How to ReCharge AC Subaru Outback 10 11 12 13 14 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014, by Dirt Road Auto Repair on YouTube. 3 min 19 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 19 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Park the car on a level surface and let the engine cool. Open the hood and find the AC low side port, usually near the firewall on the passenger side.
Start the engine and set the AC to maximum cold with the fan on high. Let it run a few minutes so the compressor engages.
Check the gauge on the recharge hose before connecting. Read the static pressure to confirm the system is low, not empty.
Put on safety glasses and gloves. Remove the cap from the low side port and keep it somewhere safe.
Connect the recharge hose to the low side port. The fitting only clicks on the smaller low side port, never the high side.
Shake the refrigerant can and open the valve. Watch the gauge and add refrigerant in short bursts until it reaches the green zone.
If you use a leak sealer, add it with the first can as the label says. Do not overfill past the recommended pressure.
Close the valve, disconnect the hose and refit the port cap. Turn off the engine and check that the vents blow cold.
Tips and common mistakes
Never connect a can to the high side port, it can explode and cause serious injury.
Add refrigerant slowly and check the gauge between bursts, overfilling damages the compressor.
If the pressure stays low or the AC warms again, have a shop check for leaks before adding more.
Wear safety glasses, refrigerant can cause frostbite if it touches your skin.
Questions
How do I know if my Outback needs a recharge?
The vents blow warm or only mildly cool while the compressor runs. A gauge reading below the normal range confirms low refrigerant.
Can I use R-134a in a 2010 to 2014 Outback?
Yes, these model years use R-134a. Check the sticker under the hood to confirm before buying a can.
What if the compressor does not turn on?
A very low system may keep the compressor off. Stop and have a shop check it rather than forcing refrigerant in.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
