AC Recharge

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What is an AC recharge?

For most cars, at some point, the air conditioner will stop blowing cold. There are a few reasons why this might happen, but whatever the case, the AC system will likely have to be recharged with refrigerant after the repair.

How does the AC recharge work?

The air conditioning system requires a specific amount of refrigerant in order to function correctly. Adding refrigerant will replenish this amount.

AC systems may require recharging if they become weak and do not perform well or if they start to make unusual noises.

What are the symptoms that point to an AC recharge?

You may not realize there's a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold. Refrigerant may slowly leak out of the system over days, weeks or even years.

Can I drive with a low amount AC coolant?

Driving a car that's low on refrigerant will not cause further damage immediately, but over an extended time, other seals in the system can begin to rot due to a lack of lubrication from refrigerant and oil. This will drive up the cost of the repair, when it's finally performed.

How often do AC recharges need to be performed?

The chance of having the air conditioning serviced during a vehicle's lifetime is very high, but it typically won't happen before the 100,000-mile mark. Air conditioning diagnostics are so common that many service shops specialize in heating and AC repair.

How are AC recharge issues diagnosed?

Diagnosing the air conditioning system requires some advanced knowledge and testing equipment. You'll want a technician with proper training and certification to work on yours. If a leak is suspected, the technician may place a dye in the AC system and check for leaks with an ultraviolet flashlight.

Adding refrigerant to a poorly functioning AC system without first diagnosing the problem may result in overcharging. This has been known to damage the AC compressor, resulting in a very expensive (and avoidable) repair.

"Stop leak" compounds are not recommended, as they are temporary solutions and can damage AC components, resulting in expensive repairs.

How is an AC recharge done?

Most air conditioning repairs require the complete evacuation of refrigerant, using a recovery machine. Once all the parts are in place and the system is able to hold pressure, the technician will recharge the system with new refrigerant and oil.

Disclaimer

Materials Included Under License from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. License Agreement TMS1008. All information contained in any materials obtained about Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication, is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, and is intended for service providers and other interested parties in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifications and procedures are subject to change without notice. This information is provided expressly for the purpose of use by professional automobile technicians who have special techniques and certifications. Repair or service by non-specialized or uncertified technicians using only this information, or without proper equipment or tools, may cause severe injury to the individual or other individuals and could possibly cause damage to the vehicle. Certain procedures or content elements may make reference to Toyota Warranty policy or practice – these policies or practices are only applicable to Toyota, Lexus, or Scion dealers.

AC Recharge

Jump to:Cost estimates by year Commonly associated repairs Cost estimates by vehicle

What is an AC recharge?

How does the AC recharge work?

The air conditioning system requires a specific amount of refrigerant in order to function correctly. Adding refrigerant will replenish this amount.

AC systems may require recharging if they become weak and do not perform well or if they start to make unusual noises.

What are the symptoms that point to an AC recharge?

You may not realize there's a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold. Refrigerant may slowly leak out of the system over days, weeks or even years.

Can I drive with a low amount AC coolant?

How often do AC recharges need to be performed?

How are AC recharge issues diagnosed?

"Stop leak" compounds are not recommended, as they are temporary solutions and can damage AC components, resulting in expensive repairs.

AC Recharge

What is an AC recharge?

How does the AC recharge work?

What are the symptoms that point to an AC recharge?

Can I drive with a low amount AC coolant?

How often do AC recharges need to be performed?

How are AC recharge issues diagnosed?

How is an AC recharge done?

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