On a sunny day, it’s frustrating to drive a car with a nonfunctional cooling system. When your car air condition only releases hot air, it could be as a result of stuck freon.
So, to fix this problem, you will need to release it and leave the air conditioner working normally.
Fortunately, this is a simple task to do. Without the need of a professional, you can do the work on your own.
In this article, we will share with you simple steps that will help you release the Freon from your car air conditioner.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How To Release Freon From Car Air Conditioner
Releasing freon from a car’s air conditioner should only be done by a trained and certified professional. Attach a freon recovery machine to the low pressure port, turn it on, and let it run until it indicates that all of the freon has been removed. Disconnect the machine and close the low pressure port. If it still persists, you should get the system inspected by a professional.
Simple Procedure To Release Freon From Car Air Conditioner
Before you begin performing any procedure on your car air conditioner, the first thing that you need to do is to take safety measures seriously. Follow safety measures when removing and disposing freon from your car air conditioner.
Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the procedure. And once you have taken safety measures into considerations, go ahead and follow the following simple steps.
Step 1: Find The Low-Pressure Service Port
The first step would be to find a low-pressure service port. You can do this by first connecting the service hoses to the AC system’s service port. To detect the low-pressure service port, follow the hose and line assembly through the compressor’s back to the cylinder-like accumulator.
The low-pressure line is normally at the compressor’s back. On it, you will find a low-pressure service port. Among the two lines, the low-pressure service port is the larger one.
The high-pressure service port has a smaller port between the condenser and firewall. Be sure not to confuse those two ports.
In this case, our focus is on finding the low-pressure service port. It’s what we need to release Freon from the car air conditioner.
After you have identified a low-pressure service port, use a wrench to close the service valve on the low-pressure side. Check the valve and see if you need a Wrench or a hex key.
If you don’t have either, don’t worry. They are available on Amazon. Order them to do the work on yourself.
Wrench: Edward Tools Adjustable Wrench
Here is a heavy-duty wrench made of stainless steel material. It’s resistant to rust and stains. It’s perfect for opening and closing the valves on the low-pressure service port.
- Heavy duty
- Adjustable
- Durable
The wrench is available on Amazon. Click here to check the latest price and buy now to release Freon from the car air conditioner.
But if your model doesn’t require a wrench, go ahead and buy a Hex key to get the work done.
Hex key: TEKTON Hex Key Wrench Set
This is a set of 30 Hex Keys. Once you buy this set, you will be sorted even when you wish to open anything else in the future.
- Strong and durable
- A set of 30 Hex keys
- Long and short design
So, if your car needs a hex key, but TEKTON Hex Key Wrench Set. It’s available on Amazon. Click here to check the latest price and buy it from Amazon now.
After closing, the low-pressure valve also closes the high-pressure valve. Ensure that it’s tightly closed. Leave the hex key or wrench hanging on the valve in case you need to loosen or tighten it more.
Step 2: Run The Recovery Machine
When you kick off the recovery machine, it will remove the non-condensable gases and refrigerant vapor from the air conditioning system.
When the machine runs, it lowers the system’s pressure to turn the liquid substances in the machine into vapor. And when this happens, removing the Freon from the air conditioner becomes an easy task.
So, the main purpose of running a recovery machine is to turn the Freon in liquid form.
The system should turn off automatically when the system is empty. It restarts again and pulls a vacuum when system pressure increases.
Freon removal will, therefore, be complete when the system stays under a vacuum condition for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Disconnect Recovery machine
After you have removed Freon from your port system, the last step would be to disconnect the machine from the service port.
However, before disconnection, ensure you close the service hose valve. Some car models require you to shut the valves on the hose. These are mainly models that use R-12 refrigerant.
However, for the newer models that use R-134a Freon do a quick detachment to prevent refrigerant loss.
Kindly note that the removal of the recovery machine should be done quickly. Any delay will damage your compressor. So, when removing it, be quick and focused on removing it.
If you would need help, get a friend or your friend on standby. Have someone with you before you begin the whole process.
Read Also: How To Jump 3 Wire AC Pressure Switch Easily? Tested Ways
Watch the Video, How To Release Freon From Car Air Conditioner?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you release freon in the air?
No, releasing freon (CFCs) into the air is illegal and harmful to the environment, as it depletes the ozone layer. Proper disposal and recycling of refrigerants should be done by certified professionals.
Can you release R134a into air?
Releasing R134a into the air isn’t recommended, as it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. It’s better to recover and recycle refrigerants using proper equipment and techniques.
Parting Shot
Releasing Freon from a car air conditioner is not a complicated process. In fact, you don’t need professional help to get it done. You don’t even need experience with it.
However, to get this work done, you need to be careful and take the necessary precaution. The next thing would be to follow the systematic procedure we have shared with you in this article. If these are followed well, you end up releasing the Freon from your car air conditioner.
But if you are not confident enough to follow these simple steps, don’t attempt them. If you aren’t a DIY enthusiast, leave the work to a professional who can get it done quickly and easily. Any mistake you do in releasing your Freon could lead to severe consequences.
But if you are confident, we will all the best. These steps will get the work done.
