Hello everyone! Joined the forum in the hopes of working out a few issues with my trusty 2001 Montero sport xs. She's got the 3.5 4x4. The A/C is not nearly as cold as it should be. No refridgerant leak and compressor isn't locking up or having any issues. Any suggestions as to what I could do to try and get it colder?


Thank you in advance for any suggestions or advice you may have!

 

buy a cheap can of a/c recharge at a parts store, most likely they will show u how to use them or do it for you....very easy to do....buy one with a gauge it's helpfull...I happen to have done this a lot...most come with stop leak now adays also...no threat there, and dont buy that one brand is better then another...its all 134a....

 

just follow the directions and make sure ac is on max when charging....

 

Does your Montero use R12 or R134 refrigerant? Do not use R134 in R12 system they are not compatible. I had to do the AC refill on an old (pre '90) vehicle and was faced with the same dilemma. In preparation for this project I talked to couple mechanics in town and did countless hours of web searches. The bottom line is - If you have R134 system then it is very easy - go to the parts store and get a 134 refill kit. After that it is pretty much Plug-and-Play. Very simple and straight forward.

However, if your system runs on old R12 stuff, you need a different approach. You have two approaches:
1. You ether have to go all out - drain and flush your AC system, replace evaporator canister and then refill with R134 and R134 compatible ac oil.
2. You can go with the stuff called R12a. It is a straight replacement for R12 but environmentally friendly.

I bought my R12a kit on Amazon - search for "RedTeK R12a". I've ordered a complete kit for my project. It came with 2 cans of refrigerant (you need to find out original AC system capacity and figure out if 2 cans is enough for you), 1 can of LeakStop and a fill gauge. The kit worked perfectly. Filled my system up and i got cold air coming out of my vents. I've been running my refilled system for about a month in the summer heat and so far it works without any hick-ups.