How to charge Honda Civic AC with a can

How to recharge Honda Civic AC (8th gen 2006-2011) with a can. If your AC is blowing warm or hissing you might be low on refrigerant. If its a slow leak adding a can will usually do the trick to make your AC cold again.
Amazon.ca
This is a replacement for 134a, it's a different product and does work, as I have used it.
amzn.to/3bt91jD
If you want 134a amzn.to/3JSia3G
Charge hose w/ gauge amzn.to/46PyhZG
Amazon.com
For the charge hose w/gauge amzn.to/43ryPC3
If you need a new compressor amzn.to/36dJQ2j
If you are doing this to a 2016 or newer civic you need 1234yf refrigerant, the connector is different.
amzn.to/3kAJvdF or if you already have the gauges just get the connector amzn.to/3FeLPAl
For the 1234yf refrigerant amzn.to/3ye3iHS
As an Amazon affiliate I earn a very small commission from qualifying purchases, this does not affect your price at all. Please consider supporting the channel :)
#garageking

[@GarageKing]

Best prices for 134a and the hose/valve are on Amazon.com, and they ship to Canada if you are in Canada, better than the Amazon.ca price For the charge hose w/gauge amzn.to/35WbEWv For a 13 oz can of 134a with disposable hose amzn.to/3F14GOo If you need a new compressor amzn.to/36dJQ2j

[@MrHighRow]

Never stop making these videos!!!🙏🏻

[@GarageKing]

@@MrHighRow Thanks for the vote of confidence brother !! Its comments like these that keep me going !! Thanks !!!!

[@serega4087]

I just replaced condenser on civic, how do i get air out of system with regular can charge system? Method you showed probably won’t work. Isn’t air heavier than freon? It should stay on bottom of system because of simple gravity.

[@GarageKing]

I do have another vid on how to do it with gauges. You can do it with a can but you need to evacuate the system. It’s not that the air is heavier. It’s the moisture in the system so when you attach a vacuum and draw it as close to 30hg as you can what you do is change the boiling point of the moisture and it gets drawn out of the system. You can evacuate from either side and then add the can. As a best practice you can evacuate the air in the small line from the can by piercing the can the. Loosening the can until it vents a bit. Just make sure you have a 134a connector on the end. Sorry for the long winded answer but in a nutshell you have to evacuate the system first. You should do this anytime the system is opened.

[@GarageKing]

I should have added that you need a vacuum pump to do this. I’m not at home right now but I can send you links to things you need tomorrow just to give you an idea.

[@justintodriving]

Dude -- thank you. I can tell this video took a lot of time to make too with the captions, animations, etc. This was the most helpful AC recharge video on KZbin for recharging the AC on the 8th gen Civics. I watched 3 videos before this and none were as straightforward. Maybe consider testing a different title to push it to #1 in the rankings?

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much for the comment brother !!! It does mean a lot to me, and I really appreciated the feedback. I'm always playing with my vids and I'm going to take your advise and do some keyword searches. I have a few AC videos on the channel and I noticed since June they have all been getting more views (due to people searching for AC) I was also thinking of changing up the thumbnail, but its difficult as there is a lot of competition. Maybe a close of of the gauge or something.....

[@jacksonbarger3031]

Facts

[@mariop.2758]

@@GarageKing put an angry wife as thumbnail that will get the vid going viral… 😝

[@GarageKing]

@@mariop.2758 LOL you know it brother and don't think that hasn't crossed my mind haha !!!! Thanks for the comment :)

[@benjaminlimbaugh2465]

I was thinking the exact same thing when I was watching this. I’m trying to figure out the proper way to charge my girlfriends Honda and this was the most informative and quality video I found out of several. Thank you for your help seriously!!

[@Alex-vu5uu]

Matt Damon is teaching me how to charge my ac Freon.

[@GarageKing]

Love the comment, and its not the first time I have got that !! Thank you :)

[@DisenchantedLove]

refrigerant

[@Alex-vu5uu]

@@DisenchantedLove ?

[@GarageKing]

@@DisenchantedLove You know it

[@MaxByron-v3f]

He looks more handsome than Matt Damon

[@regul8or71]

Maybe the best car repair video I’ve watched. I like it when people take their time and show each step in detail. Subbed.

[@GarageKing]

Thank you good sir !!!

[@johnnyalonso]

One of the best tutorial videos on KZbin. This was so helpful and detailed. I know this had to have taken some time to put together. Thank you for all the warnings, the step by step and for your time. New sub here 🔥

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much and really appreciate the comment !!!

[@mmscalez]

Thank you 3 years later and this video came clutch for my 15 Honda civic

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the comment !!

[@jimheiser5846]

Great info. Recharged my wife’s civic. Blows as cold as new. Thank you for taking th time to show how to do this.

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment !!

[@GarageKing]

If you fill it and the compressor does not start up you most likely need either a thermoswitch, or a magnitic clutch. The cost of rebuilt compressors has come down a bunch and if you need a new compressor here is the link for an affordable one amzn.to/3KhybgH

[@BeemerOffline]

If my ac is going in and out (hot air some hours and cold others) am I still safe to out in a full can?

[@GarageKing]

depends on how big the can is, now they are made in different sizes. You should be ok with a small can. Keep in mind I bear no responsibility, I'm just going from experience.

[@battlehrfred]

THIS IS A GOOD AS IT GET!!100---100 EXCELLENT VIDEO, BY FAR. THE BEST!! TY

[@GarageKing]

Hey thanks soo much for the great comment !!! Really Really appreciate it, thank you ;)

[@joshuareas]

Very helpful. Thank you so much. 😃

[@GarageKing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juantigre1348]

Great video!!! Super informational, and well laid out. 👌

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much for the kind words !!! Truly appreciate the comment :) Thank you :)

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

716 Like Playlist support check in watch this last week but here we go, take care...

[@GarageKing]

This video just started taking off in the last week or so. I guess maybe because summer is getting close :)

[@xannahowx]

Wow! I swear your videos get better every time I watch, I love the 2nd POV! Have a lovely day the amazing Garage King

[@GarageKing]

Thanks soo much brother!!!!! Really appreciate it, and you too have an amazing day my friend!!!!!

[@Samherai]

X xyv N cjj

[@raewadsworth8016]

Brilliant! This guy is great! Probably one of the best, most succinct automotive instruction videos I've seen since Eric the Car Guy.

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much , truly appreciate that !!! Thank you !!!

[@beautybyjendayi]

I am a girl and I’m going to try this on my car tomorrow. I went to a mechanic shop and he wanted to charge me $350 😮😮 like what ??’ No way . The most i ever paid was about $200 but thank you so much for this video. I know I can do this so I’ll just buy it myself. It’s a great thing to be handy on your vehicle

[@GarageKing]

Thank you so much for the comment, and you can do it :) You will save a ton of $$ by doing some of your own vehicle work. Its so expensive these days to take it to a shop, so anything you can do on your own will definitely help :)

[@thepistolguy859]

Did it fix your AC

[@GarageKing]

@@thepistolguy859 Sure did, it was blowing cold for quite sometime. Recently (this summer) it got warm again. I recharged it and it only lasted a day so I knew the leak was bad. Just did a how to find your ac leak video and on my car it turned out to be the condenser. Still editing the video, but the civic is ice cold again !!!

[@CMillerTV]

Nice video I’m here for the ride

[@GarageKing]

Enjoy my friend and thank you :)

[@Cherongeno]

Love the intro, this video is so helpful, I get to learn something new everytime. Thank you

[@GarageKing]

You are so welcome! And thanks for stopping by :)

[@franksrealsport]

Sweet, it's 110 and the AC in my 2014 civic isn't getting cold. Now I can fix it!!

[@GarageKing]

You bet, save a few bucks and do it yourself !!!!! Thanks for the comment :)

[@Brandovibe]

My A/C is bowing cool, but not cold enough. Compressor is running, it is actually brand new. When I go to purge the air out of the hose, no air comes out when I loosen the can. Any idea why?

[@GarageKing]

If the hose is hooked up to the AC low side and the can is screwed into the fill hose adaptor (CAN NOT PIERCED) Then when you loosen the can, it will purge, it has to because when you connected the fitting to the low side its the un-pierced can that is holding all the pressure in. Its like if you just connected that hose to the car without the can on the end. All the refrigerant would come rushing out. Also I saw your other post about filling from the high side. Your fill adaptor should not be able to fit on the high side, you never charge on the high side, as the pressure is too high, you need the low pressure side to "suck" the refrigerant out of the can.

[@Brandovibe]

@@GarageKing Yeah, I saw you do that in the video, but mine won't do it. I tried loosening the can and then even took the can completely off while it was hooked up to the low side and nothing purges out. So I'm wondering if this hose i got is defective or maybe has a check valve in it or something? Ignore what i said about the high side, i deleted that comment because i was mistaken about that.

[@GarageKing]

@@Brandovibe Ya I wonder if you got a defective hose? There should not be a check valve in it so if you have it snapped on correctly to the low side you should get refrigerant out of it. Because your compressor is running you have to have pressure in the system or the compressor will not run. I think you must have a defective fitting on the hose as they are just pass though.

[@rekster11]

Very helpful! Best video I’ve seen so far to refill AC in a Honda

[@GarageKing]

Glad it helped! and thank you for the great comment !!

[@yutaka2517]

What an outstanding video!! I have a question about oil charge. My car is an ‘06 Mazda3i w/ 170K miles that has spent its entire life in Florida; we use the A/C pretty all year long, yet we have never, ever had the A/C recharged. Lately, the A/C has been taking a very long time to blow cold. I got a 12oz can of R134a, but do I need to add a can of oil charge, too? If so, what kind and quantity would you recommend?

[@GarageKing]

Hey there and thanks for the great comment !!! I do aim to please !! If you have never had the AC recharged, 1st you are lucky, that is great !! Now with the oil, I would not add any at all. Even though the manuals specify how much oil is in each AC system, its really impossible to know. Its not like refrigerant where you can evacuate the system and then weigh in a new charge. I am a licenced mechanic and I was always taught to replace what comes out. So if you replace a part, you measure how much oil comes out, and then put that same amount back in. Now if you have recharged a system 10 times and its leaking everywhere (pressure pushes the oil out) then you need to add some. But you are not in that boat. I would not add any oil in your case :)

[@Jadekitty098]

First video that came up, it’s super helpful. I’m going to try and see if I can save $325

[@GarageKing]

Do It !!!! Save yourself some cash, its really not that hard to do. Just pay attention to the gauge and keep it in the safe zone. Thanks for the comment and hope you are having a great Friday :)

[@annalschmidt6695]

Why is my local shop charging $200 for this?? Thank you so much! 10 min. video, 10 min. reading the Haynes, and $40 recharge kit has made me supermom today.

[@GarageKing]

That is awesome, and thank you so much for the comment !!

[@bobbyhallmusic]

Excellent video. I enjoyed the promptings to "pay attention." That really did help. Great work!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment and glad you were able to get value out of it !!

[@mwh753]

The best video for charging AC! Thank you so much!!❤

[@GarageKing]

Glad it was helpful and thanks so much for the comment !

[@timothymuir5167]

Excellent video, I rely heavily on manuals and videos, and your video is the one I’m saving. I respect your approach and attitude and I just subscribed, thank you.

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much for the kind comment and support. I don't want to let you down, but they are not all this good haha, some are product reviews that I buy, and some are fix-it type videos like this one, the content varies, but I post regularly. Thanks again !!!

[@johnellick7778]

I did exactly as you instructed. Worked great. It was the first time I ever charged my cars AC. I charged the AC in my 2012 VW Beetle. Same concept. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the feedback, appreciate the comment !!

[@demetriohowland4896]

Excellent video! Every single detail included! Fantastic job

[@GarageKing]

Thank you good Sir !!

[@JustmefeefeUniquefee]

For some reason the engine noise is oddly satisfying 🤣 I like how the audio is in sync with the clip.hrewt edits GK 🙌

[@GarageKing]

I have heard that before, I should do an ASMR with an engine running hahaha, maybe it will help me get to bed easier!!! Next week its only going to be a 45 second clip, I'm making a new trailer for the channel :)

[@elchinoportenolopez2101]

So when i have to take off the can definitely don't turn off the car right?

[@GarageKing]

That is correct, leave the engine running during the entire process. Don't shut the engine off !!! Thanks for the comment and happy Saturday to you :)

[@jessicabricker9374]

Great instructions, I do have a question. Why do you not shake the can? I seen another weird it said to.

[@GarageKing]

Hey there and thanks for the comment. You can shake the can if you want LOL :) Some instructions on some cans say to shake, while others don't say anything. I just checked an extra can I have in the garage and it says to "agitate" while filling. I did that at the 8:30min mark (video was sped up) These cans are pressurized, so I think they just want to make it easiest for you to empty the can. I find it easiest by putting the can upside down so the liquid can come out and go right into the car, if its upright, then the gas comes out and goes into the car, and the liquid in the can changes to gas as it empties (when the can is upright) So it really doesn't hurt to shake the can, and if the manufacturer says to shake it, well you may as well. Hope this helps you out, and hope you are enjoying your weekend :)

[@emilparker5521]

Thank you!! Excellent instructions...works like a charm!!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much and enjoy the AC on this Saturday :)

[@LilacGlo]

Hey bro! So Informative! You’re really the Garage King 👍🏽🥰 Your filming is so professional! I love love love! Superb channel 👍🏽🥰❤️❤️

[@GarageKing]

Thanks soo much my dear!!!!!! You are awesome :)

[@TN-bs4fv]

GK, you are just awesome! Another success story here on a 2008 civic coupe. I have not had AC like forever. Went out and bought AutoZone California R134a Refrigerant 12oz, then charged my car an hr ago. Inside car temp went from 87F to 46F when done, with ambient temp 92F (California). Thank you so much! Two questions if I may, 1/ when I tried to purge the air in the line, I didn't hear any "Psst" sound at all, like the pressure sound at 4:28 mins into your vid. Why was that? I went ahead anyway, any consequences? 2/ Could you make another video to diagnose leaks with a dye? My car is old so hopefully the charge stays; otherwise, I would have to diag a leak in the AC system. Thanks again!

[@GarageKing]

Hey there and thanks for the comment. If you didn't get any "Psst" sound it most likely because you didn't have any pressure at all in the system. What I tried to show was loosening the can a bit (before you do the job) will allow some of the refridgerant to come out, just a tiny bit, and that will push the regular air out. So for you, you probably got a little air in, no worried with the lenght of the charge hose its such a small amount. I'm planning to do a dye video :)

[@musiclover1960ED]

Very informative video, well done, my amigo..... how do I give you ONE QUADRILLION LIKES?......

[@GarageKing]

One at a time LOL :) Thank you for the great comment !!!!

[@weiser1971]

I have a 2012 civic, and my compressor is not turning.Should I try to add the refrigerance anyway? , in case the issue is that there is absolutely no refrigerant in there? I'm obviously hoping that that's the issue not a bad compressor.Thank you very much..

[@GarageKing]

YES, but before you do so, connect the can to the hose (don't pierce the can) and then just connect it to the low side (where I fill in the video) The gauge will then tell you what pressure you have in the system. If the gauge is really low, like 40-60psi, then the compressor won't run and you are low. P.S. normally the compressor does not go, if you fill and the compressor does not engage then most likely its the thermo switch located on the top of the compressor. It can be changed without discharging the system.

[@kaitlynracco1206]

hi, i want to refill my 2008 honda accord and am wondering if i should use a 12a or 134a, does it matter which one i use? cos all i see in stores near me are 12a refrigerant .

[@GarageKing]

You can use the 12a as it’s a replacement for 134a, but just know you use about 1/3 of the amount of 134a required. They usually come with a conversion chart. 12a has different properties but works well. I have used it. The procedure is exactly the same, but just know you don’t use much of it. FYI - depending on how fast your car is leaking the 134a will last longer. Great to see you tackling this, have a good day and thanks for reaching out :)

[@kaitlynracco1206]

@@GarageKing Thanks

[@GarageKing]

@@kaitlynracco1206 anytime :)

[@wendyjanulewicz7930]

Your video made me feel like I could actually do this! That’s a huge compliment since I’m clueless. Question: the can I purchase holds 20oz but my civic uses 16. How can I tell when to stop filling as I am not waiting for can to empty.. Does the gauge tell me upfront if it needs coolant and if so how much?

[@GarageKing]

Hey Thanks for reaching out, and if your name is Wendy I assume you are female. Good for you for tackling this, too many get scared and you can do it!!!!! If the can holds 20, but the civic takes 16 I would not do that. You can overfill a vehicle a few oz and its ok, but you really don't know how much is in your system. The gauge will only tell you the pressure in the system, not how much is in the system. Kind of like if you put at thermometer in a pot of water, its going to boil at 212F or 100C, but you don't know how much water is in the pot. When I use my gauges (not a can) I weigh in the refrigerant, that's how you do it without using a can, by weight. If your compressor is spinning when you put the AC on (I think I show that in this video) then you have at least about 2oz in there (that's about what it takes to trigger the compressor on this car). To cool your car all you need is about 6oz. It will be low, but it will cool just fine, and you won't notice much of a difference with more. If it's 1/2 full it will cool the same as when its totally full. Its just your compressor will cycle less (another lesson haha) I would buy 6oz cans and use a full can and see how cold it gets. If its very cool, but not cold, then use the second can and you should be ok. If anything you may be a little under full but thats fine. Its important not to overfill as that stuff is liquid on one side of your AC system (the high side) and gas on the low side (where you are going to add the refrigerant) If you put too much in, there is too much the liquid can hit the compressor, and as you know, you can't compress a liquid so thats a problem, something has to give.......... When you fill it, go slow and watch the gauge, keep it in the blue, around 40psi, you don't want it going too high. FYI - On a hot day it will be higher and take longer to fill. Its better to be a few oz low than to overfill. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions :)

[@taureanantoine1164]

@@GarageKing thanks for the informative reply and awesome video! I’m a woman and was having the same issue as Wendy. My pressure says normal but the air doesn’t get very cold. I’m too scared to overfill so I’ll just deal as is until i can get it serviced. Thanks for helping!

[@GarageKing]

@@taureanantoine1164 Hey Taurean, thanks for the comment. The pressures will always show as normal until its pretty much empty. Its not like a fuel gauge. If the air is quite warm I think you would be safe to add a 6oz can. Most likely you only have 1 or 2oz in there if its barely cooling. Wendy had a 20oz can so that's more than the civics total capacity of 16 so if she emptied the can it would be overfilled for sure. But if its just warm I think a 12oz can will be fine. Normally the system can be overfilled a bit. Most systems at 1/2 still cool quite good so I think you are really low. You should be good to go with a 12oz can, and doing it yourself will not only make you feel like a queen, but you will save some serious $$$$ I love when women tackle their car work !!! Here is the link to a cheap gauge to fill and some 134a if you are up to it. amzn.to/3MyznOB and amzn.to/3lxz4Yw sometimes you can find a 3 pack for a decent price.

[@skinnylickingood]

Great tutorial, saved me a couple hundred bucks - thank you 😊

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment

[@JustmefeefeUniquefee]

See I know about the blue zone I remember previous clip about the gage and the pressure. Imagine I'm siting watching who wants to be a millionaire and I can answer the car engine questions 💙

[@GarageKing]

You are multitasking girl!!!! That is awesome :) You definitely paid attention (blue gage)

[@vpnguyen009]

Thank you, my car is blowing cold, but not super cold. Does that mean it is low on 134a? and How do you know when to stop so you don't over fill it if I want to charge it up?

[@GarageKing]

Well, if it's still working you really don't know how much is in there. The only way to know is to evacuate it, and weigh what comes out. I just did a dye video on the civic today (yes leaking), and replaced the condenser. When I was filling it took about 2oz to turn the compressor on so not much to get the ac going. By the time you have about 4oz in it, its starting to cool. I find from experience that when they are about 1/2 full they cool pretty good. So as an estimate you are probably around 1/2, so I would not add more than 8oz, as 16oz is 1lb, and that's a full charge from 0. BUT - PLEASE DO AT YOUR OWN RISK. I'm not there to supervise.

[@ubaidshahid5932]

Overall, it's a very good guide, but you could be a bit visual while taking out the cann off the car anyways Thanks for the video.

[@GarageKing]

I have heard that before, so I take that feedback and make the next ones better. Thank you

[@taylorbalsor8525]

I tried recharging my 08 civic as it was blowing 100°f air and everything was spinning. The attachment I got said not to exceed 38 psi. It was at that when attached pretty quickly and the AC just leaked and the can was still pretty full. I left the hose attached to the can because it started spewing when I tried to take it off . Airs a bit cooler now but worried it won't last

[@GarageKing]

Hey There and sorry to hear that happened to you. You can exceed 38psi on the low side. I try to keep it around 30-40 for filling. What probably happened is the connector on the hose was tight (where the can screws in) If you look on the connector there is a brass (normally) nut thats under the wing part that you twist into the can. If that nut is loose once you pierce the can you are going to get a major leak. Also once you are at 30-40 you turn the nut to "throttle" the amount of refrigerant going in, so you can keep it between 30-40 and empty the can into the car that way. I would take another go at it. Just check to make sure the fittings are tight on the connector.

[@waymanjohnson3857]

Do you think it would have been colder, but you forgot to push "Max AC" even though you said it. You did have recirc on though.

[@GarageKing]

Ha Ha, well that was my bad, but you should have AC max on. It would have been cooler with AC Max, but not a whole lot. The most important thing in re-circ to get it cold. Good observation.

[@LordChipmunk]

Thanks bud! My beater is a 2007 civic, identical setup to this, and it’s running super cold for this hellacious summer! Side note: you from up north? I’m in TN now but lived in wisconsin for two years and am familiar with the accent haha. Love it there!

[@GarageKing]

Hey thanks for the comment and I do live up north LOL I'm in the Greater Toronto Area so not too far from Buffalo NY !!

[@TheMommyofAlyssa]

Very helpful, but why did you skip taking the can off? Now I'm nervous I'll mess that up 🙈

[@GarageKing]

I went back to look at the video and you are right, sorry about that. Its actually very easy so I don't know why I didn't catch that part on camera. You remove the can WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, this way the pressure stays low. When the can is empty (you saw in the video near the end the gauge go down) then you just disconnect it and a little will come out of the can. No way around that, it will hiss for a few seconds.

[@niekh6349]

May i ask y a question with a ac issue. I have a honda 2008 mk8 1.8. I filled the ac up with coulant. I replacement the relay I can hear the ac pomp working. I checked the same wire. I have 1 connection instead of 3, it works. The H intake feels cold but the L intake feels warm. Still the air isnt cool inside the car. What could be the problemen?

[@GarageKing]

If your compressor is working (make sure you look to see it spinning) then the reasons its not cold is: compressor is worn out and not moving the coolant efficiently, refrigerant is low, or your evaporator is all blocked up. Those would be the main causes. A good way to check is with a set of gauges so you can see the high side and low side pressures.

[@terrytak1876]

Thanks for the detailed tutorial, saved me alot of time and expense, I'm sure I would have made a mistake without your help, ac is ice cold now, you're the best!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you good Sir, and hope you have a great weekend my friend :)

[@wc4865]

Thanks big dawg!!!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the comment !!

[@lisavance9750]

I absolutely love learning how to do these things even if I don’t actually do it myself!! This is an awesome detailed tutorial. Thank you 🙏🏾💙🙏🏾🦋I’m driving an 06 Civic Sedan LX since 2014 and am learning so much as it needs its repairs and having educated individuals like you help me to understand helps so much when I take it in to an autoshop!! I go with an educated understanding the how to do it details!! It’s the dang labor and parts that can’t be escaped sometimes!! Stay safe and stay healthy out there!! Healthy is wealthy in this world!! Rock on 🤘

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment, I can tell you took some time to write this so I really appreciate it. I love sharing my knowledge that I gained being a mechanic and its wonderful knowing that this knowledge is being utilized by others. Thank you so much !!

[@lisavance9750]

You’re welcome 🎉

[@sven849]

Hey I bought a kit from amazon and the connector won't seem to fit on my car. its a 2010 civic as well. is there some trick to connecting the hose up to the ac? Seems like the thing is too big and gas just vents to the atmosphere when i try to connect it

[@GarageKing]

Hi, There are two ports on your honda. Make sure you are using the LOW side port which is bigger. If you are using the LOW side port, then check the kit you bought. It could be for 1234yf. thats a newer refrigerant with different (but similar sized ports) Your car should be 134a, and there should be a sticker under the hood which shows the type of refrigerant. Confirm its 134a, and then confirm your kit is for 134a. Also when you connect, make sure the can is screwed onto the kit, BUT the needle HAS NOT pierced or been screwed into the can.

[@info-dawg]

Great vid!! I opened up a word doc and took literal notes while I watched the second time. Trying it out this week. No AC in my 2008 Civic. Hoping to change that! Thanks, Garageking 👍.

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the great comment, most of the time this is all you need to do. If you fill it and the AC compressor wont engage then you most likely have a bad thermal switch which is quite common on Hondas. Its located right on top of the compressor. Its a bit of a pain to do, but you don't have to discharge the system to do it !!

[@lordtachanka4520]

Did it work? I’ve got a 2008 civic same as you and replaced the ac relay to no avail.

[@GarageKing]

@@lordtachanka4520 When you say AC relay do you mean the AC electrical relay or the thermal switch?

[@JustmefeefeUniquefee]

Ads running I'm watching now GK🙌my mum's always trying to tell me something about her vehicle imma guide her here for the real deal. Just like the way you explain and drop the screenshots on the edits. And the little joke gif 🤣. Another great clip 👍 well done the GK 🙌

[@GarageKing]

You are the best!!!!!!

[@amandeepsinghsidhu3748]

When we remove the can need to turn off the engine or running engine we can remove it????

[@GarageKing]

Better to remove the can when the engine is running. There is less pressure on the LOW side (where you are filling) when the engine is running

[@Glide1992]

Exactly what I needed to know. Thank you. Subbed and liked.

[@GarageKing]

Thank you my friend !!

[@CHARMAND01121970]

Dude, It feels like I was getting an car AC tutorial from Matt Damon. You both look alike ;)

[@GarageKing]

That is awesome LOL :) I have been told I look like Matt Damon before, definitely a compliment, and I'll take it any day !!! Thank you for making my day ;)

[@raviramgarhia1799]

My compressor is not working. What is the solution?

[@GarageKing]

Most of the time its the thermo switch, its located on the top of the compressor. You have to remove the alternator to change it. Just make sure you have refrigerant in the system. If you are low the compressor wont run. Even if you only have 1/2 oz the gauges will say there is pressure, but its not enough. So make sure you have enough before you go changing that switch. Its cheap but not the easiest job to do. You have to get the thermoswitch from Honda and they are not cheap, sometimes its better and easier to get a new compressor as they have come down in price. amzn.to/3KhybgH

[@ArmandoS-ws5br]

Thanks bro!! You're an American hero 👏🏽🙌🏾

[@GarageKing]

Thank you !!! Much appreciated !!

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

651 Like fully watch adds and all to the end great video, I will give this ago, car is 10 years old and don't think we ever charger it on this Honda Civic.. Great video thanks for this...👍👍👍👍👍👍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

I am still at your home page watching other video love it not done yes...

[@GarageKing]

Thank you so much !!!! I do appreciate it :) This video has a pretty good view count so I can tell that it has helped many people. I try to make the videos easy to follow. Thank you again for great comment :)

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

@@GarageKing When I recharger years ago I remember I also put some oil in it with the can if I remmeber correctly ? so there was a can that time I put 2 can that is why it screw up, I also put some oil they tell to.

[@shahnawazvlog6266]

@@GarageKing They will charger couple hundred at the shop just to do this in USA that was long ago

[@GarageKing]

@@shahnawazvlog6266 Normally you never have to add oil unless you replace a part or you are charging it up all the time. The oil leaks out very slow, so maybe every few charges you might need a bit, but not often. If you replace part then you drain the part and measure what comes out and put the same amount back in.

[@huhuhu543]

My Ac takes very long to cool. I am thinking of refilling it with a 16oz can. Should I empty all the refrigerant in the car first and then refill it? Or should I simply refill 1 can into the car system? I drive civic 2006

[@GarageKing]

Hey there, the capacity of your system is 16oz, so if you put a 16oz can in your are going to overfill it. Its safe to overfill them a bit, but the problem is how much you have in the system. There is no way to really know. If it does not get cold, but take a long time and just gets cool then you probably only have 1 or 2 oz in it. If it still gets cold (even after a long time) then you still have a decent amount in the can. You may be safe with a 16oz can depending on how full your system is, a little overcharge is ok. You are probably better off with a 12 or 13oz can, because that way you are probably going to be full at the end, or just under full. They are pretty affordable. Here is for a 13oz can amzn.to/3F14GOo you can see its not too expensive.

[@huhuhu543]

@@GarageKing thnks

[@7kitsilano]

Best video in tube for this job !!! Thanks a lot !!!😍🥰

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment, I truly appreciate it !!!!!!

[@BeserkBeastSaiyan]

Ill probably just have the dealership do it but only with an advisor I trust luckily of all the dealerships I've been to I found 2 great advisors

[@GarageKing]

Hey thanks for the comment. You are lucky to have two advisors you trust. The industry has good people in it, you just have to find them and it looks like you did. Thanks again for the comment :)

[@rogerborg]

What part of "wear gloves" confused you?

[@GarageKing]

I was being funny

[@inspectorjavert8802]

Bro how about giving that engine bay a wash? what the hell pigpen, take care of your ride.

[@GarageKing]

Hey Thanks for the comment, the car is not mine.

[@paulkorzenko7968]

Thank you so much for info. My poor mom just got to hot in car so I'm going now! To do exactly what you showed!!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment, and I wish you and your mom all the best !!

[@jasonhatfield9768]

Great video, but could that intro be just a little bit louder? lol

[@GarageKing]

You know it, I realize that intro is a little over the top, and later came to the conclusion that everyone is not in a movie theatre :) I was playing with some new editing software, thankfully I didn't use that on many videos !!!! Thanks for the comment :)

[@LakotaCreation]

How do I know if my car needs two cans. Civic 2012

[@GarageKing]

You don't. The only way to truly know is to evacuate the system to empty, and measure in new stuff with a scale, so if your car is warm you are down to an ounce or two. One can should be fine. I didn't check the specs on your 2012, they should be written on a sticked attached to the underside of the hood. It also depends on how big your cans are. I used 12oz cans, but I know there are larger cans out there.

[@lendirk902]

Excellent video!!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you very much!

[@ArnelNeduasa]

Filled my freon but not cooling inside ? Where can I find the sensor

[@GarageKing]

The sensor is right on top of the compressor. It sits in a dip in the compressor at the top and there are two wires coming out of it. I believe they are red and black, and there is a clamp with a phillips bolt holding the sensor in so it doesn't fall out with the engine vibrations.

[@NSX-vq2ui]

Thanks for explaining it in detail, the others didnt explain it well, this video is perfect thanks bro.

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment, much appreciated !!

[@jeffjefferson2342]

How do you let some out if you over charge the system?

[@GarageKing]

Well if you use environmentally friendly stuff you can just vent it out, but if you are using anything that can damage the air we breath you should have a shop evacuate some out. If you are just over an oz or two it would be fine.

[@judsonburgee4900]

The can I bought didn’t fit my ac low service port

[@GarageKing]

Hey There and sorry to hear that. There are cans that fit the 1234yf port, and cans that fit the 134a port. They are slightly different and you have to make sure you get the right one. Sorry about the late reply, KZbin did not catch this comment so I wasn't notified right away.

[@pence2012]

You forgot to put it on Max AC

[@GarageKing]

I know. That's my bad, it will still charge the same, its just faster on Max AC.

[@ch0cchip704]

Just wanted to say thank you for your helpful video it was so well put together, all done and no problems whatsoever

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment !!! Much appreciated

[@ch0cchip704]

@@GarageKing your welcome i had 0.5 c at the vent and started with 21.7 c

[@GarageKing]

That is awesome!!! Quite a difference!!

[@jasonwheeler3241]

I Guess the only question is why didn’t you film taking it off

[@GarageKing]

It was the transition during editing, I should have caught that. If you go to 9:58min mark you can see the rest of what was left in the can, there is always going to be a little left over. When the vehicle is running and cold the low side should be around 40psi or so so when you disconnect the can you are going to get some coming out, but not much. Always disconnect with the vehicle running as the pressure will be the lowest, once you shut the vehicle off its going to raise and you will loose more. Good catch !!!!

[@adriandeloya5004]

Thankyou.thanks to your video I have cold Air back again

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much for the comment !!! and glad you have your AC back again :)

[@skypirate6278]

Thanks so much for the great video. It’s Very informative.

[@GarageKing]

Thanks soo much for the great comment, much appreciated !!

[@Username_copied3]

With the engine running ?? I thought it was supposed to be off? And cooled down ?

[@GarageKing]

Yes with the engine running, the pressure will be lower on the LOW side with the engine running. When you turn the engine off, the pressure from the high side and low side equalize and your LOW - FILL SIDE raises.

[@Username_copied3]

@@GarageKing Hey, thanks for explaining. I really appreciate it. I was taught otherwise for some reason.

[@GarageKing]

@@Username_copied3 No worries at all and glad I could help

[@saldmairi]

Great video, but could be summarized in 3 minutes even with all the details

[@GarageKing]

True, but its a balancing act. Sometimes I go to fast, and I get comments that I'm going to fast so I try to strike a balance. I'll have to do another one this summer "how to charge your AC in under 3min" !!! Thanks for the feedback, I do appreciate it :)

[@louf8335]

Everything about this is WRONG. LOL

[@GarageKing]

Hey there, and thanks for the comment, but I'm not sure what you mean. The can worked and the vehicle is recharged. I even showed how to check your compressor.

[@SKTHEARSENAL]

What year is the car. Thank you for your video btw!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment !! This one is a 2006, so first year of the 8th gen.

[@petropete3122]

Best step by step vid for recharging civic A/C by far. Tks for sharing

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment and happy Sunday to you :)

[@stratrat57]

So, to be clear...one should not do this procedure when your ac is still blowing some (but not much) cold air? What if your ac still blows cool air, but you want it cold (as new)?

[@GarageKing]

You could still do the procedure, its just that if you are already blowing some cold air then you have to be careful not to overfill it. Unfortunately the only way to know exactly how much to put in is to evacuate the system empty and then weigh in the new charge. If you want it colder you can "pace" or "throttle" some in and once it starts getting cold then stop. Also It may never be as good as new because if your evaporator is leaking (it might be fine, just saying) in the dash you can have compressor oil coating it and dirt sticks to it and you have reduced airflow because of it, but you can usually get pretty close.

[@stratrat57]

@GarageKing thank you. I've been told if your ac has been blowing no cold air, tour compressor is probably shot, or you have a pretty good leak.

[@GarageKing]

@@stratrat57 No problem at all, just so you know once the AC compressor stops working you are right that you have a leak BUT, sometimes it could take 10 years to leak down, it could be a very slow leak. Leaks are much more common than compressor failures.

[@garyprieto3731]

I spent almost 2 hours trying to recharge my ac on my honda civic 2018, but the hose does not lock in. I gave up. And it is 80f in LA.

[@GarageKing]

Sorry to hear that. The high side and low side connectors are different sizes. Also if you recently bought a connector, the new R1234yf connects are CLOSE but will not fit the 134a connectors this Civic has. Also you may have a bad connector, especially if its one that came with a can that's permanently attached as they are not very good quality.

[@garyprieto3731]

@@GarageKing the good thing is that I returned my purchases. I will check out an auto zone before they close. Many thanks!!

[@GarageKing]

@@garyprieto3731 Anytime !!! Good luck with the charge up, I know how valuable AC can be on a warm day !!!

[@garyprieto3731]

@@GarageKing thank you. Problem solved!!! I bought one with a hose and it fit. My car's AC was dried. Thank you very much!!!

[@GarageKing]

@@garyprieto3731 Awesome!!!! Glad you got it all fixed up !!! Enjoy your weekend :)

[@vincebutler1798]

Great vid but my A/C is still blowing hot air

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment, is your AC compressor running? If your compressor runs it should get cold. If it's cold only for a day or so and then gets hot that means you have a big leak somewhere and should take it in.

[@domenicomatinata6044]

Great video, I am going to do it now that I know how .......thanks again !!!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you for the great comment and good luck :)

[@heysubtle]

The ac is not recharging what should I do?😊

[@GarageKing]

Check to see if the compressor is spinning. If its not spinning and you put refrigerant in than most likely its the thermo switch that is located on the top of the compressor. No guarantee, but its a common failure point with Hondas. It looks like this amzn.to/4ab5ekn make sure you look up the proper one for your year. Its a cheap part.

[@jamesgolightly2295]

Dude you’ve got a gift for laying things out super easily and the information is great! I hope this blows up!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks so much man !!!! Really Really appreciate it !!!

[@nowpresent2167]

AC relay are also a weak point in civic 8th gen

[@GarageKing]

I think you are right, but aside from the relay and leaks that can happen, the thermo switch on top of the compressor is a weak point that often fails. Thanks for sharing !!

[@andremosley9358]

Awesome job and narration!!!!!👍🏽👍🏽

[@GarageKing]

Thank you good Sir !!!!

[@weiser1971]

Great video. Really break it down well. Thank you.

[@GarageKing]

Thanks for the comment !!

[@Motor-City_Ben-Diesel]

Great job making this video. Fantatic job!

[@GarageKing]

Thanks soo much good Sir !!!!

[@jbsrcs6273]

Mines at 30 at idle so it’s got Freon. It clicks on and off when turning a/c on and off and compressor is turning also. You mentioned a bad sensor maybe the issue?

[@GarageKing]

If it stays running (the compressor) and the gauge stays at 30 you are not empty at all, once you turn the car off and the compressor stops running it should raise up much higher thats why its best to take the gauge off when the compressor is running (lower pressure on that side so less leaks out when you pop the connector off) If the compressor is spinning you are fine, you might be a little low, but everything is working.

[@GraceOMalley-gl7dx]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@GarageKing]

You're welcome!

[@dorran962]

Great video! Question! I have a 97 honda civic. Had the system emptied out so I could install my new compressor and drier. I'm trying to find the correct info on how much freon to put in my car. The shop said something like 22.9 oz. And 1 pound. Were could I get the correct info so I can do this myself!?Thanks!

[@GarageKing]

I may have put it in the video, I remember opening the book. If it’s not in this video go on my channel and search AC and there is a video I do with gauges and weigh it in. I go to the book and say how much. Im not trying to get another view out of you. It’s just that I’m on vacation so I’m not home. I’ll be back on Wednesday night. I can send it to you then if you can’t find the other video. Just remind me as I’ll forget as I get many comments from the different videos. I do answer every comment :)

[@dorran962]

@@GarageKing cool thanks!

[@native_redman9002]

Look for a sticker under the hood. There’s usually one that says how much and what type of refrigerant.

[@ssrat]

Great video. Easy to understand. THANK YOU!

[@GarageKing]

Thank you !!!

[@prakashreddy6811]

Thank you so much. I just did myself 🥳🥳🥳

[@GarageKing]

That is awesome !!!! And you saved a few bucks in the process !!

[@chuckkoehler9526]

Matt Damon's younger bro

[@GarageKing]

Ha Ha I wish !!!! But seriously, thanks for the comment and not the first time I have heard that. Its a comment I really do not mind :)

[@nickkkyss7634]

What if you don’t need a full can tho?

[@GarageKing]

Hey There, if you are really low your are going to need at least one can. There are two ways to tackle any left over... Ok #1 first put a full can in and if its low but will still run cool then leave it at that, no waste. #2, if you need more than one can, but less than two make sure you buy resealable cans so once you are done say putting in 1/2 can you can disconnect it and the can will reseal.