Looking for refrigerant recharge DIY

**A4donkey** · 10-28-2008 06:28 AM

Anybody done that before?

How many PSI (low pressure pipe) should it be? between 25-40 psi?

**CO AVANT** · 10-28-2008 08:02 AM

That sounds about right for the low pressure pipe. I'd need to check the Bentley to make sure though. You do not want to overcharge it, this can cause damage. Make sure you are using the exact same refridgerant, you do not want to mix different types. If different, evac the whole system and refill. You can pick up those refill kits at your local auto parts store but not sure if the refridgerant they use is oem type or not.

**A4donkey** · 10-28-2008 08:24 AM

any idea of the Audi oem refrigerant for 2005 A4 or any R134a will be fine, I think as long as they are same spec, like dot 4 for brakes.

**CO AVANT** · 10-28-2008 09:12 AM

Any R134a will be fine

**lookaught** · 10-28-2008 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by CO AVANT

Any R134a will be fine

+1

I recharged mine while on the road in West Virginia this past summer. Had to do it b/c I was going to pass out from heatstroke. I bought a standard r134a recharge with the integrated nossle/gauge and when I hooked it up, it was just at the bottom of the green on the gauge (no idea what psi that is). I filled until is was about 3/4 the way through the green "recommended" pressure.

Ice cold AC ever since. I highly recommend it. Total cost =$25 and 10 minutes of work. Thank goodness it worked too, b/c it was 95 degrees and humid and my car had been baking in the sun for 5+ hours when got in... 30 minutes later an Autozone was on the road, and 15 minutes after I stopped we were chilling in like 66 degree low humidity air. Aaaaahhhhhhh....

**A4donkey** · 10-29-2008 03:27 AM

Just recharged (R134a) from 22 to 34 psi, cool cool air and the funny smells no longer chime in..
I am a happy man again!!!
DIY FTW

**rocketheavy** · 10-29-2008 07:15 AM

anyone have a picture of where the recharge nozzle is?

**A4donkey** · 10-29-2008 08:00 AM

bigger diameter with smaller nozzle is the low side (charge pipe), usually very cool.

**Teratorn** · 10-29-2008 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by rocketheavy

anyone have a picture of where the recharge nozzle is?

If I remember correctly, it's behind the firewall, passenger side. You have to remove the entire top cover where the battery is. The low side and high side have different fittings, and the recharge kit will only fit the correct side (low side) so it's pretty much fool proof.