change freon in a 98?

[1quikvic]

Could anyone tell me how to change the freon in a caravan? Should I do it myself or pay a shop to do it. It's possible that there's a leak I suppose.

[neon_rt]

Caravans use R134 refrigerant. It is illegal in most states to intentionally vent refrigerant to the atmosphere. It must be vacuumed out with a pump and properly disposed of. Walmart carries a recharge kit. You must have the proper gauges and know how to use them to recharge your own system, otherwise you risk your health and your AC system. You must also make sure you are putting in the proper refrigerant, you can not mix different types. If you have AC problems, you should take your Caravan to a certified AC repair shop.

[1quikvic]

hmmm i was afraid of that. Thanks a lot for the help.

[BLUEFOX181]

BOY HAVE THE AUTO GUYS GOT YOU ALL BRAIN WASHED!

got to your local pep boys or like said before Wallmart and buy the filling kit. this stuff is compatable with both R12 and 134A Refriderants. also they are non CFC. and biodegradable. mr. freeze and DURACOOL is ones that come to mind.otherwise they wont sell to the public. most systems that are empty generally only need one can. start with one and watch the system for a while. after the first can if you compressor is cycling or running stead but the low side is still warm, add another can. you will never need more than 2 cans. the best tool you can buy for the job is one of those indoor/outdoor digital temp thingies that you get a a hardware store ($12) with the sensor on the wire. put the sensor in the center vent of you dash. have the device out side with you under the hood. you should get the temp down to 13 to 9 degrees celceus (sorry I'm canadian. dont know ferenheit)

save you self hundreds of dollars and dont through it away to some mechanic who just does what I said only with expensive toys that you will pay for for him. Its not rocket science like they all want you to believe.

good luck. oh and for those who I offend........I am a mechanic and I do A/C for a living. 25 years to be exact.

[neon_rt]

Hmmm... I believe that I said that.
Proper coolant... yes
Gauges (thermometer)... yes

Some people hurt themselves doing these repairs without a clue.
I was avoiding giving directions to the actual repair because of that.
Oh, well. I'm new to Forums, so I tend to not give out too much info if it can be dangerous or break something.
Good luck!

[neon_rt]

OK BlueFox181 I give....
I decided to put my brainwashing aside and check out my A/C in my '00 GC (dual A/C).
After talking to the HVAC specialists at my work, I got out my thermometer and a 19oz bottle of coolant (the kind with the gauge on the filler hose). My initial measurements were (after running A/C on full for about 10 min): Outlet temp 55' and lowpressure side 25psi.
I started the filling process in stages (checking the pressure) between squirts. It ended up taking about 16oz (some left over because of pressure) . This was kind of scary because the capacity is 2.5 pounds, so the system was down about 40%. The measurements are now 45' outlet and 30psi. According to the HVAC guy, the temp and pressure is right on.
Thanks everyone for your posts, it was a learning experience.

[pacamper]

I agree there is dangers in recharging the AC yourself. But, if your mechanically inclinded and can read/understand directions, you can do it yourself, if it just needs a recharge. Wal Mart as well other places sell the refrigerant you need and it is explained pretty good in the directions. As with alot of repairs, you get ripped off big time. An AC guy quoted me 6 bucks/oz of refrigerant...hmmmm...last time I looked at wal mart I think a whole can was less than that? But, on another note, there are things on these newer vehicles that I will gladly pay for someone else to do it simply becuase it is a big PITA ! ie: time consuming, special tools, dirty/geasy or put in such a great palce by these engineers that you need to let some one else do it.

[timbo_lan71]

I would agree that you could save money doing it yourself,but if you have a leak you could put two cans of that stuff in and still not have any cool air the next day, there goes all the money you were going to save,at least at a shop they have the equiptment to check for a leak,and repair it before they top it up......just a thought.....I know we're all not made of money..

[pacamper]

Yes, Timbo. I agree. If you have any problems other than just needing a little freon, maybe better to goto a good ac shop.