In the Subaru outback air conditioning recharge process, a technician will detach the current refrigerant from the air conditioning system of the car.
After the removal, the technician will recharge your Subaru’s air conditioning system with a new refrigerant. Once the process is done, it is important to test whether the afresh system is cooling properly, thus, working.
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Subaru Outback low AC refrigerant symptoms
The refrigerant is what runs through the AC system of the Subaru outback. It is what provides the super chilled air in the blazing hot summer heat. So, how do you know when you need to recharge your Subaru outback air conditioning system?
The only, as well as the most noticeable symptom of your Subaru outback air conditioning needing a recharge, is warm air coming from the AC vents. If the refrigerant on your AC system is insufficient, this will lead to your AC not providing cool air. This can occur if the AC hasn’t been recharged for a long time.
However, if the AC was recharged not that long time ago, then this might be happening due to a refrigerant leak. So, how do you fix it?
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How to recharge Subaru outback air conditioning
Before you begin, you need to know what refrigerant your car uses. The best thing you can do is find it out from your car’s manual.
Step 1: Purchase the refrigerant
Typically, recharging your AC system requires you to pressurize the refrigerant. Also, you can track the remaining amount of gas in the system with a pressure gauge. Plus, you will have to get a lot of AC recharge tools, some of which are quite expensive.
The recharging kit you will need should be determined by your car. For instance, if you have a family car, you want an all-in-one air conditioning kit, which will fit the car perfectly.
Step 2: Preparing the recharge kit
When you unpack the kit, you will see a pressure gauge, a flexible rubber hose, as well as a can of refrigerant. Assemble the pressure gauge kit following the instructions in the manual. While screwing the gauge, keep turning the gauge counterclockwise up until you can’t.
After you have put everything together, you will find a pin inside. You can use it to pierce the refrigerant can.
Step 3: Assembling the recharge kit
After piercing the refrigerant, retract the pin safely. At this point, you should assemble the pressure gauge with the kit.
Now, on the pressure gauge, screw the rubber hose and make it tight. Follow the procedure to calibrate the gauge as it is a basic requirement.
Step 4: Find the low-pressure port
The AC system typically comes with two ports: low pressure and high pressure. It is advisable to recharge your Subaru while having low pressure on the air condenser.
It is recommended to check your manual to be sure. Although you may find a cap over the pressure slots of your car.
Step 5: Clean the low-pressure port
One thing that you always need to keep in mind is that if debris enters the compressor, this may damage the compressor permanently, which is quite costly to repair.
Also, keep yourself safe while executing these processes. And before you remove the outer covering of the pressure port, always clean it. Clean it again after you remove the cap.
Step 6: Test the pressure
Before you attach the hose, it is best practice to turn the gauge clockwise up until it becomes tight. The procedure ensures the sealing of the gauge and also makes sure the AC port is attached safely.
Once you have cleaned the port, now you can attach the rubber hose. This is to link the pressure to your car. You should always consider attaching your hose with the low-pressure port.
Step 7: Start the recharging process
First, start the engine and turn the AC on to the coldest setting. Also, turn the fan on to the maximum setting. Remove the lower pressure cap, which should be labeled L. ( If your car’s ports are not labeled, then try to connect the recharge kit to both ports. Only the low-pressure port will connect with the recharge kit properly and the high-pressure port will not.)
Step 8: Recharge
Connect the AC recharge kit. Briefly shake the canister and release the refrigerant into the system. Keep doing this until you achieve the desired pressure.
Note: Before you begin the process of Subaru outback air conditioning recharge, you should wear safety glasses and gloves to avoid unintentional exposure to detrimental chemicals of the refrigerant.
FAQ
1. What are the symptoms of an AC compressor that is failing?
First of all, if you are a car owner, you need to learn and understand the various symptoms. Some of the common symptoms you will experience during driving are louder sounds from the car, high cabin temperature, and the compressor clutch might not move.
If you experience any of these behaviors, you should know that there might be something wrong with your car’s compressor.
2. How much will a Subaru outback AC compressor replacement cost?
The whole replacement cost of a new AC compressor could be between $1100 to $1400. However, the cost could vary depending on the location and shop.
3. What can cause Subaru outback air condition system to leak?
The main cause for leaking could be the increase in moisture or aging. Also, the rubber gaskets as well as the seals could wear out.
Typically, it pushes out the refrigeration from its position, which leads to moisture finding its way to the internal section of the air conditioning system.
4. Why is my AC producing warm air?
There could be a number of reasons for your car AC to produce warm air. It could be a leak, blown fuse, compressor clutch, or a clog in the expansion valve.
Conclusion
Subaru outback air conditioning recharge is not a complicated process. You can do it yourself quite easily and get back the cold air in your car and enjoy riding in the hot summer. Just follow the above instructions and you should be easily able to recharge your AC.
However, if you think it is too much for you, it is always better to let a professional handle the job. This may cost you a bit extra but will save you from accidents as well as cause any harm to your car.