I recently bought an 06 Ridgeline that had the AC recharged right before I bought it. I have noticed that it seems like the AC in my TSX isn't as cold or quick as the Ridgeline. Has anyone used a generic AC recharge to service their AC system? My neighbor uses this on his Suburban: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...ram=1251733536

I was hoping that I could save myself a trip to the dealer and recharge the system in my garage.

 

I recently had my system recharged by an independent auto A/C shop. I too didn't feel my A/C was as cold as it should be, but was told by the tech my system was okay - no leaks, A/C parts working as they should.

I wasn't ballsy enough to do it myself. I've read incidences of over pressurizing the system and what not, thus damaging the entire A/C system. Plus getting it done at the shop came with a warranty.

 

Don't use that stuff in your car. Reason being is it also includes oil, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, BUT chances are your system already has plenty of oil in it adding more oil will likely make your system operate even less efficient......OR you could do some serious damage. I just spent $1600 getting my AC fixed in my jeep cause of me trying to get out cheap by using that stuff. I had 10x more oil in my system than I should have. Ended up having to replace the accumulator, compressor, low pressure switch, and evap core.....In short take it to a pro and get it diagnosed.

 

Do it yourself, it is super easy. Make sure to buy the kit that has the removable hose and not the one that is stuck to the can. I had problems in the past with those. Also like sukemecuke don't get the one with oil, just the refrigerant. Start the A/C and hook up the connection to your low valve (you they are different sizes so you can’t mess it up). Slowly open the valve and tilt the can sideways and shake it slowly until the gauge reads in the green (while the compressor is engaged). It may take up to 10 minutes if it is low. Good luck, once you do it once, you’ll never have anyone else do it for you again. I’ve done it in my Integra, both of our Accords and a Jeep. They do loose a little bit of refrigerant over the years and usually a can or less will give you another 6 years of use (unless it really does have a leak).

 

Absolutely make sure to get one that is oil free if you plan to do it yourself. However, I personally would get it checked to make sure you don't have a leak. I know around here most places will run a pressure check as well as an inspection to tell you if you have a leak for like $9.95. They'll most likely try and sell you a charge for like $140, but just say no thanks give me your findings and i'll make the decision from that. If no leak then do as ^ said. It's really easy as pie.