- Fresh R-134A Refrigerant (check your vehicle's specific refrigerant type)
- AC Manifold Gauge Set with Low and High-Pressure Gauges
- Refrigerant Charging Hose
- Safety Glasses
- Gloves
Note: Recharging your vehicle's air conditioning system can be dangerous if done improperly. For safety reasons, it's best to have this procedure done by a qualified mechanic.
Procedure:
1. Park your Pontiac Bonneville in a shady spot and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool down completely.
2. Locate the low-pressure service port on your vehicle. It's usually near the firewall on the passenger side of the engine bay. The service port will have a plastic cap.
3. Attach the refrigerant charging hose to the low-pressure service port. Make sure the hose is securely fastened.
4. Connect the manifold gauge set to the refrigerant charging hose. Follow the instructions included with your manifold gauge set to properly attach the low and high-pressure gauges.
5. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will allow the air conditioning compressor to engage.
6. Observe the pressure readings on your manifold gauge set. The low-pressure gauge should read between 25-45 psi, while the high-pressure gauge should be around 150-250 psi.
7. If the pressure readings are within the specified range, begin adding refrigerant to the system slowly. Open the valve on your refrigerant can slightly and allow the refrigerant to enter the system. Monitor the pressure readings as you add refrigerant.
8. Continue adding refrigerant until the low-pressure gauge reads approximately 35 psi. Once the desired pressure is reached, close the valve on the refrigerant can and disconnect the manifold gauge set.
9. Remove the refrigerant charging hose from the low-pressure service port and replace the plastic cap.
10. Start the engine and test the air conditioning system. Make sure the system is blowing cold air.
_Tips:_
- If you're not comfortable working with automotive AC systems, seek professional help.
- Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling refrigerants.
- Never overfill the air conditioning system.
- If the air conditioning system doesn't work properly after recharging, there may be a leak or other issue that needs to be addressed.
