95 Dakota SLT 3.9L V6 2wd

When I had my Regal, I bought this and never used it:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=532242_0_0_

I have a few questions:

1) How do I check my AC coolant to make sure I need a recharge?

When I put my controls to the coldest and turn the button on that makes a blue light on the top left of the temp control unit, it blows kinda cool but really not worth having on vs a window open.

2) Where do I find the high/low ports? I'm noob so be specific or provide a picture, please.

3) What are the steps for recharging?

 

1 - if you need a charge, it means you probably have a leak. Use a gauge of some sort, the one that you linked to may work. I normally use a set of r134a manifold gauges. Do you hear the AC compressor clutch "clicking" on when you turn on the A/C? If it doesn't, then your pressure is too low, or there's some other issue with the A/C (fuse, switch, clutch, etc). If it does click on, then you have at least some pressure in the system and the other parts of the system are at least somewhat functional. If it clicks on, then off after a few seconds, then on, etc - your system is probably low on r134a.

2 - low port is near the passenger fender, high port is on top of the compressor.

3 - it kinda depends on the situation. if you're just a little low, you can probably get by with the bottle you linked to. if it's empty, you need to find and fix the leak, replace the accumulator, pull a vacuum on the system and then charge.

BTW, don't get this stuff on you. It'll cause frostbite (in liquid form, which is what it is in the can).

Keith (currently dealing with AC issues on a '96 3.9L)

 

I don't hear the AC compressor. I'll check tomorrow, it's pouring out right now.

If it was a fuse, wouldn't the heat not work? The fuse diagram shows that one fuse is for the heat/AC. Heat works great.

I called a few places and one of them was Firestone. They can do an AC Performance Check for like $49. Should I do that?

I probably won't let them charge my AC since they priced it at like $187. That sounds like overprice! but what do I know.

 

It really depends on what they're going to do. Ask them.

Perf check? Sounds like they're going to charge you $50 to tell you what you already know (that the perf sucks). If they were going to tell you WHY it's broke, they'd probably call it a diagnostic.

charge it for $187? I don't think they can charge it if it has a leak (EPA rules). so, does that $187 include finding and fixing the leak? Replacing the accumulator ($35-50 at part store), which should be done any time the system is open to the atmosphere? Include the cost of r134a? a can is abt $15 at the parts store, and these trucks take about 2.5 cans.

 

Yeah, the guy said if there is a leak he won't let me drive it unless he fixes the leak or if there is NO coolant.

I don't think the price includes any additional parts (hoses, accumulator..) - the price only includes the leak test (not sure if they do the performance test or not), and includes the labor and refrigerant.

Edit:
Remember, the guy did say they will REFUSE to use any parts I bring, including the refrig.

They will probably overcharge me for the refrig, and hoses, and if I need an accumulator, that too.

 

Go to another shop,ask around the neighborhood and get a recommendation for a good shop.