A/C Refrigerant Refill (R134a) Question - '02 I35

[chillin2345]

Hi All,

I have noticed that my 02 I35's A/C isn't nearly as cool as it used to be. It's somewhat cool...but it takes a while to get there (maybe 5-10 minutes instead of the normal 2-3 minutes) and it's not all that cold as I once remember it to be (when the A/C reaches peak operation).

I bought a can of A/C Refrigerant Refill (R134a) with the refill dispenser/gauge, but I'm a little stuck on whether I need to actually refill my refrigerant.

According to the gauge, at an ambient temperature of 60-70 degrees F, the ideal refrigerant level on the low-side valve should be between 25-35 PSI. When I measured the levels, it clocked in between 28-30 PSI (within the recommended range). The bottle says to stop refilling when the refrigerant is within this green 25-35PSI range.

My question, should I leave the refrigerant at 28-30PSI (right in the middle of the suggested range) or filling it all the way up to 35PSI (the max suggested amount)? Does it need to be filled to the max? Or should I just leave well enough alone and not be an idiot ignoring the refill can's instructions?

Thanks.

[eye30Chris]

What the AC on when you tested the pressure? When you are testing time it takes to cool the car are you moving down the road?

[loystock]

Best way to check AC is with Manifold Gauge for Low Pressure and High Pressure. The engine should have been running for at least 10 minutes, AC at Max Cool and engine speed at 1500RPM.