How to Add Freon to a 1995 Buick Regal
by Christopher L. Ingersoll
Air Conditioning does not come stock on every vehicle but some would argue that depending on where you live, it's an absolute necessity. Air Conditioners work by pulling the heat of air using a coolant called Freon and then blowing it into the cab of the car. Unfortunately, the Freon is a consumable product like the oil or windshield wiper fluid and will eventually run out, leaving your air conditioner blowing out tepid air at best. When the car is out of Freon, it can be refilled or "recharged," bringing back the cool air.
Step 1
Locate the air conditioning compressor, next to the battery.
Step 2
Back-off the valve handle that comes in the kit and screw it into the refrigerant kit until the rubber O-ring is inside the threaded portion.
Step 3
Remove the dust cap from the "low-side" charging connection.
Step 4
Attach the quick fitting on the kit hose to the charging connection.
Step 5
Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes with the air conditioner on taking car that the hoses aren't near the engine fan and other moving parts.
Step 6
Make sure the compressor is on.
Step 7
Turn on the valve handle until you hear the refrigerant release.
Step 8
Add refrigerant until the accumulator surface and the evaporator inlet pipe are about the same temperature to touch.
Step 9
Place thermometer on the air conditioning vent in the cab. The temperature should read 40 degrees if system is fully charged.
Step 10
Close the valve on the canister and store any excess.
Step 11
Put dust cover back on the "low-side" charging connection.
References
- "General Motors, Haynes Repair Manual"; Robert Maddox, John H. Haynes; 2002
Tips
- If you suspect a leak in the system, get a Freon bottle that has red dye in it so that it will show where the leak is originating.
Things You'll Need
- R-134a charging kit
- Thermometer
Writer Bio
Based in Bend, OR, Christopher L. Ingersoll has been an Air Force photojournalist since 2005. His work has been posted worldwide in publications such as “Air Force Times” and “Air Force Link.” Christopher was recently awarded the Department of Defense Thomas Jefferson Award and graduated from the Defense Information School in multimedia with honors.
