The more a 1995 Lumina's air conditioning is used, the greater the chances it will run low on R134a refrigerant. There are no set intervals for recharging an air conditioning system as there are for oil changes. You will, however, notice when the system needs a refill. The Lumina's air conditioning will gradually put out warmer air and, at some point, stop cooling the cabin altogether. While you could pay a service shop to recharge the system, the job can easily be done in your own garage.
Prop open the Lumina's hood and locate the air conditioning's low-side connection on the air conditioning's aluminum pipes. You will also find a high-side connection, but that is intended for pressurizing the system. The high-side connection will not fit your recharging kit.
Fit your recharging kit's hose onto the low-side connection and find a place to set the kit down in the engine compartment. The kit needs to be far away from anything that moves when the engine is running. Do not worry if you need to lay the kit in an inverted position.
Start the Lumina's engine. Wait for the engine to reach its normal operating temperature.
Place a thermometer into one of the air conditioning vents in the Lumina's cabin and blast the air conditioning at the highest coldness and air blowing settings. Keep an eye on the thermometer and wait for the temperature inside the system to drop and then level off. There is no consistent degree the system will level off. The temperature will be dictated by how much R134a is still left in the system.
Return to the recharging kit after opening all of the doors on your Chevy Lumina. This will let the air conditioning escape the vehicle, but it will also ensure that the air conditioner does not cycle off.
Turn the knob on top of the R134a canister. Refrigerant will rush out of the can, through the hose and into the system. Turn the knob shut periodically and monitor the pressure in the system. Between individual charges, allow at least a minute for the system to stabilize.
Watch the gauges on the kit and place a thermometer inside the Lumina's central air conditioning duct within the engine compartment. Once the air conditioning's internal temperature hits 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the system is recharged.
Turn the knob on top of the R134a canister to shut off the flow. Disengage the kit's hose from the Lumina's low-side connection.
