Thread: Too much or too little

If you have too much or too little gas in the system will this cause sensors to stop the clutch from engaging on the compressor???? here's the story so far ... i bought one of those gas topup kits off ebay CAR AIR CONDITIONING RECHARGE KIT GAUGE & LEAK STOPPER :: DIY Products :: Autokool Ltd where you get the guage to check the pressure.... we did my dads car first an A4 and when we plugged on the guage it said the pressure was in the green and fine but when we started the engine this pressure dropped down very low so we topped it up with the aircon running and all is fine on his.... Now onto my A3, when i plug the guage on it says my pressure is in the red and too high.... but the clutch won't engage for me to get a reading whilst it's running , is this because of the high pressure ?? every now and then the clutch will engage but timing it to work when i have the guage connected seems impossible but it does prove that the compressor and clutch do work... all be it when they want to.... any advice guys ?? maybe vent off a bit of pressure ??

You really shouldnt vent any AC refrigerant (R134 in yor case) to astmosphere, as it is actually illegal. Chances are though, that no one will know if you do or dont (but if you do get caught, there are big fines).

In terms of the system, removing some gas should aleviate the overpressure that may be causing the ac not to function. the system pressure will increase once the engine is running and the ac is on. if you do decide to vent, only do it from the low pressure side, and keep you face well out of the way (it really hurts)

Do not use home use kits. Refrigerant is added to air con systems by weight and not pressure. As you have found, the pressure changes when you run the system and it'll also change dependant on how hard it has to work.

If you fill a system up by pressure you may get it to work okay but it won't be running at 100% efficiency and it may be working harder to counter the incorrect refrigerant level in the system.

ALWAYS go to an ECS specialist to get the system filled.

DO NOT vent the refrigerant. Not only is it illegal but you can also seriously injure yourself.

Not only can you injure your self you can also kill yourself, if I gets into lungs them you can suffocate to death, as the refrigerant is heaver than air, so once in it's hard to get out.