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How do I remove car air conditioning gas?

How do I drain my car's AC gas (refrigerant)? The air conditioner isn't working right. I have some basic mechanical knowledge, so I want to fix the issue myself.

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Attempting to fix a broken air conditioner by removing the gas or refrigerant is not recommended because it requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Plus, depending on the situation, the AC may be covered by your
car’s warranty
or by your
car insurance
. If that’s the case, you may as well take advantage of professional work.
But if you still want to give it a go, here’s what you should do:
  • Locate the low-pressure port of the air conditioner.
  • Attach an air conditioning recovery machine.
  • Run the recovery machine to remove the refrigerant from the AC system.
  • Wait until the machine shuts off, which indicates the system is empty.
Remember that AC refrigerant is toxic and harmful to the environment, so do your research and take the necessary safety precautions.
When it comes to car insurance, however, leave the research to
Jerry
. The free app can provide you with competitive quotes in under a minute. And swapping is just as effortless. Jerry takes care of all the paperwork and phone calls—and even cancels your old policy on your behalf!”
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