- The 1994 Dodge Caravan uses R12 refrigerant, which can no longer be purchased at auto-parts stores and is regulated by the federal government. If your Caravan is used, you may already have it retrofitted for R134a refrigerant, which includes a different accumulator, O-rings and high-pressure cutout switch. You will need to take your Caravan to a mechanic in order to have it refilled with R12 or to have it retrofitted for R134a.
- The amount of refrigerant needed will vary depending on how much refrigerant is left in your system. Usually, most vehicles require at least one full can of refrigerant for recharging the air conditioning system. Monitor the gauge attached to the low pressure valve, which should read between 25 and 40 pounds per square inch when full. Having a friend inside the car monitoring the coolness of the air conditioner as you recharge it will also help to gauge whether or not the air conditioning system is recharged or not.
- Depending on whether or not your Dodge Caravan is in good mechanical condition, you may want to opt for retrofitting your Caravan for R134a refrigerant. One of the benefits of R134a is that it is much less expensive than R12 refrigerant. R134a can also be purchased at most automotive parts stores as part of a recharge kit, which can be done at the convenience of your own home.
- Be sure to wear protective clothing, safety glasses and gloves while refilling your Dodge's air conditioning system. Also make sure that you hold the recharge kit's refrigerant mixture right-side up, so that it does not accidentally expel chemicals during the recharge process. Be careful not to release refrigerant gases and chemicals into the atmosphere, whether from the recharge kit or from your Caravan, as it is highly illegal and can result in a fine from the Environmental Protection Agency.
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