How to recharge A/C On A Nissan Rogue?

[orijin]

Anyone know how to recharge the ac on a rogue? Can I buy the kits from auto stores to refill the ac? My ac compared to three other different cars seems crappier than theirs, unless it's normal for a rogue?

[Rogue One]

Anyone know how to recharge the ac on a rogue? Can I buy the kits from auto stores to refill the ac? My ac compared to three other different cars seems crappier than theirs, unless it's normal for a rogue?

Yep, it's normal. The "crappier" ac is one of my pet peeves with the Rogue. It can get very humid during the late spring through to the end of summer here on the DELMARVA Peninsula. We're talking 90% humidity, then you throw in temps above 90F and the ac unit takes 20 minutes to bring the cabin interior to a barely tolerable level. On my partners new Outback we have to cut the ac back in less then half that time or risk frostbite. Same was true for the 4Runner he just traded in.

[ImStricken06]

mine works well. but i also make sure my levels are fine all the time. you have to buy a can of R-134a with the gauge:

r-134a

1. turn the car on, turn the a/c on to full-high & cold.
2. install the plug from the bottle hose and attach it to the L (low) pipe.




3. start pushing the bottle button and dispensing the R134a coolant until you reach the middle of the BLUE zone on the gauge.
DONT OVER FILL! OVER FILLING, WILL ACTUALLY MAKE YOUR SYSTEM RUN HOT!

ALSO NOTE: these cans dont have enough pressure to really give you more than half a cans worth. its best to not use more than half the can, because the system becomes more powerful than the can, and will end up taking in air - instead of the fluid in the can. IF YOUR CAR TAKES IN AIR instead of the r134a fluid, it will run hot like its not even on. take a pen, and stick it into the port where you were refilling your system and "purge" the hot air out, until it starts spraying fluid out (instead of the hot air bubble) and quickly stop once the green fluid is comng out. re-check your system and it should be back to running cool again.

[ImStricken06]

i took those photo's and marked out the spots for someone a few months ago. let me know if you need better photo's.

i know my levels are perfect, and i gotta say the cooling is just right. you can save that hose attachment from the can - and reuse it to judge your levels later in life.

ALSO NOTE: these cans dont have enough pressure to really give you more than half a cans worth. its best to not use more than half the can, because the system becomes more powerful than the can, and will end up taking in air - instead of the fluid in the can. IF YOUR CAR TAKES IN AIR instead of the r134a fluid, it will run hot like its not even on. take a pen, and stick it into the port where you were refilling your system and "purge" the hot air out, until it starts spraying fluid out (instead of the hot air bubble) and quickly stop once the green fluid is comng out. re-check your system and it should be back to running cool again.

[takeshi]

Yep, it's normal. The "crappier" ac is one of my pet peeves with the Rogue. It can get very humid during the late spring through to the end of summer here on the DELMARVA Peninsula.

+1 -- especially the "if you're in a humid climate" bit. Our Rogue's AC has always been weaker than our other vehicles and there's nothing wrong with the system.

[ImStricken06]

i would rate the A/C system in our rogues about 6.5 out of 10. its true, not the greatest.
remember guys, V6 engines can have a AC pump thats much stronger, due to having more power available in the engine to support such a large compressor and not create power spikes in the rpm(alternator)- unlike our smaller inline4. but i keep my eye on the r134a levels and make sure to keep that fluid fresh and up to date.

also i noticed that if you point the vents to the roof - so it points high & towards the rear, it makes a HUGE difference. this is the picture of my interior the way i organized the vents.
since heat rises i figured to attack the hottest portion in the car first right? and to get the air circulating as fast as possible.
I FIGURED POINT ALL THE VENTS UPWARDS TOWARDS THE CEILING, AND SLIGHTLY ON AN ANGLE TO GET THE AIR FLOWING TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE CAR AS WELL. IF YOU HOLD YOUR HAND UP IN THE REAR SEATS, YOU CAN FEEL THE FLOW OF AIR ALONG THE CEILING. THIS ORIENTATION HAS HELPED A TON!

[Qashqai]

Anybody knows where to buy R-134a refrigerant in Canada?

At Canadian Tire, PartSource and Walmart there are only 22a and 12a refrigerants. They said R-134a is bad for the environment, so I guess they decided to sell "environment friendly" ones. I can't add another type of refrigerant over the stock R-134a and I don't want to empty the existing gas and refill with another. Can you help me find somewhere that sells the proper, R-134a?

I actually need the gauge at first place, then the gas (in case I need to refill). Yes the AC is not terribly cold, but I can live with it. My concern is the level of the gas..maybe the level of the gas is "normal"???

[ImStricken06]

Anybody knows where to buy R-134a refrigerant in Canada?

At Canadian Tire, PartSource and Walmart there are only 22a and 12a refrigerants. They said R-134a is bad for the environment, so I guess they decided to sell "environment friendly" ones. I can't add another type of refrigerant over the stock R-134a and I don't want to empty the existing gas and refill with another. Can you help me find somewhere that sells the proper, R-134a?

I actually need the gauge at first place, then the gas (in case I need to refill). Yes the AC is not terribly cold, but I can live with it. My concern is the level of the gas..maybe the level of the gas is "normal"???

as stated in the ROGUE FSM manual:

FOR USA AND CANADA : Working with HFC-134a (R-134a) INFOID:0000000001848760
CAUTION:
• CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant are not compatible. Compressor malfunction
is likely to occur if the refrigerants are mixed, refer to “CONTAMINATED REFRIGERANT”
below. To determine the purity of HFC-134a (R-134a) in the vehicle and recovery tank, use Refrigerant
Recovery/Recycling Recharging equipment and Refrigerant Identifier.
• Use only specified lubricant for the HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system and HFC-134a (R-134a) components.
Compressor malfunction is likely to occur if lubricant other than that specified is used.

you can order this stuff online if you want: (just search r134a)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-id-Quest-R- ... bc&vxp=mtr

[ImStricken06]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p2WzuoSHHA[/youtube]

[seraphg]

i took those photo's and marked out the spots for someone a few months ago. let me know if you need better photo's.

i know my levels are perfect, and i gotta say the cooling is just right. you can save that hose attachment from the can - and reuse it to judge your levels later in life.

ALSO NOTE: these cans dont have enough pressure to really give you more than half a cans worth. its best to not use more than half the can, because the system becomes more powerful than the can, and will end up taking in air - instead of the fluid in the can. IF YOUR CAR TAKES IN AIR instead of the r134a fluid, it will run hot like its not even on. take a pen, and stick it into the port where you were refilling your system and "purge" the hot air out, until it starts spraying fluid out (instead of the hot air bubble) and quickly stop once the green fluid is comng out. re-check your system and it should be back to running cool again.

Thanks ImStricken, this information is extremely helpful. Last weekend I dumped a whole can of 134a into my Rogue, and then the compressor began to engage only for 2~3 seconds. Then I found this post and tried to let out the air (actually much air inside), after that the compressor began to be working again and I feel freezing code air from out the A/C. But currently I have several questions could you pls help?
1. Did you purge the air when the compressor is engaging or not? Currently when the compressor is working, I don't see air from the Low end anymore, there's green thing spraying out directly. But when I rest the car for several hours, I can still let out some kind of air from the Low end, so just want to make sure which should be the correct behaviour? Shall I let out all the air when the compressor is idle?
2. I still have the concern that the A/C is overcharged by me. So how can I know if it's overcharged? If you have some pressure reading when the compressor is engaging could you share with me so I know it's not overcharged? (Such as the pressure when the temperature is what and engine RPM is what etc). My concern is maybe it's working fine at low temperature or low RPM but when I went to some really hot places and driving a long trip on highway will the A/C pressure to be too high and blow out the whole thing?

Sorry for so many questions, I love this forum, and really appreciate any helps,

[Jostudly]

How often should the ac be re charged?

[ImStricken06]

I have several questions could you pls help?:
ABSOLUTELY I WILL DO MY BEST.
WELCOME TO THE FORUM BY THE WAY!

1. Did you purge the air when the compressor is engaging or not? Currently when the compressor is working, I don't see air from the Low end anymore, there's green thing spraying out directly. But when I rest the car for several hours, I can still let out some kind of air from the Low end, so just want to make sure which should be the correct behavior? Shall I let out all the air when the compressor is idle?
I only let the air out, when the car and A/C was running. otherwise your not actually allowing the air pockets to build up and circle around- to be purged. I wouldnt purge the low side with the engine off for more than a few seconds just to see if the green stuff is coming out.
Did you use the gauge that came with the car?


2. I still have the concern that the A/C is overcharged by me. So how can I know if it's overcharged? If you have some pressure reading when the compressor is engaging could you share with me so I know it's not overcharged? (Such as the pressure when the temperature is what and engine RPM is what etc). My concern is maybe it's working fine at low temperature or low RPM but when I went to some really hot places and driving a long trip on highway will the A/C pressure to be too high and blow out the whole thing?
There cant be a way that its over-charged, because you followed the gauge right? if you kept the engine running on idle and the A/C on full-blast, and you were watching the gauge, it should have always been in the SAFE zone (blue zone = 30-40psi while the clutch is engages and spinning)

[ImStricken06]

How often should the ac be re charged?

thats like asking how often should you add air to your tires. its different for everyone. just get a gauge and check your levels. it takes 1minute and you can tell whats going on.

[seraphg]

Thanks very much ImStricken, I'm feeling much better now,

Anyway, just to make sure everything is fine, but I only have a gauge for low side, so I'll do some further checkings this weekend:
1. Make sure the "static pressue" within the range.
2. Check if any more air
3. Ask my wife to rev the RPM and check the pressure at different RPMs (not sure if this is valid because I don't have gauge for high side...)

Have a nice holiday!

[ImStricken06]

Thanks very much ImStricken, I'm feeling much better now,

Anyway, just to make sure everything is fine, but I only have a gauge for low side, so I'll do some further checkings this weekend:
1. Make sure the "static pressue" within the range.
2. Check if any more air
3. Ask my wife to rev the RPM and check the pressure at different RPMs (not sure if this is valid because I don't have gauge for high side...)

Have a nice holiday!

i dont think reving the engine will work or change anything, but you can try,

i would suggesting "burping" the purge valve that you've been working with to see if any more air is inside. if the system is cold; it looks to be fine. air when it gets hot by the compressor will expand rapidly, create a bubble and will cause malfunctions within seconds. if you keep purging a tiny bit with a pen, at different intervals while its all working and constantly its nothing but green stuff coming out = your safe and good to go, no air.

and you can check with that simple low-side gauge and see if its within the BLUE range, your safe and good to go.


happy holidays, and feel free to ask any questions!

[zengshengliu]

Hey ImStricken, I think you forgot about my PM lol so I think its better to ask here
How to correctly check for the AC pressure?
When I connect the meter, with the compressor running (AC on MAX setting, outside temperature is about 80, so the correct PSI is around 45-50)
The PSI reading is around 10-15 when compressor is spinning, and when it stop, the PSI is around 35.
Is this normal? Which reading should I take?
Also, my compressor is switching on and off every 10-15 seconds
Does it mean I should recharge my system?

[ImStricken06]

oh snap! im so sorry about forgetting your PM. i am horrible with PM's. thats funny but i JUST made a video for this topic:
it should be between 26psi-44psi (35psi is optimal)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxNLxWMF-Qw[/youtube]

[zengshengliu]

I know the correct psi, but which reading should I take
The one when compressor is stop(30psi) or the one when compressor is running(10-15psi)?

[ImStricken06]

I know the correct psi, but which reading should I take
The one when compressor is stop(30psi) or the one when compressor is running(10-15psi)?

when the compressor is RUNNING is the one you should be reading. (when the compressor stops - is when it climbs up high; ignore that reading)

[ImStricken06]

these cans dont always pack the punch so to say - so really, after half the can is gone (i wouldnt force anymore in) that will create air bubbles that will need to be purged. if your driving in a day or two, and feel only warm air - stick a pen tip into the low side and purge it (allowing hot air to escape) until you see green coming out. (only give it half second purges though so to not release to much)

[zengshengliu]

Ok then I definitely need to add more 134a to my system.
Its weird cause a while ago when I pm you, i add a can of 134a in and the pressure is still low.

[ImStricken06]

Ok then I definitely need to add more 134a to my system.
Its weird cause a while ago when I pm you, i add a can of 134a in and the pressure is still low.

again, im really sorry i forgot to answer back. i check on the phone and say to myself "ill reply when im on the computer" and forget. my mistake.

i hope you dont have a leak. but those cans honestly, are NOT enough to fill the system. it could take 2-4 cans to refill a really empty system. and i really never use more than half a can, since they loose pressure so easily

[zengshengliu]

Don't worry about that
The temperature drop after I pm you so I can't work on it anyway lol
That case I would need a lot of cans just to fill my system $$$~.~

[ImStricken06]

at about $20-30/can, these cans can be great if you need a "boost". but if your system is really-really low, it might be more cost effective to see a local shop. they could refill it for about $75-$100.

[zengshengliu]

Ok I will definitely first try putting another can in, if they doesn't rise the pressure enough (or reasonable), I will then have it rechange at a shop.
The weird thing is, the air coming out is cold (reasonable), but not as cold as before

[zengshengliu]

You are right about only putting half the can in the car. (I got 2 12 oz can)
After put in my first can in the car, the compressor is running longer.
Then for the second can, as soon as I put some in, the compressor will only run for like a second and then stop
So I have a feeling I let air into the system on the last can, and decided to let air out
After maybe like 20 "purge", I finally see green stuff coming out. (psi reading is now 15-20 range)
Then I continue for the second can, after halfway through, (like 30 seconds to 1 minutes at most), it happen again
So I just disconnect the can and let air out again
Now psi is around 20-25
I guess I will need another 2 cans to bring the psi to 35 range ~.~
but good thing is the compressor now run longer (before it only runs for 10 - 15 seconds before shutting down)
Now it is much longer (didn't count but definitely over 1 minute)

[ImStricken06]

You are right about only putting half the can in the car. (I got 2 12 oz can)
After put in my first can in the car, the compressor is running longer.
Then for the second can, as soon as I put some in, the compressor will only run for like a second and then stop
So I have a feeling I let air into the system on the last can, and decided to let air out
After maybe like 20 "purge", I finally see green stuff coming out. (psi reading is now 15-20 range)
Then I continue for the second can, after halfway through, (like 30 seconds to 1 minutes at most), it happen again
So I just disconnect the can and let air out again
Now psi is around 20-25
I guess I will need another 2 cans to bring the psi to 35 range ~.~
but good thing is the compressor now run longer (before it only runs for 10 - 15 seconds before shutting down)
Now it is much longer (didn't count but definitely over 1 minute)

i just had that tonight! i bought a can, and decided to put some in. exactly your scenario. the gauge wouldnt rise past 25psi. so i went to get a new can. then it started the on/off every 5seconds. so i purged a lot of warm air out, till the green stuff came. now its kinda odd. cooler air, yet it cycles every 10seconds. ill keep an eye on it.

[ImStricken06]

i think my system is running fine (now that i look at this video)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lglPJuBXVeE[/youtube]

[zengshengliu]

I think it all depend on the outside temperature.
Last time I did that, the temperature is around 65 degree, so the compressor should kick on and off more offen
Today when I did that, the temperature is around 85 degree, so the compressor stay on for longer(after recharge and let out hot air)

[ImStricken06]

I think it all depend on the outside temperature.
Last time I did that, the temperature is around 65 degree, so the compressor should kick on and off more offen
Today when I did that, the temperature is around 85 degree, so the compressor stay on for longer(after recharge and let out hot air)

VERY TRUE