Anyone know how to fill the A/C Refrigerant ?

[nyc4runnin]

Anyone know how to fill the A/C Refrigerant on the 4th gens ? I have a small leak in mine and dealer charged $50 to fill/seal it. Do those small cans from autozone work the same ? those usually are really cheap. There are youtube videos on how to use them, but they were for a Ford and I didnt see a fill valve on the 4Runner to hook up the can to.

 

[Jeff Kleb]

I have never done it myself, but I know that Wal-Mart sells a "do it yourself" recharge kit for R-134a systems. I belive they cost between $15 and $20 - and one type has a gauge on it that tells you how much to put in. I spoke with a fellow customer who said that it worked well for him and lasted the rest of the summer.....versus having to fork out $200 to the stealership.

Apparently, you hook it to the low pressure side of the A/C unit where there is a little valve, while running your system at MAX power. Just press the button on the can - much like a flat tire repair kit; and wait until the needle is in the green zone.

Good luck to you and let us know how it turns out!


P.S. Just don't use it on a car equipped with R-12 (pre-1994 vehicles, mostly)!

 

[nyc4runnin]

thats exactly what i want to do, i just dont know where the fill valve for the low pressure line is ......... anyone have a pic ?

 

[burton6509]

yes!!! if anyone has anymore info and help on this it would be great..... because i have a 02 that needs to be recharged and i have 2 cans waiting to be used but im not sure on how to do it..

 

[nyc4runnin]

seem like this would be a handy thread if we get some answers, maybe we should get this to be a sticky when its complete!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

The correct way and the

 

[nyc4runnin]

AWSOME !!!! is that the universal size quick disconnect ? or some toyota specific connector ?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

AWSOME !!!! is that the universal size quick disconnect ? or some toyota specific connector ?

Universal for R134 Freon. R12 and home refridgerant have similar but different. The concept is to not mix Freons by making the fitting match the Freon. Your T4R uses R134.


:cheers:

 

[rook]

Anyone know how to fill the A/C Refrigerant on the 4th gens ? I have a small leak in mine and dealer charged $50 to fill/seal it. Do those small cans from autozone work the same ? those usually are really cheap. There are youtube videos on how to use them, but they were for a Ford and I didnt see a fill valve on the 4Runner to hook up the can to.

Ive done it to past vehicles, it is ez. Use the kit and read the directions. IIRC, it will only connect to the low side.

Just curious, did you get the leak fixed but did not have the refrigerant replaced?

 

[nyc4runnin]

nah, there was a 39.99 special to check the ac system. they filled it up and it leaked so they pumped it back out and filled it with dye/sealant and saw where it was leaking still. then they pumped more into it. Rite now its cold and they forgot to charge me for the 2 lbs they lost lol. but i wanna do this myself next time this happens. they quoted me almost 400 bux to replace the pipes and r134a.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

nah, there was a 39.99 special to check the ac system. they filled it up and it leaked so they pumped it back out and filled it with dye/sealant and saw where it was leaking still. then they pumped more into it. Rite now its cold and they forgot to charge me for the 2 lbs they lost lol. but i wanna do this myself next time this happens. they quoted me almost 400 bux to replace the pipes and r134a.

If the leak is at a joint with bolts (or is a screw fitting) very gently give it a 1/4 turn. The leak has lubed the threads and often times I have been able to reduce a leak by snugging a connection.

Good luck!
:cheers:

 

[burton6509]

Great info everyone ... how do i know how much i need to put in?...i have the gauge ....The kind that i bought is Dupont Suva 134a and it has 12 oz of refrigerent in it. is that the right kind to use?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Great info everyone ... how do i know how much i need to put in?...i have the gauge ....The kind that i bought is Dupont Suva 134a and it has 12 oz of refrigerent in it. is that the right kind to use?

Yes, that's the correct type. My method is crude but as I stated above there should be a suction vs temp chart with the instructions. If not it'll take pretty close to what it needs. Be patient, do not rev the engine, don't shake or tip the can (NOTE: Don't be afraid to move the can or reposition it etc. I am talking about vigarously shaking it or turning upside down). Be patient and it'll stop taking when it's full. Some cars may require a tiny bit of a fast idle 1000-1200rpm but thats it, no more. I prefer to just let it idle. I wrote 'be patient' 2x for a reason...

The correct way to do it is evacuate the system and add freon by weight. We're obviously backyard hacking the procedure or we wouldn't have this thread.

I am not a pro-A/C guy, in fact I have never been formely trained but I have been repairing them forever. Take my advice with caution and consider the source. I am a self-proclaimed poser who has been lucky rather than good when it comes to A/C.:lmao:

:cheers:

 

[nyc4runnin]

we should get this to be a sticky in the maintenance section. Op's !!! where u at ??

 

[808BMW]

Are you sure your freon is leaking?

I thought I needed a recharge and was ready to take it to the dealer, and it turned out to be a bad relay.
If the light is flashing do a search on your "MG CLT" relay (magnetic clutch)