My 2002 Limited with 105,000+ miles does not blow as cold as it used to.

Do you think I need to re-charge it? Do those "do it yourself" kits work? Its starting to get hot in KY, and with gas prices the way they are it is cheaper for me to run the AC on my commute to and from work (all freeway).

yes, the kits work.

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- Mike
'12 JK

Jeep Tech Files

I just bought the EZ Chill kit at Walmart today for $19. I've been seeing them at all the auto parts stores but wallyworld beat their prices by a few bucks.

Seems idiot proof since it comes with the system safe gauge but you have to find the low pressure port and they say to make sure you do it when the outside temperature is 75 - 85 degrees.

I took a quick look for the lpp and I think it is next to the washer fluid fill but will verify that before I test my system.... and I guess I'll have to wait for the temp to get into the testing range which looks to be a few days at least here in south western PA.

If your low on R134A then you got a leak,about 90% of the time it's the compressor seal,where the clutch is.If the leak is not taken care of the problem will worsen and recharging it is only a temp fix,plus the recharge kits are a sure bet to a overcharged system.Each vehicle has a specific chart that tells where the center vent output temp should be at a specific temp,altitude,and relitive humitity,each vehicle is different so those recharge kits will not be anywhere close to being correct.The psi ranges for low/high pressure sides varies greatly between vehicles and temps,altitude,and relitive humitity.To corectly get your system back to where it should be it needs the leak fixed,a vacuum(to 29 inches) acheived for at least 15min,and then the correct amount of PAG oil added and then the correct amount of R134A added.

Refrigerant doesn't wear out it leaks out, we all know that.

BUT, we also know that over time any A/C system develops minuscule leaks where a $20 charge a year with sealants can keep a vehicles system going for many years VS replacing components.

Risk VS Reward.... take a shot with the refill kit before spending the big bucks.

Just my .02

Jake

It's amazing what poeple will do to prevent spending $0.30 for a o-ring or $5 for a seal and do a $20+ temp fix every so often then complain about that $1000+ fix a couple of years down the road when less then $100 off the bat would fix it in the first place.

Your money though,just stating my 2 cents.

Sealants react with air to form an epoxy seal at the leak.

I'll now step down from this thread.

Peace,
Jake

Where can I find some write ups about this? Is this something that can be done by myself (other than the vaccuum)?

Does your recharge kit have dye in it? If you are going to recharge - you might as well help the dealership by putting the leak detection dye in there as well. This will help everyone determine the size of the leak, it's location and the relative cost to replace that part.

I agree - overcharging is a easy way to kill an A/C system. Checking pressures before charging would give someone an idea of how much R134 to add to the system without causing damage.

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02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks

I have mine recharged every year,i am lucky to have a friend with his own garage,he hooks car up to a snap on re gas machine,this vacumms the refrigerant out of the system ,the machine weighs the amount of gas it has removed,then the system is pressurised for several mins to test for leaks,if a leak is found the machine adds an ultraviolet dye to the system and a hand held torch is used to locate the leak.If no leak was present the machine adds the refrigerant (the correct amount is shown on the aircon sticker under your hood)and also a small amount of lubricating oil.Job done .I would really not recommend doing this yourself with the kits that are available as you will never know if you have the correct amount of refrigerant or the oil additive,to much is bad and too little and the aircon wont kick in.I think it is one of those jobs left to the experts with the correct equipment,just my opinion.

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2004 2.8 crd Limited

So, I can get my A/C "professionally" recharged for $150 at Valvoline, or $105 roughly at Bluegrass Radiator.

Question is, what is the difference in that and buying the kit myself? Or are they less likey to overcharge, and likely to find a leak? I just want to know, as it is supposed to be in the mid 80's here in KY this week and next

the extra money you are paying is for the training they've had to work on a/c systems. at that price, i doubt they will find and fix the leak (assuming there is a leak....it could be something else). so depending on the severity of the leak, you will be back at best, next year, or sooner more likely.

if you enjoy working on your jeep or if you really dig thermodynamics, buy a gage set and a book and learn for yourself. that's what i did. i'm not an expert, but I am a mechanical engineer and we took two classes of thermo and I am willing (as are others) to help you along your way.

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'03 Liberty w/3.7L & 45FRE Tranny
Revetek 2" Lift & JBA Gen 5 A-arms
Maxxis Buckshot XMT Mudders 31x10.5 on Soft 8's
Jet Stage 2 Chip : '07 Air Intake
Relocated IAT Sensor : '05 HVAC Controls
Front Hitch : EVIC from '01 GC : Custom Rock Rails
Transgo Shift Reprogramming Kit
KC Driving Lights & Aux Backup Lights
.......all GONE!

They WILL check the system for leaks, because it's in their best interest to do so.

They don't want you coming back in 5,000 miles because "MY AC DOESN'T BLOW AS COLD ANYMORE, YOU NEED TO RECHARGE IT"

Will they fix your leak if you have one? Probably not. But at least you'll know it's there, and there will probably be a nominal inspection fee instead of the full $150.

What you're paying for when you pay somebody else to do something is to not have to worry about it again. You are not a professional that's well-versed in AC repair. Neither am I. I know people that are, though, and I'd gladly pay them so I don't have to worry about it.

Maybe you an kyliberty can have a 'get my A/C fixed' party there in lexington.

_________________
LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

that did cross my mind. i'll actually be up in cincy fri-sat....maybe we could kick off a tour!

_________________
'03 Liberty w/3.7L & 45FRE Tranny
Revetek 2" Lift & JBA Gen 5 A-arms
Maxxis Buckshot XMT Mudders 31x10.5 on Soft 8's
Jet Stage 2 Chip : '07 Air Intake
Relocated IAT Sensor : '05 HVAC Controls
Front Hitch : EVIC from '01 GC : Custom Rock Rails
Transgo Shift Reprogramming Kit
KC Driving Lights & Aux Backup Lights
.......all GONE!

that did cross my mind. i'll actually be up in cincy fri-sat....maybe we could kick off a tour!

_________________
'03 Liberty w/3.7L & 45FRE Tranny
Revetek 2" Lift & JBA Gen 5 A-arms
Maxxis Buckshot XMT Mudders 31x10.5 on Soft 8's
Jet Stage 2 Chip : '07 Air Intake
Relocated IAT Sensor : '05 HVAC Controls
Front Hitch : EVIC from '01 GC : Custom Rock Rails
Transgo Shift Reprogramming Kit
KC Driving Lights & Aux Backup Lights
.......all GONE!

Unfortunately I haven't been able to pick up a new condenser yet.

_________________
June 2001 Liberty Limited 4X4
Frankenlift II Premium, Al's Upper Arms, 245/75R16 C Silent Armors on Moabs, RL Skink Super Sliders, Rear DTT, Riddler Diff Cover, Fastman Throttle Body, Profinish-Proglass Hood, Borla Dual Outlet Exhaust, TransGo Reprogramming Kit, APS Stall Converter, 4.10 Gears, B&G Chrysler PCM, Lots of Line-X, etc...