tiny hole.

I argued my way to a free recharge and blac test, though my condensor will eventually need to be replaced.

It's leaking so slowly I'll probably just go the DIY recharge kit way too.

I just got done replacing my condenser w/ my wifes help so the bumper didn't drop on the ground and I got it done in under 45min. or so. The condenser has just two top bolts, 2 line bolts ( 1 for the "high" and 1 for the "low pressure") and 1 bolt for a sensor that bolts to the condensers right center side. You'll have to transfer two rubber grommets on the bottom of the old Condenser to the new one, along with the two top mounting brackets. It was very easy. Do it yourself. Be sure when you disconnect the high/low pressure lines on the left side of the condenser that you still have these little black round rubber o-rings on the fittings and that they don't get any dirt on them. I put little pieces of tape over the fitting openings to keep any dirt out plus keep the o-rings in place so I do not loose them while transferring the parts from the old condenser to the new one. Also, take you time putting in the new one. The hood latch can easily catch the fins on the condenser while you are lowering it into position and that will ruin your day for sure! Good luck.

[junbug30s]

Don't go to Honda to get your A/C recharged, they quoted me $150 or so...I went to a local Pennzoil oil change shop and got it done for $40, vacuumed/filled and all!

[volvo9]

Originally Posted by junbug30s

Don't go to Honda to get your A/C recharged, they quoted me $150 or so...I went to a local Pennzoil oil change shop and got it done for $40, vacuumed/filled and all!

WOW, that's awesome.

I don't think you could have even gotten a DIY refill kit and some cans of 134a for that much. Good deal!