If you don't know your way around a refrigerant system get a mechanic to charge it for you. The pressures and temperatures in an operating HVAC system aren't trivial and should not be worked on by inexperienced personnel.
You can check out the website linked below. It isn't difficult to put the refrigerant into your AC system. You will be charging on the low side and depending on which gauge you are using on how to use it. Check out the website and they also have a Tech Support Line to give you detailed answers.
It is illegal to use #12 due to damage to ozone layer
Your car uses refrigerant not Freon. Freon is a brand name put out by DuPont. All ac systems use refrigerant often mistakenly called Freon. All of them!!! Check for a decal under the hood or on the compressor for the information you seek. I believe that around 1996 car makers started using R-134A instead of R-12 refrigerant. Hope this helps.
They all draw power.
A 1999 Cavalier does not use Freon as a refrigerant.
no, losing the manual would not cause the car to use freon.
NO! You would never put propane in an air conditioning system! For air conditioning to work it needs FREON. Depending on your car you need to find out what kind of freon it requires, as well.
No, Freon is no longer used in vehicles' cooling system. Should you take your car in for maintenance, the mechanic will use a special vacuum to remove and properly dispose of the Freon. The mechanic will then use R-134, a replacement for Freon.
It's too volatile.
Freon is the trade name for R12. Your car contains R134 or R134a which is not Freon.
never use it
Freon is put in the "Low" pressure side of the AC system.How to find it:When you open your hood, you'll see an AC line with an input line on it. The one closest to the front of the car is a High pressure side- DO NOT use this one.Instead go to the right side of the car and look for another AC line with another 'service port' coming from the passenger side of the car. Unscrew it, and attach your Freon line here.
R134a