* System Diagnosis: Before adding refrigerant, you need to *diagnose why the system is empty*. A leak somewhere in the system will render any recharge temporary. Finding and fixing the leak requires specialized tools and knowledge. Simply adding refrigerant to a leaking system is a waste of money and environmentally irresponsible.
* Vacuuming the System: Before adding refrigerant, the system must be thoroughly vacuumed to remove any air and moisture. Air and moisture in the system can severely damage the compressor and other components. This requires a vacuum pump capable of pulling a deep vacuum.
* Refrigerant Type and Amount: You need to know the correct type and amount of refrigerant for your system (likely R-134a, but verify). Adding the wrong refrigerant or the wrong amount can damage the system.
* Specialized Tools: Proper recharging requires specialized gauges to measure pressure and temperature, ensuring the system is properly charged.
If you choose to attempt this yourself (strongly discouraged without experience):
1. Identify the refrigerant type: Check your owner's manual or the sticker on the AC system itself to confirm it uses R-134a.
2. Locate the service ports: These are usually low-side and high-side ports, often capped with dust caps. One will be a Schrader valve (like a tire valve) for adding refrigerant.
3. Purchase a recharge kit: Choose a kit that is specifically designed for R-134a and includes gauges. Cheap kits without gauges are unreliable and can damage your system.
4. Vacuum the system: Connect a vacuum pump to the low-side port and evacuate the system for at least 30 minutes to remove air and moisture. The vacuum should reach and maintain a deep vacuum (near 0 PSI).
5. Recharge the system: Following the instructions on your recharge kit, slowly add refrigerant, monitoring the gauges to ensure you reach the proper pressure for the ambient temperature. Your owner's manual may have pressure charts.
6. Observe and check: After recharging, run the AC system and observe for proper cooling. If it still doesn't cool properly, you likely have a leak that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Again, it is strongly recommended you take your 1996 Plymouth Breeze to a qualified automotive AC technician. Improperly handling refrigerants can be hazardous to your health and the environment. The cost of professional repair is far less than the cost of a damaged AC compressor or other components due to improper DIY recharge.
