Car A/C recharge, DIY?

[mikebw]

The air conditioning in my 99' Subaru Legacy Outback is not very cold, and I am thinking I can try one of those DIY kits from Advance Auto. Any experience here, pros/cons?

[cbelt3]

I've done them, BUT.... AC 'not cold enough' requires a few quick checks beforehand .

Check #1- Is there an air filter in the system ? Check and see if it's clogged
Check #2- is the AC compressor operating ?
Check #3- If there is a visible AC Compressor 'gage' (a weird glass window on a little aluminum fitting) see if it's bubbling in there.

Refilling the R134a (or whatever) can be done. It will make it cooler for a while. Until that leaks out too. Be sure you get the combination can that has oil and leak detector and coolant in it. Then you can wash the engine, let it dry, run the AC, and use a UV light to find the leaks (leak detector stuff flouresces...). Definitely buy the one with the attached gage, AND with the blowoff panel on the bottom in case you accidentally hook it up to the "High Pressure" side.

Caveat - actually repairing your AC system requires that an EPA certified technician recover any existing coolant from the engine, or you have Broken Da Law and Al Gore will parachute in to attack you.

[mikebw]

I'll check for a filter.

I assume that since the air is somewhat cold that the compressor is operating.

Have to look for the little window thing, I do know what you mean.

Thanks!

[rgG]

I used to recharge the AC on my old Ford van, as it had a small leak that apparently they could not fix.
My dad showed me how, and after that it was very easy.
I need to figure out how to do it on my Miata, as it has the same problem, even after having the compressor replaced a few years ago.
Right now, I have the top down, instead of the AC on.

[Fred_Also]

Search for "Sight Glass" there are all different styles.

Fred

[Gareth]

I'll admit that a DIY AC recharge is one of the few car DIY's I failed at and took to the shop instead. It doesn't seem hard, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't make it work.

[DRR]

Assuming it's just not as efficient anymore and there isn't a major problem (leak, bad compressor), it should work to make things better. It's a simple fix.

Also, cleaning your ac condensor and checking for bent fins (and straightening them) will help improve the efficiency of your system.

[wurm]

Well, I have an '06 Forester and I don't know how similar the Outback's A/C system design is, but it might be worth your while to read through this thread at the Subaru Forester Owners Forum. Simply removing that little shim from the compressor clutch got the cold air going again for me in my Forester.