How to Bleed off an Overcharged AC (Expert Guide)

The question “how to bleed off an overcharged AC?” often pops up when one is in a fix, but not to worry, you have selected the right article for all issues about bleeding off an overcharged AC.

One can bleed off an AC using an automobile coolant recharging system, and following stipulated steps.

In the course of this article, we have discussed How to bleed off an overcharged AC, signs of an overcharged car AC, how a Licensed/professional mechanic discharges an overcharged Vehicle AC system, signs of an undercharged Vehicle AC, and more.

An overcharge is caused by adding extra coolant to a vehicle’s AC(air conditioner), then what is needed. Bleeding a car’s AC helps remove excessive products from its system.

Let’s get started!

Note that when your vehicle’s AC is overcharged, you will notice some signs that will make you worried. Keep reading as we discuss the signs/symptoms of a car’s AC, possessing so much coolant. Also, steps on how to go about bleeding an overcharged AC will be discussed.

What Happens When Your Car’s AC System is Overcharged?

When a vehicle’s AC is overcharged, its cooling system starts producing warm air, together with other issues. As a result, the system will become ineffective, that is why the reasons arise.

The issue can escalate if not taken care of. A good example is that the AC will become irreparably damaged.

How to Bleed off an Overcharged AC

What Signs Are There In An Overcharged Car AC System??

The AC is one of the Closed Systems, so it is easier to tell if it has excessive refrigerant. You have to get rid of the excessive refrigerant, for proper performance.

We are working with compressed gas, this system will not work properly when overcharged.

The function of refrigerant in an AC, is to condense and expand gases to produce the cooling effect. This change is what produces the required cool that we want.

Hence, when the system becomes overcharged, you will not have sufficient room in your system for the refrigerant to increase into the gas form. This means that the temperature will not be properly dropped, and your car will not have proper cooling.

We have various signs that one can look out for, to know that the AC is possibly overcharged and something needs to be done fast

Absence of Cooling

It is a clear sign that your AC has a problem and failed to do its job, when you are on the AC, and it fails to emit cool air after five to ten minutes. It is a sign that the refrigerant has been overcharged, which is a problem.

This makes the refrigerant unable to expand to change the system’s state, instead, it will keep running in cycles. If one recently refills the AC and it fails to cool, there is a likelihood that the aforementioned has occurred.

When the air from the AC remains the same temperature, as the air in the environment or if it is hot, you need the coolant to be bled.

Reading shows High-Pressure 

The first time after refilling your AC, the components of your kit needed to do so, is the air pressure gauge, amongst others. It is the first line, and clearest defense one has against overcharging the AC.

A pressure gauge helps one decipher if there is an issue with your system, and if it has been filled too far. The pressure will read high if your AC is overcharged, and high temperatures will come along. Your AC compressor cannot force through, some refrigerant desires to make the temperature go up.

Ensure that you pay keen attention to the pressure gauge, while refilling your AC by yourself. If a professional does it, you will hope that the person pays attention to the same, but have in mind that people make mistakes.

Deficient Engine Performance

The AC needs an appropriate amount of power, to run under usual circumstances. Overcharged AC is a big problem. The Systems refrigerant travels through the tiny nozzle so that when it expands to gas, the liquid is forced through the nozzle, making your compressor work better.

A drive belt attached to your engine, is what powers the compressor. It can make the drive belt screech, wear out, and also draw excessive power from the engine, to be in battle with all other components that need it.

Your engine gives poor performance, less power, little acceleration, and bad fuel usage whenever you run the AC.

Absence of Air

In some cars, the AC will automatically shut down if the refrigerant becomes overcharged. When you on your AC, it will not power on at all for some cars. It is a form of safety precaution, showing that when the sensors of your AC decipher the wrong pressure in its lines, it automatically shuts down the Whole AC to avoid further damage.

Noises released from the Compressor

Know how your AC sounds when it is functioning properly. Most times, you will hardly hear any sound, except if you on the fan and air starts blowing inside your car’s cabin.

If you hear mechanical sounds, or your compressor struggling when you are on the AC, it is a bad sign showing that there is a problem. Your car does not need a difficult mechanical noise, when the AC is running.

Compressor Breaks Down

After you notice the weird sound from the compressor, this follows; When the system has been overcharged for a long time, its compressor beings will be struggling to make high-pressure refrigerant flow, but it will not be able to make it happen.

Subsequently, valves and seals start failing until the compressor completely dies. Thus, if you are on the AC, it will not function because it can no longer work. Replacing your car’s AC can be very expensive, you will spend between $350-$1,000. You will want to prevent that.

How Can I Fix An Overcharged Car AC?

You may only need the vehicle’s recharge kit to do this. Ensure that you refer to the vehicle owner’s manual, before going ahead with the task. Vehicles vary, therefore, the bleeding process may require specific steps.

Apply good safety protocols, while carrying out the operation. Examples are: wearing good work clothes, long-sleeved clothes, and putting on your safety glasses. The addition of layers worn, help in preventing possible health issues like respiratory problems and organ damage.

Having completed the preparations, follow these steps/guides to reduce coolant from your Overcharged Vehicle AC.

Also Read: Car Blowing White Smoke After Oil Change (Causes & Fix)

Step-By-Step Procedure

  • Your vehicle should be placed in park, and ensure it is under a shade.
  • The engine should be exposed, by lifting the hood of your car. Note that your engine should still be running.
  • Using a towel, wrap it on one of your vehicle’s AC recharge Kits gauges, to avoid harm to the skin by high temperature.
  • One of the cords of your recharge kit should be attached to the vehicle’s AC system.
  • On your gauge, for it to bleed refrigerant slowly from the vehicle’s AC. When the arrow lands on a green area, stop.
  • Press the gauge’s handle continuously, to bleed extra coolant from your AC. Note: you have to be distant from the exhaust to avoid skin damage.
  • Watch it for some seconds, without pressing your gauge’s handle to make sure it remains green.
  • Inside the vehicle’s cabin, ON your AC to know if it is now releasing cold air.

Some vehicles will only require that you depress their Schrader valve, for you to get rid of excessive refrigerant in their AC. Although, if you lack the skill and confidence to do so, take your vehicle to a vehicle service shop. Do not play with the car’s components, if you lack the knowledge or confidence to avoid expensive mistakes.

How an Overcharged Car AC is Discharged by Licensed Mechanics

When one takes their car to a person with the legal authority to bleed an overcharged AC, the person makes use of a machine that will provide an airtight seal, and vacuum the excessive refrigerant out from the system.

The process is safe and enclosed from beginning to end, preventing refrigerant from leaking out. The refrigerant found in the system is seen as compressed gas, held in a liquid form.

You will deal with health issues, pollution, and physical harm, if it escapes. It is very harmful, so it is necessary to contain it always.

The amount for a professional to bleed your AC, ranges from $150 to $250. This depends on where you are getting it done, and the model and make of your car.

How to Bleed off an Overcharged AC

Signs Of An Undercharged Car AC?

Vehicle owners are to know the difference between undercharged, and overcharged air conditioners, from the following symptoms. Below are symptoms of a car’s AC, needing refrigerant to aid one in deciding the right issue to fix:

Leakages of Coolant

On its own, the vehicle’s refrigerant is colorless. However, many manufacturers use dye to help owners decipher the product from the other components of a vehicle.

For example, you can tell if your car’s AC needs coolant, when you see a bright yellow or green liquid leaking from the system.

Clutch Is Disengaged

A lot of cars will engage their clutch using the aid of pressure given by their refrigerant. The “Shift to Park” information can appear on your dashboard’s display, not letting the car move because it has low coolant.

Mild Air

Know that undercharging and overcharging a car’s AC, can lead to the system blowing warm air. Some air conditioner recharge kits, let users examine their car’s coolant levels. The other choice is using the digital diagnostics assistant, to verify if there exists an underlying issue.

What Does It Cost To Recharge AC In Car?

The recharging services of a professional AC vehicle, are between $150 – $300. Automobile repair groups or companies, base their cost on the model and make of a car. Therefore, its overhead can skyrocket when the automobile is old.

Also Read: Car Blowing White Smoke After Oil Change (Causes & Fix)

Frequently Asked Questions – How to Bleed off an Overcharged AC

What happens if your AC is overcharged?

The excessive refrigerant in the air conditioner can harm the compressor. It happens because, the excessive refrigerant inside your compressor and leads to sub-cooling, whereas the temperature is below normal. In addition, excessive refrigerant floods your compressor and leads to damage to mechanical parts.

Why is my AC blowing hot air after recharge?

Lack of refrigerant is the common reason, but your condenser may be having a problem. Other reasons are a problem in the electrical system, faulty compressor or broken cooling fan. 

How do you get air out of a car AC without a vacuum pump?

These are procedures for vacuuming the AC, without using a pump. Then, having installed the compressor and high and low-pressure access valves present, turn on the compressor. Afterward, depress your high-pressure part/side access valve on the AC. 
Carefully observe your lower side pressure while doing so. 

What happens if you put too much refrigerant in your car?

Do not get confused, excessive refrigerant in the vehicle’s air conditioner system creates excessive heat and pressure, which may be the reason for emitting hot air. If you do not fix it, it can damage the air conditioner’s compressor. 

Can too much Freon make AC hot?

Owning excessive refrigerant in the air conditioner’s system is horrible, just like having too little. We are not referring to “too cold” against “too hot”. When there is excessive or too little refrigerant in the air conditioners system, hot air will be blown 

How long does it take AC to work after recharge?

As soon as you are done recharging, the air conditioner will start emitting cold air. Although some systems will take a longer time, it should not exceed two hours after their recharge process. If your AC fails to become cold when you are done recharging, any of the reasons mentioned above might be the issue. 

Conclusion – How to Bleed off an Overcharged AC?

Having realized that the vehicle’s air conditioner has been overcharged, can be frustrating or cause serious problems with one’s car. If one stays in a hot climate, you need to hold access to the AC when needed.

Remember that there is no exact safe way for the job to be done properly at home. Not minding how many vehicle repairs you can carry out properly, with determination and patience, we do not advise you to do this one. Take the vehicle to a qualified person to carry it out securely and safely.

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