How to Add Freon to a 2000 Suburban
by Jeremy HoltThe air conditioner in a 2000 Chevrolet Suburban may occasionally need to be recharged with refrigerant gas. Before 1995, cars used Freon as a refrigerant, but all cars since then use environmentally-friendly R-134a refrigerant available at any auto parts store and compatible with all GM vehicles. The recharge port for this vehicle is located under the hood on the passenger side; it's marked with an "L," and runs above the air conditioning condenser -- a canister wrapped in silver insulation.
Step 1
Start the engine, and turn on the air conditioner; the air conditioning compressor needs to be running during the recharge process.
Step 2
Raise the hood, and remove the dust cap from the charging port.
Step 3
Pierce the refrigerant can by pushing the recharge valve onto it; then turn the valve handle clockwise to draw out the stem.
Step 4
Push the recharge kit hose fitting down onto the charging port, and slowly turn the handle back to retract the stem. Listen as refrigerant begins to flow. Once the flow stops, pull the hose fitting off, and replace the dust cap.
Step 5
Remove the hose from the empty can by turning the valve handle counterclockwise. Discard the can, but keep the hose for use next time.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual: Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban 1999-2005;" Jeff Kibler, John H. Haynes; 2005
- AA1Car: Recharging Your Car's Air Conditioner
Things You'll Need
- Refrigerant recharge kit
- Can of R-134a refrigerant
- Protective eyewear
Warnings
- Do not add more than one can; this will over-fill the system.
- Wear protective eyewear as the system is under pressure.
Writer Bio
Based in Middletown, Delaware, Jeremy Holt has worked as a writer, copy-editor and proofreader for MBNA Corporation, Rahli Inc. and Kreativz.com. since 1998. Born and educated in the United Kingdom, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Glamorgan.
