Could somebody give me a ballpark on how much dealer and indy charge for Freon charging only(let say just low on freon).What's the procedure on this,Do they have to do some diagnostic thing so they can get a fee for that?Can i just say them that i did the diagnose using the A/c push button controller.Thanks.

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96' E320

If you've done the diagnosis from the pushbutton, do your self a favor, buy a set of R134a guages on eBay (~$50 or so). Then, with a termometer, you've got all the tools you need to charge the low freon yourself. Do a search here and you'll find plenty of information about the correct high and low side pressures and ambient/vent temperatures.

R134a sells for 4.99 for a 12oz can here http://store.lenzdist.com/

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

ski,
I did some research but can't find where is the low and hide pressure on my 96' e320.Maybe you could give me some pointers.Do I charge the system while the engine is running?How do i use the r134a gauge,I notice it has 3 hoses on it with 2 gauges.

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96' E320

I don't know if you have an autozone in your area but i would recommend picking up a copy of Bruce Bonebrake's (I think) AC repair DVD.

You can order it online for 6.99:

HERE

You could also pick up a haynes auto A/C repair manual.

The nice thing about r134 is that the high and low side ports are different so you can not connect the guages wrong. Once you have the guages connected you can read the high/low side pressures and post them here. This will give you an indication of whats going on (ie low on freon, blockage in the system, etc.)

The typical high/low side pressures vary with ambient temprature so its important to have a thermometer. I used a thermocouple with my hand held multimeter, but just about any thermometer will do.

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

here is a chart of high and low side pressures and ambient temp/vent (evaporator) temp

Attached Files

AC Pressure Chart.pdf (7.5 KB, 212 views)

__________________
Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE