How to Recharge the A/C System, Dodge Dakota/Durango the Easy Way

With no special tools and 20 minutes, you can recharge your vehicle's air conditioning and be blowing out ice-cold air. In the video, I'll show you what short cycling is and how to identify it and how to fix it. Short cycling is a sign of a low freon charge, this could mean that there is a leak in the A/C system.
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[@trevwill21]

Hey Martin....just want to thank you.......95 dakota here......mine did exactly what yours did. All cold now :) Thanks so much!

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you found it helpful and it working again. 😎👍

[@sicksargent7797]

Appreciate the thorough explanation. As someone who doesn't know much about cars, this saved me so time and frustration.

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@xA18kND1x]

Literally in Vegas right before the heat and just called around to see how much it costs to have this done on the same truck... $250 😅 Thank you for the detailed vid, I will absolutely go try this before dropping that kinda $👌

[@JLange642]

Nice video. Actually, as you increase the pressure from that point you will also raise the temperature at the point of expansion too. If you were to overcharge it too much it would be blowing warmer again. But that gets too much into refrigeration dynamics. What you showed was perfect!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I really appreciate that. And I appreciate your support.

[@lisaworleyable]

Your truely the BEST HELP IVE GOTTEN ON ALL MY DAKOTA FINDS AND FIXES !!! 😊❤❤❤THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH MARTIN ❤❤

[@Warlock73]

I just found this guy. I have a 02' Rango, owned it for the last 10 years, only 175k on it. Hopefully good for another couple years.

[@stevehamburg903]

Thanks for the video. Very clear and just detailed enough for those like me who really do not know the little things that many take for granted we do. Really appreciate this. I'm broiling down here in Alabama and being as I lived in Lost Wages for 40 some odd years, I know HOT. I'm going to fix that problem now. I really do appreciate this.

[@jamesmcneely5124]

Thanks Martin! I was puzzling over how to put freon in my 01 Dakota and your video made it so easy! Thank you!

[@martinbuilt]

That's awesome I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful thank you for watching.

[@DeniseAlmost]

Thank you for making this video. It explained everything perfectly and now my truck has working AC. 😊❤

[@kingspin14]

thanks i needed this i was trying to figure out why i was only getting cold air when it was cool outside im going to autozone soon as i get off work

[@ekawpu1422]

thats why it didnt seem all the way filled or quite as cold as it originally did, thanks very much

[@frankcastle5294]

Great vid. Thanks much Sir and going to do my 2006 V8 Dakota this afternoon.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you Frank, I really appreciate that. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@62ejo]

Thxs Martin this is the best one I've seen on how to recharge the system..When my 06 dakota needs more,I'll come back to your video....Mine is a v6 'o6...

[@martinbuilt]

Glad it helped 👍😊

[@62ejo]

@@martinbuilt Martin the mechanic I take the truck for service Trans and rear end change the fluids ever 30k. I asked him to ck the ac,and he said you have drain it to see if it needs any.It's ok it blows cool air..was he right??

[@arjay777]

@@62ejo No, that's absurd. Find another mechanic. He was just padding the bill.

[@davestewart9146]

I remember what it’s like when I lived in Las Vegas and driving with no AC LOL, nice video 👍😁

[@testosteroneinc.3800]

Same thing, but I was in Phoenix. 🥵

[@martinbuilt]

yes A/C is a most out here, a guy just deserves a cool ride home after a day at work.

[@icarrus9383]

followed you Martin step by step and it blows too cold now LOL , good on ya mate , thanks from myself and the ol 99 Durango !

[@martinbuilt]

Nice it's great when your problem is that it blows too cold… lol

[@joeybaez1745]

Nice video ,I loved that you explained the gauge at were it's suppose to be for it to be filled, thanks ,it helped me

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thank you for watching.

[@steveblankenship5474]

Nice and informative video. I have used the very same product on my XJ and it works excellent, nice cold ac. One thing with buying this in California they add a recycle fee for every can no matter what the size. You can return the empty can to for a refund of the fee but there’s a time limit and in my case I didn’t use the whole can as probably a lot do so it’s another way the state comes up with sneaky fees which they get millions in revenue from.

[@user-nf3ys9vg3k]

Great video Martin! Jeep is back on the streets. 💪

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, that's great to hear.👍

[@cliftonmoss2480]

I want to thank you for this video.Did my Truck and work great

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful. Stay cool 😎

[@sammyboy170]

Another great video Martin. Very informative.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, glad you liked it 👍😊

[@lisaworleyable]

Can a actuators have any play in no air cond.

[@stevepolk4080]

You explained the cycle of the AC compress low, when it filed does it cycle all the time with the engine running,lost them never does I'll keep looking until someone shows how the cycling of the filled compressor functions.ok thank you've explained okay 🆗🤗

[@ongv2491]

I like your video, your explanation is very good.

[@epahoggonzalez4905]

isnt using a can of r134a with sealant bad?

[@jasonrawls5440]

Question I have a 05 dakota, and I tried to do exact what you did, but I hooked up the gauge, and it went right to red. What does that mean? It's blowing air, but it's slow to get cold. Please help

[@raystreeter9587]

Thanks for the video, it really helped me out

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you found it helpful thank you for watching.

[@minor2fruity]

Without the internet. Our generation would be screwed. Or at least be getting looked at funky when you ask a relative lmao

[@KoryWingler]

That’s where I’ve learned everything I know, and I fix other peoples shit lol

[@stellachavez9010]

I'm going to try this hopefully it works I think it might be something different because my defroster doesn't even work so yeah I think it's just my whole defrosting AC unit is 105 here in Northern California these past days and rolling down the windows with that hot air hitting my face is not the business but this videos pretty good thanks

[@richwilson7017]

Martin is the man!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you Rich,that is much appreciated 🙏

[@oasisx27]

As always, great video! Thanks! Would have thought recharge was more complicated than this, I'll def trying filling my own next time it's low.

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

Getting ready to try the same on my dodge Dakota. Keeps icing up, so not sure if it has to do with low. The compressor doesn't seem to cycle off. But I have the gauge at home to take a look. Wondering what happens to freon when there isn't a leak? I thought it didn't wear out or get old.

[@martinbuilt]

The freon doesn't get old or need to be replaced as long as there isn't a leak. If it is icing up that is usually an indicator of a low charge.

[@jannanewbolt8553]

I've got a question when I hook up the gauge its not registering anything at all but when the auto parts store hooked it up it did register am I not doing it right or what ?

[@robertodiaz1637]

Hi Martin. Thanks for the vid! Just a question.. On mine, when it’s cycling on shutting on and off, it shows on the readings at lowest 20psi and highest it reads is 40psi but still outside at around 90 degrees blows warm warm

[@martinbuilt]

That actually could be a problem with one of your blend doors the temperature control setting not operating like it should.

[@robertodiaz1637]

@@martinbuilt thank you for the info! I’ll go ahead and check that out. Love the vids!! I actually did my front driveshaft on the truck with your video 👌

[@SergioGarcia-kz3wm]

Great lesson Martin, keep it up bud..

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@Moose0perator]

Hey brother be carful I have a 01 dodge Dakota as well please make sure you check your ac drain tube seal. They are know to not seal correctly and you’ll have water on your floor board like me .

[@martinbuilt]

Thanks, I'll check it out

[@Sarahndipity96]

Assuming it's a similar setup as my WJ. There is a TSB for that issue. Even a rubber tube you can put over the drain tube that extends it and bends into a 90 elbow to help water not wick back into the cab. I ended up using a Dorman elbow for a Ford since I'm impatient and couldn't wait for the dealer to get the exact part in.

[@arjay777]

Also gelatinous gunk builds up in the drain line and can block it. They put out a TSB on my former ZJ and current WJ about drilling a hole in the part of the passenger firewall where the bottom of the evap tray sticks out in the passenger compartment under the glove box and fishing a coat hangar through or blowing it out with compressed air. It actually cleared the drain line, I did it once. Just make sure you seal the hole well afterward.

[@corneliachee5969]

thank u so much. I will try & recharge my AC👍

[@mannypaulin6604]

Thank you Martin

[@chipsfree]

Hey bud i have an 01 durango slt is there a way to diagnose ac issues?.. I only have 2 codes one is a evap temp sensor and evap leak.

[@jamesski1713]

Super clean! Nice

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you much appreciated

[@AJCoReTV]

My meter showed full, not sure why.. so I didn’t need to add. Now I’m still unsure why AC making whistling & short sucking sounds.

[@valhuddlesston]

Best video ever! Thank you so much

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I really do appreciate that i'm glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@diekatzefliegt]

Thanks for another great video martin. gonna give this a shot on my 4.0 !

[@israelcontreras5332]

Your videos rock sir! Thank you.

[@martinbuilt]

I really appreciate that. I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful thank you for watching.

[@djtrax909]

Thanks!!! Your video is the best....

[@josel.carrillo2416]

I have a question while you are recharging it do you keep pressing the trigger o the can or how many time you you presa it?

[@martinbuilt]

Yes, keep pressure on the trigger, but check the pressure every once in a while by releasing the trigger until it is in the green zone. I generally hold the trigger on for at least ten to fifteen seconds then check the pressure.

[@BarryBrice-o9m]

Thank you for the video. Barry

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful thank you for watching.

[@ryanoakley2055]

Question… I am picking up a ‘74 Plymouth Duster next week… seller said a 134a conversion would fix it. Does this work the same way on the car I’m going to do it on? I know the high and low ports will be in different spots, but do I need to vacuum out the old gas that’s in there before adding the new 134a gas or can I just add it in and get it to pressure?

[@martinbuilt]

If it hasn't already been converted over to r134a I would highly recommend replacing the accumulator. You're going to need to pull a vacuum on it and I would do it for several hours before converting it to 134. So no it's not as easy as this video shows.

[@deltaforce2200]

Thank you for very much for this video . what kind of freon I can use for my 2017 Dodge Durango? If you don't mind giving me the exact name brand that I can order. Thx 🍻 🍻

[@haniajlouni6396]

🌹Mr.Martin🌹the best you can hear or see👍👍👍👍👍🙋 thanks

[@martinbuilt]

You are very welcome😊

[@haniajlouni6396]

@@martinbuilt 🙏

[@dkatheson4155]

Thanks man, this really helped!

[@match28salazar67]

Thank you from Posting it. Thumbs up

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thank you for watching..

[@scarfacejan3]

I put two little cans and it got cold for a little bit and then it started getting hot again?

[@martinbuilt]

Sounds like you got a pretty bad leak

[@scarfacejan3]

@@martinbuilt thank you

[@ed9958]

freon leaked due to a pin hole in hose, when adding freon, is it necessary to add oil or does oil stay in system even though freon is gone & of course, replaced the bad hose.

[@martinbuilt]

Most cans of freon come with oil in them. If you replace any parts like a hose you would need to evac the system before replacing the freon.

[@SeanDIY]

My main fan runs non-stop and the AC fan doesn't kick on at all. 2016 Ram 1500 4.7L. Any ideas?

[@Gjgddj]

I just checked my 4.7 and its saying i have over 100 psi . It appears the condenser is newer . Any recommendations?

[@martinbuilt]

Is that a 100 PSI while it is running or off? If it's at 100 psi while it is running, then it has been overcharged.

[@ed9958]

does evacuating the system, which is a given in this circumstance, remove any oil in the system ? Thanks for the info.

[@martinbuilt]

No, you'll be just fine 🙂

[@Tao_Peace]

Fantastic video my friend!! Thank you very much!!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I appreciate that I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@terrancenasafotiesr.9601]

what happens when you accidently charge the ac with both low and high ports open?

[@discerningmind]

I'm not sure how you can have 18F blowing out the vents. I'd think for that to happen the evaporator would be a block of ice. And 18C would be about 64F, so I think the temp gauge you're using is way off. I didn't see you purge the air out of the line before connecting. Sub-Zero brand allows for you to release a little Freon to purge the line as you're connecting it. But A/C Pro won't. I've had good results with Sub-Zero. Not good results with A/C Pro. The biggest danger with these modern refills (other than overfilling) is inadvertently overfilling with the oil in them. Even if the instructions state to turn the can sideways periodically, I wouldn't. I think what you did with that was perfect. Keep the can upright and and gently twirl the can.

[@fredlogan3849]

the Triger should be pulled when the compressor is spinning it allows the Freon to be pulled in to the system.

[@sammypypd24]

Thank you so much it helped me so much!

[@martinbuilt]

You're very welcome I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@kevinwiley6376]

Another great video Martin, thanks! Love to see a vid on the sniffer and any other a.c. related content; electrical? Thanks again, Kevin from Oregon.

[@daniellebrown9437]

Thanks❤

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful thank you for watching.

[@trentondaniels2667]

I have a 3rd gen Dakota 2006 to be exact. Same process or?

[@martinbuilt]

Yes, this is the same process for most vehicles. Thank you for watching.

[@ed9958]

Thanks great vid & info

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@bobsclassiccarsparts8772]

Great video

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you I'm glad you liked it.

[@tkenwatkins]

Good Job!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you I appreciate that 😊

[@danhambrick6331]

Thanks Martin.You said you didn't find any leaks but where did the refrigerant go that was in it before?🤔🤔🤔

[@jw11432]

It was quite low on refrigerant, probably not enough to elicit the pressure needed to push through wherever the leak is. He should do the sniffer test again and look for a leak now that there's adequate pressure in the system again.

[@martinbuilt]

yes this is a great point. I check for leaks after refilling and couldn't find any. Just going to wait and see if it holds.🤔 The only one I worry about is the evaporator. Having to take out the dash is no fun.

[@jw11432]

@@martinbuilt I'd only be surprised if you _didn't_ do that my man lol and yeah, evap is always the worst.

[@sweisbrod6109]

Good info. Thanks.

[@patrickmartin1718]

Can anyone tell me where the low pressure switch is on 4.7 would be much appreciated

[@patrickmartin1718]

Mine isn't on the on the canister by the firewall

[@rogerburns9960]

Have one like this but will not turn on at any pressure! Have lost electrical supply to comp. Fuses & relays do check good! Any suggestions!

[@martinbuilt]

I would check to see if power was getting to the A/C compressor.

[@rogerburns9960]

@@martinbuilt Not getting any electrical power to the compressor! All Fuses & Relays are checking Good!

[@rogerburns9960]

@@martinbuilt No power to the ac compressor!

[@ryanbates2618]

I understand it but I cannot locate my low port for the life of me. Nothing is marked. I found what I thought it was but when I tried to attach it, refrigerant leaked and that seems wrong so I stopped. I have a 2005 Dodge Dakota SLT V8 Magnum. I have looked EVERYWHERE and can’t determine which is the low port. Can someone please help?! Is it up by the firewall or somewhere else?

[@martinbuilt]

Check on top of the accumulator. It is either going to be a silver or black aluminum cylinder about 3 to 3 and a 1/2 inches in diameter.

[@SoloKyoto]

Should be on the accumulator (silver cylinder) at the back left of engine bay. It's the black cap closest to that.

[@sheath777]

Thank you sir!

[@leonardzimmerman9724]

Shouldn't you pull a vacuum on the system to remove moisture and air that could be in the system instead of just pushing in more 134a?

[@martinbuilt]

Absolutely if the system would have had 0 charge but there was at least 20PSI in the system with the A/C off.

[@bnjmnhknsn8852]

Thank you!

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful, thank you for watching.

[@salinero817]

I hope 😂 he knows he’s done that a thousand times

[@fernandoguerra9783]

Thank you

[@fernandozizumbo3997]

Hey Martin, have you thought of putting rock sliders to your Jeep? The factory ones?

[@martinbuilt]

Like the ones that are on the Overland, no I don't what the extra weight but, I don't like to see that pitch seem at the bottom of the rocker panel if I could make that go away, that would be awesome.

[@fernandozizumbo3997]

@@martinbuilt yeah me either, and I’m trying to get some for mine but they hard to find… anyways just asking for your opinion on them, thanks Martin! keep it up!.

[@martinbuilt]

@@fernandozizumbo3997 I have seen them at Pic-a-Part a few times.

[@sactownmopar]

This works in a pinch but you did not mention the #1 reason that the freon leaks out is the Schrader valves needing replacement. Doing that opens up the system so it should be vacuumed and that requires gauges. Your method works but I got tired of putting freon in every summer since the price of it went up almost triple in the last 2 years.

[@edwardstanley8375]

My clutch not kicking on at all 😢

[@MiguelTorres-rs2rd]

Mine doesn't kick on and off. What can I do?

[@martinbuilt]

First you want to find out if it has a charge in it at all that can be done by placing the gauge on the low pressure side as shown in the video. It could be so low that it will not kick on as you describe. If there is no charge then you'll need to find the leak and the system will also need to be evacuated to remove any atmosphere and moisture.

[@conniereyes345]

What is u don't have a low thing to charge the ac

[@conniereyes345]

What if

[@martinbuilt]

I've never seen a vehicle without one. I would look very carefully, possibly right on the accumulator or near the condenser .

[@stevenlavoie8897]

Merci beaucoup thanks a lot

[@martinbuilt]

You are very welcome i'm glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@dzlfreek]

the dually needs AC....badly. I should work on that

[@martinbuilt]

Yes you should, it's always something.

[@LZDEN]

great work Martin,its the way i do my A/C i also checked for leaks with the sniffer that i have..no leaks found..A/C is ice cold... :-)

[@martinbuilt]

Thanks for sharing, I also check for leaks but couldn't find any, wonder where it went.

[@florencepeters8978]

thank you worked 4/2/2022

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you found it helpful and it worked out for you. 😎👍

[@reason7256]

My ac comes on and turns off any suggestion and?

[@martinbuilt]

does it operate like mine did, where it short cycles? If so it most likely is low on freon.

[@henrycole8705]

Lol you do need the fancy gauge set and manifold though. Actually you want to do this whole operation by a machine that vacuums test adds oil and recharges it perfectly.

[@arjay777]

Since the A/C system is a sealed system, how can you say you have no leaks after having to put close to 20 oz of R 134 in the system?. It had to have escaped from somewhere, no? A dried up rubber gasket, a pinhole leak in the evaporator.

[@martinbuilt]

I didn't say I didn't have any leaks. I did run the sniffer very thoroughly around the evaporator and didn't find anything there and that is the one I was worried about.

[@arjay777]

@@martinbuilt Ahh. I misunderstood. I refilled my system once on a prior 1997 Grand Cherokee but 3 weeks later it was blowing hot air again. Pinhole leak in the evaporator. They had to pull the entire dashboard. A nightmare. I read if you try that can of seal a leak too often you will destroy the compressor, its like putting bubble gum in the system. On the 1997 GC, leaves, pine needles and debris landed on the grille below the wiper blades, fell down and worked its way into the evaporator coils and over time the rotting leaves decayed the tubing somewhere on the evap. On my current WJ, I removed the cowling under the blades and placed fly screening under the entire length of it glued on with some Shoe Goo adhesive so nothing can fall down there. So far so good.

[@martinbuilt]

@@arjay777 yes on my 98 Cherokee the evaporator does leak and I haven't fixed it and it's been that way for at least 6 years. I just dread having to take the dash out. Those are some good tips for using the screen.

[@arjay777]

@@martinbuilt Too bad you can't figure out a shortcut like you did with the fuel pump! lol. I couldn't even attempt removing the dash, it was more than I could handle. About a bazillion screws and bolts. Many do it but it's a bear.

[@rogerburns9960]

Pressures are within factory specs. But will not turn on!

[@martinbuilt]

sounds like an electrical problem. What psi do the A/C have?

[@rogerburns9960]

@@martinbuilt 32to 42 psi.

[@wonder7798]

I have a 2000 dodge durango and the air-condition does not blow cold. I have something similar to what u have to fill it. Btw I am a chic!

[@SMITHII_]

Now if I could just find a stronger blower motor for the ac..

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

I thought my blower was a problem on my Dakota, but I dropped it out, under the dash and found all sorts of leaves and trash plugging it up. A good clean out and good as new.

[@susankhan840]

Can't see the gauge on the video also the engine is too loud can't hear you 😔

[@martinbuilt]

I think you watched another video and commented on this one. 🤔

[@erinw1485]

Can't Help to tell you DO NOT have to Shake the can!!! Freon is a GAS, NOt some Solid in the Can!! You have to Evaporate the System in order to do it Better!

[@martinbuilt]

No, Freons are gases at normal room temperature, liquids when cooled or compressed. So it's compressed in the can so in other words it's a liquid. No, you do not need to pump down the system if the system already has pressure in it. There's no way that any type of moisture or atmospheric can get in the system with existing pressure. Thank you for watching.

[@henrycole8705]

It's comical how the big can is not enough so you must buy another

[@JanoyCresva]

my ac blows hot. CLutch doesnt stop at all. Just keeps spinning. Pretty fair to say its cooked huh/? LOL

[@martinbuilt]

Are you sure the blend doors working properly. And is the high pressure line (the larger diameter one) cold to the touch and if it is the the AC is working and is most likely a problem with the blend doors.

[@robertbutko4493]

sorry but this is bad. u need to pump off old, clean the system, check it for leaks, and only then fill it up. other videos helped me a lot, so THANK YOU and good luck ;)

[@DeeRizzley]

I recharged my 2.5 Dakota with 2 12 oz cans I was told too turn them upside down to get oil in the system, I put both cans completely in from a completely empty system and the air blows nice and cold but my lines going to my compressor were burning hot after? Any suggestions

[@martinbuilt]

The small diameter hoses going to the condenser should be hot. If the system was completely empty, you should have evacuated the system with a vacuum pump before adding any freon.

[@GoCubsSoxSuck123]

Hi Martin, Loved the video. Question to you, are you going to convert the Dakota to an electric fan instead of the mechanical fan? If so, would like to see a video of it. Thanks,

[@martinbuilt]

Yes I most likely will.

[@maddexxx847]

I have a 2002 durango the pressure gauge in the can is green but the air is still warm. Any ideas why?

[@martinbuilt]

Are the blend doors working properly on your HVAC

[@maddexxx847]

@@martinbuilt yeah blend doors are working. I did find out my e fan isn’t working and it’s not the relay so I have to chase that problem. But before I fix that I have to fix my brakes When I pulled in my driveway today my front left brake was smoking. It never stops.