How to Charge Compressors

Air-conditioning compressors are filled with pressurized refrigerant that needs to be replaced when the vehicle's A/C setting ceases to produce cool air. The compressor is recharged via a hose and one-time-use recharge canister that releases pressurized R134a chlorofluorocarbons. The process of recharging a compressor typically takes less than 10 minutes, making it a quick do-it-yourself car maintenance project.

Instructions

1

Locate the air-conditioning maintenance section in your vehicle's service manual. Use the manual to locate the compressor blower valve. This valve is usually located on the topside of the engine for easy access.

2

Unscrew the blower valve cap while the engine isn't running. Screw on the recharge hose to the blower valve and start the engine.

3

Screw the recharge hose valve clockwise into the recharge canister until the gauge pierces the canister. Once pierced, back the gauge out, counterclockwise, one to two turns. At this point the gauge should be reading pressure, indicating the canister is emptying into the air-conditioning blower valve and, subsequently, the compressor.

4

Shake the can to ensure all of the additives are released into the air-conditioning system. Depending on the size of your vehicle's air-conditioning system, a second canister may be required.