The law prohibits the sale of R12 and R134 automotive refrigerants to non-certified individuals. This means you’d typically have to pay a certified professional to recharge your A/C system for you. But now, with the RED TEK A/C recharge kit, you can do it yourself with everything you need in one convenient package. Your air conditioning system will run even colder than with your old R-12, and this non-ozone-depleting, non-toxic refrigerant can be charged into any system.
Here's What You'll Need:
Every vehicle is different. Always follow the owner’s manual when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
Safety should be your number one priority. Don’t smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. Watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.
Don’t work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle’s performance.
Finally, when the fun turns to frustration, or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a professional mechanic or installer.
Locate the low and high service ports of the vehicle’s air conditioner and remove the protective caps. The low-side service port is located between the evaporator and the compressor on the large hose. The high-side service port is located between the compressor and the condenser OR between the condenser and the orifice tube/expansion valve on the smaller hose.
Screw the longest metal retrofit valve onto the low-side service port. Do not connect to the high side, as the pressure may result in injury. IMPORTANT: Do NOT over-tighten the fitting.
Locate the high-side service port and screw one of the shorter metal valves on the high-side service port.
IMPORTANT: Repairs should be carried out before you recharge the a/c system. Do not vent refrigerants into the atmosphere.
Before installing the can tap assembly, ensure the valve is fully turned counterclockwise until it stops to withdraw the piercing assembly.
Screw the can tap valve onto the threaded valve of the Red Tek can.
Thread the high-pressure hose onto the can tap valve.
Locate the low side service port and attach the hose by pulling back the quick couple sleeve, pushing the fitting onto the port and then pushing the sleeve forward until it locks into position.
Start the engine and put the A/C to the maximum setting.
Turn the cap tap valve handle clockwise, allowing the piercing needle to puncture the refrigerant can. Turn the can upside down. Make sure the can is upside down through the entire charging process.
Slowly turn the can tap valve counterclockwise until you feel and hear refrigerant leaving the can.
Continue with the charging process as determined by the Red Tek 12a conversion chart, and proper cooling is achieved.
After emptying each can into the A/C system, turn the valve handle clockwise until the valve is fully closed.
Remove the quick coupler from the low-side fitting by pulling the sleeve back once more. Do not remove the can tap if any remaining Red Tek 12a is in the can. Store unused refrigerant in a well-ventilated place away from an open flame.
Remove the charging valve and hose from the can if empty and discard properly.
Screw dust caps on the service ports; Blue on the low side, Red on the high side.
Apply RED TEK refrigerant identification tags in a highly visible area near the charging port for future service requirements.