I assumed that I needed to recharge my AC system as it's not blowing very cold. When I hooked up my simple recharge canister and gauge to the correct recharge port, the gauge immediate showed the system pressure to be in the red. I'm told that this means it's been over-charged and that would produce the same symptom I'm experiencing and I need to release the pressure back to the safe zone. How does a "do-it-yourselfer" go about that?

 

Was the compressor running when you checked the pressure?

 

Start the car up and let it idle at about 1500rpm . Turn on the AC with fan on high and then take a reading. Pressure will always be higher with engine/compressor turned off. Are you still running R12 or do you have 134 in the system.

 

Be certain you are checking the correct port if R12. Both fittings are the same size and placing a cannister on the high side can cause it to explode.