Adding Freon to a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder

[utfan4554]

How hard is it to add freon to a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder? Please note, I'm in no way, shape or form mechanically-inclined. Still, is this is something I can do myself, and if not, how much do you all think something like this would cost to have done?

Thanks for any help!

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Adding refrigerant is extremely simple to do and it only takes five minutes. You can pick up a recharging can/gauge at any Wal-mart or AutoZone or Advance Auto. You just need to buy a can of R-134a refrigerant, the can should have instructions. The refrigerant high and low lines are indicated with a large L and large H on the service port cap.

[utfan4554]

Thanks Pwnin! Come to think of it... I only assumed it needed freon because I noticed over the last 2 weeks or so that it takes a lot longer to cool now than it used to, and the air isn't as cold. Other than that, it seems to run just fine. Plus, I don't recall ever adding/recharging it since I've own the vehicle, so it's probably due. Do you think I should even bother taking it in to have it checked, in case it's not a matter of adding freon?

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Well it would cost no more than $10 to buy one of those cans of R-134a with the built-in gauge. I recommend buying one, using the gauge to check your pressure. If you don't need to add any refrigerant, then you can return the can to the store, get your money back, and then take it to get checked out. That way you can rule that out first.

[utfan4554]

Good call... Thanks again!