How to Recharge the AC System in a 2000 Chevy S10
by Richard RistowThe 2000 Chevrolet S-10 pickup uses a R134a air conditioning system. The R134a refrigerant is widely available in many stores, including discount superstores. The recharging process is relatively simple and can be done at home, saving you money in mechanic fees.
Step 1
Park the Chevrolet S-10 and turn off its ignition. Open and secure its hood. Put on the safety glasses and gloves.
Step 2
Locate the air conditioning's tubing for the truck's low-side input in the engine compartment, which is threaded and capped. Remove the cap and set it aside. Fit the R134a recharging kit's hose onto the low-side input.
Step 3
Locate a safe and secure spot for the kit and set it down, ensuring it does not come in contact with any engine component when you start the truck's ignition.
Step 4
Open the driver's-side door and sit in the driver's-side seat. Start the truck's engine. Turn on the air conditioning and turn the the unit's control knobs to the highest temperature and blowing settings Run the engine reach until it reaches it's normal operating temperature while allowing the air conditioning to get as cold as possible.
Step 5
Exit the truck and return to the engine compartment. Pick up the recharge kit and open the valve on top of the R134a can. Listen for the sound of gas being transferred from the can to the truck's air conditioning system.
Step 6
Stop the flow of R134a refrigerant, spacing out the gas charges into the S-10's air conditioning by at least a minute, which allows the system to accommodate the new refrigerant and stabilize. Monitor the overall pressure within the air conditioning system by watching the kit's gauges and the refrigerant's level in the recharge can.
Step 7
Place a thermometer into the air conditioning system to monitor the system's internal temperature. The process is completed when the system reaches 40 degrees and there are no warm spots along the air conditioning system's aluminum tubes.
Step 8
Remove the thermometer from the air conditioning's duct. Remove the kit's hose from the low-side input and cover it with the cap. Close the vehicle's hood and turn the truck off.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual: Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma Pick-Ups: 1994-2004"; John H Haynes; Haynes Publishing Group; 2002.
- US EPA: Recharging Your Car's Air Conditioner with Refrigerant
Tips
- Do not discharge leftover refrigerant.
- Leave all kit components attached to the can and stow the can into a cupboard where the temperature remains constant.
- You can use the remaining R134a to top the system off later, especially during hot summer months.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- R134a recharge kit
- Towel
- Thermometer
Warnings
- Glasses and gloves should to be worn for safety purposes during the procedure.
- The R134a refrigerant is a compressed gas and it may help to wrap the R134a can in a warmed towel.
- The truck uses only R134a. Do not attempt to charge it with R12.
Writer Bio
Richard Ristow has written for journals, newspapers and websites since 2002. His work has appeared in "2009 Nebula Showcase" and elsewhere. He is a winner of the Science Fiction Poetry Association's Rhysling Award and he edits poetry for Belfire Press. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and has managed an automotive department at WalMart.
