There was a time when recharging the air conditioning system in a car required the attention of a professional, and was rather cost prohibitive. Newer cars, however, have coolant systems which can be easily maintained with very little mechanical knowledge and no previous experience. The 1998 Dodge Stratus utilizes R134a coolant. The tools needed to test and recharge this coolant system can be purchased from almost any auto parts store.
Hook the pressure gauge to the threaded end of the service hose.
Attach the quick link end of the service hose to the low pressure service fitting. The low pressure service fitting is on the low pressure side of the air conditioning system. It is on the larger AC line, near the front of the engine, and has a 13 mm quick link fitting.
Turn the AC unit on max AC, and turn the blower on high. A system that reads below 25 pounds of pressure will need coolant added.
Turn off the car.
Turn the car on, and turn the AC system on max AC with the blower turned all the way down. Allow it to idle for five minutes.
Attach a 12-ounce can of R134a coolant to the threaded end of the service hose.
Attach the quick link end of the service hose to the low pressure service fitting.
Turn the AC blower on high.
Turn the valve on the service fitting it is self tapping and will open the can. Open the valve fully to begin filling the AC system.
Turn the can upside down, and shake it constantly during the transfer. This will ensure that all of the coolant is pulled into the AC system.
Turn the valve to the off position and undo the quick link on the service port when the can of coolant is empty. An empty can will no longer feel cold to the touch and will be lighter than a can that still contains coolant.
Check the pressure in the system. The pressure should be between 30 and 45 pounds. If the system still has less than 30 pounds of pressure, repeat the process with a second can of coolant.
