Recharge A/C 95 SL500

[larrytbull]

Hi,

I want to recharge the a/c in my 95 SL500
Where is the low pressure port (picture would be nice)
what refrigerant do I use?

thanks

[Nimrodthewombat]

Most people on the site will tell you if you have to ask where it is you dont know enough about AC to do the work. I kind of agree. If you do it wrong you can cause 3 to 4 thousand dollars worth of damage. The stuff that they sell at grocery stores should have never been allowed. Refrigerant can cause frostbite at the least or if it gets in your eyes it can cause blindness.

My dealer is charging me $69 to do the work. I dont think thats too unreasonable

[NeitherFanboy]

My A/C needs recharging also, so I read this post with interest. I will take it in to be recharged!

[larrytbull]

Originally Posted by Nimrodthewombat

Most people on the site will tell you if you have to ask where it is you dont know enough about AC to do the work. I kind of agree. If you do it wrong you can cause 3 to 4 thousand dollars worth of damage. The stuff that they sell at grocery stores should have never been allowed. Refrigerant can cause frostbite at the least or if it gets in your eyes it can cause blindness.

My dealer is charging me $69 to do the work. I dont think thats too unreasonable

Nimrod,

that kind of reply is not very helpful. The whole idea of these types of sites is to share knowledge so that people can make thier own judgements, as to things they are willing to tackle. I asked a simple question which could have been answered very easily.

Luckily I went down to the local autozone, and the sales clerk showed me which connector it was. for $20 and 5 minutes of my time. I was able to recharge my system.

for anyone else reading this thread for the answer
the connector that has a black (similar to a bicycle tire) is the low pressure , you will notice the tube is insulated, and leads into the dash , it is on the driver's side. for my year sl, it uses the r 134 refrigerant ( i found the label when I checked under hood (drivers side as well). Please don't let any one intimidate from trying this. read the instructions on the recharge kit, and by all means please make an attempt to be safe by wearing saftey goggles, and a good set of gloves

[bobterry99]

I would encourage anyone who is interested to recharge their A/C themselves. I will add two points.

First, its best to use a pair of gauges: one for the high-side pressure and one for the low. This helps ensure that the system is not over or under-charged. Used gauges are inexpensive on eBay and Craigslist.

Second, if refrigerant is leaking out, then the oil that mixes with the refrigerant is probably leaking as well. Therefore, if you are regularly adding refrigerant, then at some point you probably should add an oil charge as well.

[Nimrodthewombat]

Helpful or not it's true. When your system leaks out the refrigerant (and it will because you have a leak in the system) you will pay big bucks to get it fixed correctly. In order for the system to be recharged correctly you must evacuate and vacuum the system before recharging.

My comments about working on air conditioners being dangerous when you don't know what you are doing are also true.


I'm sorry that you took my comments the way that you did. My concern was that you not damage your fine car any more than it is already and for your safety, not to make you feel inadequate.

I still say that when you are dealing with a highly pressurized system on a $100,000 car and refrigerant that causes frostbite on contact and you don't know where to add the refrigerant or what kind you should use that you are in over your head.

I'm glad you are ok. I hope your car is too.

BTW the fitting for the low pressure side will not fit on the high pressure side. They are different sizes.

[aam]

Welcome to the forum, yes we are here to assist and some times laugh.
Some times members try to protect other members especially if they seem not to
have enough knowledge.

I believe that depends on the individual some can, others can't.
In your case you were able to do the repair, and I am glad that you did.
You are from the ones that can so keep on asking.
(You are not from the types that give up easily.)
Right Mr, L Bull?

One of the problems that I see on charging is that the refrigerant has oil with it.
It is OK if you have a leak and you only add a can or two.
(Some of the oil leaked out any ways.)
But too much oil takes the space of the refrigerant so the system gets over loaded
with oil, and there isn't enough refrigerant to do the cooling....

Two test gauges with valves will do a better job like Bob recommended.
But you can also get easier in trouble.

As far as the car been expensive or dangerous.....
It is the same danger on an inexpensive car.

Now as you know there is a lot of legality's of blowing refrigerant in the atmosphere.
So replacing compressors evaporators etc, with out certification, the proper tools, and know how I would say leave that out for now.

Regards.
aam.

[ulflei]

Like Bob said the important thing is to also add oil,people re-charging over and over and wondering why the compressor fails.