How to Check Freon Gauges by Outside Temperature

You can check Freon by using the differential in the outside air temperature. If your air conditioning is malfunctioning in the hot summer, you may have some urgency to conduct this test and check the Freon. Changing the refrigerant is always a problem with air conditioners, so it's crucial to take this step before any further action.

Instructions

1

Ask an assistant turn on the car and turn the air conditioning to the maximum level. Lift the hood of the car and examine the Freon condenser discharge.

2

Take the temperature of the outside air using a digital thermometer. Record this number.

3

Take the temperature near the condenser discharge. The temperature should be noticeably warmer, around 10 to 12 degrees difference is normal. If the temperature is close to equal, then the air conditioner requires additional Freon. If it is warmer by more than 10 degrees, then there may be too much Freon. As the Freon cools the car, it exhales warm air; that is why it should be warmer around the discharge area than outside.