2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3.6 L, Automatic, 116,xxx miles (I know, I know. Purchased before becoming a Kilmer-phile.) Purchased the vehicle at 67,xxx miles. No trouble codes.
My Jeep's A/C is currently blowing lukewarm air conditioning while at lower RPMs. It's is decently cold at higher RPMs, but not nearly at the cold temps it was blowing last summer. Compressor is engaging and quiet. Cooling fan is turning on. Coolant is full and not leaking.
My question revolves around those canned refrigerants you can buy at auto parts stores. Are those safe to use? Can they cause further damage to the system? Am I better off in the long run of taking it to a shop?
The only decent mechanic I have found in my city (Jonesboro, AR) has a long turnaround time due to his popularity. It is my wife's daily driver. I really hate going to a stealership for repairs. I don't have a refrigerant vacuum or a reverse scale.
The canned refrigerants are fine as long as you stay away from products with sealers. Sealers are destructive both to your AC system and to expensive equipment at a shop should you wind up taking it there - and you would be responsible for any damage.
You should also purchase a gauge set to monitor system pressures while working. (The cheap low-side gauge that comes on some cans is worthless.) An inexpensive set for about $50 at Amazon or Harbor Freight is fine for occasional use. Additionally you will want to wear eye protection while working with refrigerant.
Chances are you have a variable-displacement compressor, so you really cannot judge the charge level by operating pressures as you can with an old-school unit. (The compressor will endeavor to keep pressures within spec even if refrigerant is low.) The only way to know you have the proper amount of refrigerant is to evacuate the system and install the correct amount by weight. However, if you are careful you may be able to get away with feeding in a small amount at a time, checking outlet temperature, and keeping an eye on the AC system pressures to make sure they stay in range.
Bear in mind that overcharging will also impede proper operation and severe overcharging may cause damage. A few ounces either way out of spec will have a negative effect.
maybe
yes
probably
i used a small amount in a beater corolla and it worked fine, just enough to get it into the green scale
if it was my wife's daily driver, would probably take it to an expert
