A/C Pro (do it yourself) review - not a fan

[alrock]

I tried the A/C Pro kit that you can get from auto stores (about $49) and Walmart (about $36) recently. It wasn't on the Hummer, but the same principles should apply.

First, the gauge on the can barely works. I got an initial reading that was probably reasonably accurate, but once I started putting in the refrigerant the gauge didn't move. I had to remove and reattach the gauge numerous times before the reading would change, and then I might see different readings, including off the chart numbers. It would be very easy to overcharge the system which results in shutting down or even damage and repair bills.

I was able to lower the a/c from about 64 degrees to about 57 degrees, which was a nice change, but not enough.

I took it to a regular mechanic that has a recovery machine. He recovered the refrigerant, emptied the lines and put in the right amounts of oil and refrigerant. The temps went down to about 44-46 degrees. He charges $100 for that service.

So, in the name of trying stupid stuff I was able to confirm that the $36 I spent at WM for the A/C Pro was essentially a waste of money. It made a difference but it didn't fix the issue. Considering a full fix was only $100, the proper fix was the way to go.

We didn't see any leaks in the seven year old car and time will tell whether this $100 lasts, but either way I think it's still better than the do-it-yourself fix of the a/c.

 

[Sneakysilver]

I have had good and bad results from that product. My moms van did the same but my brothers jeep worked like a charm. I personally don't like it because of it "stops leaks" kills the life of the compressor. I rather take it to a shop for a recharge even with me being in the hvac field

 

[Sethmark]

It's a bandaid. You're supposed to evacuate the line, change the drier, and reinstalls the 134a under a vacuum. This doesn't do any of those things.

 

[twinmill28]

Automotive A/C & automatic transmissions are just one of those mysteries of life that I've never been able to crack.

I'd bought one of those A/C recharge kits way back in the day, but since I had no clue what I was supposed to be doing with it or, as you said Alex, if it even really did anything, I just ended up leaving it to the pros.

Yeah, it sucks to leave this stuff to people you hope aren't going to hose you on the repair, but it's nice to know it's done right--especially in Az. & Florida!!

 

[Kyle]

i tried it on the hummer and it over charged the system and caused all sorts of error codes, CEL, sooo i took it to the dealer they emptied it, refilled it, and its blowing nice cold and sent me on my way. I honestly have the coolest dealer on the face of the earth!

 

[LoJac963]

I too tried one of those cans on my 06 GTO which resulted in nothing but overfilling the system since the gauges on the cans are piles of crap. Ended up doing the same thing you did, took it to a good shop and they threw it on their machine. Unfortunately I had more problems then just needing more refrigerant. After replacing the compressor (AC Delco), dryer, evap block, and flushing the condenser and lines I had an ice cold AC again. Did all this in my garage-was definitely a learning experience!

 

[Kyle]

I too tried one of those cans on my 06 GTO which resulted in nothing but overfilling the system since the gauges on the cans are piles of crap. Ended up doing the same thing you did, took it to a good shop and they threw it on their machine. Unfortunately I had more problems then just needing more refrigerant. After replacing the compressor (AC Delco), dryer, evap block, and flushing the condenser and lines I had an ice cold AC again. Did all this in my garage-was definitely a learning experience!

A/C systems i will let the pros handle from now on i wont even attempt to do anything anymore.