How to Add Refrigerant to a Cadillac

by MickeyV

If you own a Cadillac vehicle and are having problems with your air conditioning unit, it is possible that you might need to add refrigerant to the unit. Refrigerant allows the vehicle to convert incoming air to cold air for the air conditioning unit and is responsible for creating the cold air that enters the vehicle when you turn the air conditioning on. It is important to know how to add the refrigerant properly or the air conditioning unit will not work.

Step 1

Purchase R134 refrigerant from a local auto parts shop or from a retail shop that sells auto maintenance equipment. Also purchase a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes if you don't own a pair. Be sure to wear the safety goggles throughout the entire maintenance process.

Step 2

Attach a refill hose and pressure gauge to the nozzle of the refrigerant can by pressing them together until they click into place. Tighten the pieces as much as you can to ensure that the can is tightly sealed to the hose. Slowly open the valve and allow some of the refrigerant into the hose to release the regular air that may be inside of it.

Step 3

Attach the other end of the hose to the pressure fitting on the air conditioning unit in the vehicle. The pressure fitting is located on the left side of the engine and should be clearly marked "Air Conditioning Unit."

Step 4

Start the vehicle and turn the air conditioning nozzles on the inside of the vehicle to full power.

Step 5

Open the valve on the R134 refrigerant can and the vehicle will automatically begin filtering the refrigerant into the air conditioning unit. Keep the can upright to prevent any liquid from entering into the refill hose.

Step 6

Monitor the pressure gauge on the can. Close the valve when the pressure gauge reaches the recommended range listed in the owner's manual (the exact pressure will vary depending on the model of Cadillac being serviced). Turn off the vehicle and disconnect the refill hose and the R134 can from the air conditioning unit. The refrigerant has been successfully added to the vehicle.

References

Things You'll Need