My 2005 Mini Cooper S a/c was blowing cool, but not cold enough, so I went to Autozone and bought a can of r134a. Turned the a/c on full with full a/c set, let it ran for a few minutes and started to add freon. The temp outside was about 85, set the dial for 85 and the a/c pressure was at about 30. I emptied the can into the a/c and while it was still running I checked the car inside, nice and cold.

So I shut it down and went inside to get receipt to return core. Now my a/c struggles to run, the engine will struggle to run when a/c try to blow cold, and no cold air at all. The engine will struggle so much that it's noticeable, happens about every minute and last 1-2secs.

Did I add to much? If so, can I take some out? Do I need to go to the auto shop and have it flushed and re-added? If so, how much is that?

Thanks,
Mike

 

This is what its doing exactly...how do I relieve pressure now?

 

Ok, talked to my mechanic buddy and he said to release some a/c pressure by pushing in the release valve on the lower intake. I did that a few times and now the a/c blows cold and the engine is behaving.

Quick question though, what should the pressure be with the engine off, engine on, and engine on with a/c at full. A/c at full my gauge read 38-50.

 

Not uncommon to see what you saw. You clearly overcharged your system. I suspect your cabin air filter is clogged. Change it at least once a year.


Those gauges on the cans are useless. If you don’t have the right equipment and experience, let someone who does take care of it for you. It will be money well spent as if you overcharged it for a longer time or a bit more, you could have done real damage.

Change the filter and you’ll see the A/C come back to life.

Rich

 

lucky you did not blow the seals out of the AC compressor. If you dont have proper gauges let an AC shop look at it. I had to replace the AC compressor on my 03 was over $700 at a local shop he was half the price of some of the others.