QuestionI have an issue where the compressor kicks on and off frequently, but it still seems to cool. I talked with a Hyundai tech at myu local dealership, and he said it could be low refrigerant. I purchased on of the kits at a local store that has frefrugerant, oil and guages all in one. Are these safe to use on a 2001 Santa Fe? Any tips?
AnswerWithout knowing exactly what's in the refrigerant kit, it's difficult for me to advise you beyond being general. Since we have refrigerant recovery machines at my place of employment, I have nearly no knowledge of the products available to the general public for refrigerant recharge.
First, I'll say that if the system cools properly, the refrigerant won't be more than a little low. There are pressure switches in the system that disable the compressor if the pressure is becomes too high or too low. In addition, your compressor is controlled by your engine control module (ECM), which will turn the compressor off under hard acceleration.
If you can install the gauge(s) without introducing any refrigerant, that's an excellent place to start. Typical rest pressure in your A/C system should be about 90 PSI. If it's low and you can effectively regulate the refrigerant added, it's probably feasible to add until you get somewhere close to the 90 PSI level. Keep in mind, though, that you should be adding when the compressor is running, so the gauge reading while you're adding refrigerant won't be the rest pressure. In the event your refrigerant is indeed low, you should expect that there's a leak in the system somewhere. Over time, you should expect the leak to continue and get worse.
