How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a VW Jetta

Recharging the air conditioning system in a VW Jetta is possible if the system is R134 compatible. Models made in or before 1995 may still use the old R12 refrigerant. If this is the case in your car, you have to retrofit the system before you can recharge it yourself.

Instructions

Determine Your Refrigerant

1

Find the Low Pressure Side valve. In most VW Jetta engines, this is near the radiator. It is on a thick line that comes out of the compressor. It has a blue or black cap and may be marked L or LOW.

2

Take off the cap and put it in a safe place. You will need to replace it once the recharge is complete.

3

Look at the type of connector on the Low Pressure Side valve. If the valve is a screw on valve, your Jetta accepts R12 and you must retrofit it before you recharge it. If the valve is a quick connect, your Jetta accepts R134.

Get Ready to Recharge the System

4

Test the air conditioning system for leaks. If your Jetta is R134 compatible, you can use a leak detection kit from your local automotive store. Some of these kits will seal small leaks. Keep in mind that if the air conditioner is leaking, you must fix the leaks before recharging the system. It is illegal to discharge any refrigerant into the air. This includes recharging an air conditioning system you know is leaking refrigerant.

5

Turn on the engine and put the air on the coldest setting possible. Turn the speed to MAX. This will make the compressor start and this is necessary to get an accurate pressure reading.

6

Use an auto air conditioner pressure gauge to check the pressure in the air conditioning system of your Jetta. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Recharge the Air Conditioner

7

Hook the refill hose to the connector on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system according to the directions in the kit. Make sure that it is securely attached.

8

Allow the air conditioner to suck the refrigerant out of the can by slowly turning the valve on the refill kit hose. Pay attention to the way you hold the can. Most kits will have you hold the can upright when you recharge the air conditioning system. It may take as long as 10 minutes to empty a single can.

9

Recheck the air conditioner system pressure. If it is still low, continue the recharge with a new can of R134 refrigerant.

10

Close the valve on the refill hose and release the hose from the connector when you have finished recharging the air conditioning system. Make sure that you put the cap back on the port.