requested not to but no laws against it check with local city /state law
Using 134a plus refrigerant in a 2001 GMC Sonoma is not recommended. The vehicle's air conditioning system was designed for R-134a refrigerant, and adding a blend or "plus" refrigerant can potentially harm the system or lead to improper cooling. It's best to stick with the manufacturer-recommended refrigerant to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage. Always consult a professional if you're unsure about refrigerant compatibility.
The factory installed OEM refrigerant was R12 Freon. As Freon is extremely expensive and no longer in production, I suggest you have this vehicle converted to R134a. Seek help from a professional for the conversion and repair of the leak you must have or you wouldn't be adding refrigerant. You will be money ahead rather than just adding R12 to a leaking system which BTW is illegal.
Currently, the EPA does not mandate repairing or replacing small systems (holding under 50 lbs. of refrigerant) due to refrigerant leaks. Consumers are advised to use a common sense approach when choosing to repair an air conditioning system. The refrigerant charge on a system is key to efficient operation. When there is leaking refrigerant, the capacity and efficiency of the system decline rapidly. Leaking refrigerant wastes energy and could harm the environment.
Charging a system with R-407C involves adding the refrigerant into the low-pressure side of the system with equipment such as a charging cylinder and manifold gauge set. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended superheat or subcooling values to ensure proper refrigerant charge level. Overcharging or undercharging can lead to inefficiencies or damage to the system.
To properly add refrigerant to an AC system, you need to first locate the low-pressure port on the system. Then, attach a refrigerant gauge and hose to the port. Start the AC system and slowly add refrigerant until the pressure reaches the recommended level. Be careful not to overfill the system.
To add refrigerant to an AC system, first locate the service valves on the unit. Connect a refrigerant charging hose to the low-pressure service valve. Turn on the AC system and slowly add refrigerant until the pressure reaches the recommended level. Be careful not to overfill the system.
Generally you charge a refrigeration system by weight, not by pressure or temperature. Say, for example, if you were adding refrigerant to a system, you might add a pound of refrigerant. You wouldn't add it until it was at a certain pressure. As for a consumer AC system in a vehicle, I couldn't tell you how much to add. Look for a reference of the amount of refrigerant in the system and start by adding half that amount maybe?
Refrigerant compaticilty is about suiting the refrigerant to your refrigerant system. Every cooling system has refrigerant in it which depends on the type of system you use. If the refrigerant not matches with your system, it wont work. This is refrigerant compatibility.
Check with a local hvac contractor for an estimate.
If you are having to add refrigerant, then this means you have a leak, and you will be adding refrigerant again in a few months. It is illegal to add refrigerant to a system with a leak without first repairing the leak. So, my advice is to take it to a professional and have the leak repaired and refrigerant added with the proper equipment, which you do not have.
To add refrigerant to your AC system, you will need to locate the service valves on the system, typically found near the compressor unit. Attach a refrigerant gauge and hose to the low-pressure service valve. Start the AC system and slowly add refrigerant until the pressure reaches the recommended level. Be sure to follow safety precautions and consult a professional if you are unsure.
The 2001 BMW X5 uses R-134a refrigerant for its air conditioning system. When servicing or recharging the system, it's important to follow proper procedures and use the correct type of refrigerant to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage. Always check for leaks and ensure the system is in good condition before adding refrigerant.