So I had a new ac unit put in b/c my car was in a major accident, and the mechanic that put it in, didnt fill it with freon (bastard). So its getting hot, and I need to put it in, and i have no clue about this stuff. im not sure if i should buy the refill kit, because its technically not a refill, so what should i do?

 

You probably need the system re-charged.

Unless you have some experience with it, I'd leave it to a specialized AC shop.

 

doesn't the freon (actually r134a now if i'm not mistaken) include some lubricating oil with it? so in the test of the system, wouldn't that kill the seals, gaskets, etc?

 

It's possible that the accident could of caused a leak in the system, whether it is the lines or condenser, causing the original charge of refrigerant to leak out.

If the technician was merely lazy or it slipped his mind I would still recommend taking it to a shop to have them discharge and recharge the system.

 

If this was an insurance claim, recharging should be included in the estimate. Even if it wasn't, you'd assume the car would be given back in it's pre-collision condition. Check your invoice.

 

it was an insurance claim, but the mechanic that did it was a complete jackass. I argued with him, and it got me nowhere, inplus this was over 8 months ago, so it doesnt really matter to me anymore. But he did say that he put in a whole new ac unit, so im guessing that means no leaks or anything.

 

"Whole new ac unit".... what does that mean? The compressor? Evaporator? The entire system, lines & all??

 

You have to check the AC system for leak(s) first before recharging refrigerant. Otherwise all your refill effort/$$$ will be vapourize if there really is a leak in the system.

 

bring it to a shop and have them vacuum out the system, add oil and then add the correct amount of freon. while vacuuming the system the technician can check for leaks and make sure the system is sealed.

 

100% ^

 

if u live in jersey i can check it out for u. i got the gauges, vacuum pump and some R134A

 

I think adding uv dye and rechecking the system with a black light in a week or so is a good idea too.

 

^word.. i always add dye mixed with the oil. just makes it alot easier for future service.

 

It is unfortunate they didn't repair your car back to functional condition. I would highly suggest to have the shop do it for you. They check for leaks before adding freon to it. You could easily ruin your AC system again without knowing what you are doing.