xzz Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 I have a 96 ES300, bought two years ago from dealer. Yesterday when I turned on the air conditioner for cooling, felt only cool air coming out but not cold at all. No lights were blinking, so possibly due to low Freon level. During recharging, cold air started to flow after about 1-2 pounds of R134a infusion. In total, I recharged about 4 pounds until low service port psi reached 45-50. Then I noticed some kind of intermittent sounds (compressor engagement?) that happened every 5-10 seconds lasting 1-2 seconds. Every time the sound started, engine idle rpm would drop ~100 rpm, then back to normal rpm when it stopped. I don't remember anything like this before, or maybe I am just too picky today that this is all normal due to the compressor drawing engine power. Anyone has similar experience? The ambient temp was 83 F. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric5412 Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 You got way too much freon in there. Total system capacity, if it's completely empty is only 28.2-31.7 oz.Low side pressure should be 21-36 psi with 86-95 F ambient. As far as the idle drop, mine drops some not sure how much but I think your compressor is working too hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xzz Posted May 25, 2004 Author Share Posted May 25, 2004 Thanks a lot ! I had a mechanic released the extra Freon and the problem went away. Everything is smooth and easy now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xzz Posted May 25, 2004 Author Share Posted May 25, 2004 Here's how I made the mistake, hopefully would be helpful for others. I bought a diy R134a measuring&recharge kit (Quest). It comes with a table saying under 85 ambient temp, low psi should be 45-55. So I recharged the system enough R134a utill I saw the gauge needle reached around 50. By then I heard that noise which got worse with more R134a pumped in. I guess the data table of the kit is for the generic brands of vehicles. I should have read ES300 service manual first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPI Posted May 27, 2004 Share Posted May 27, 2004 I've seen guy charged 5 lbs of r134 on a brand new sc430 and he blow the car up. This is dangerous here, also more doesn't mean better. I would put a dye kit in there so you will spot your leak next time. JPI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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