A/C Low Side Pressure 1999 Civic HX 2005 G.C. SXT
 

I got the ACP – 100 A/C recharge kit from Autozone. When it hits 90F this Friday I will recharge my Honda. But my Honda Service Manual gives me a weird graph that I can’t understand what the proper Low Side Pressure should be with a certain temperature. All I know is pressure should be above 28 psi, but how high should it go? My best guess is 57 psi. My A/C kit says at 90F it should be 48 to 57 psi.
Anyone know what the proper range should be?

Has anyone used this kit and it worked out ok? Refrigerant r134a, Car AC Recharge, Automotive Refrigerant

I will use this kit to charge up my 2005 Grand Caravan SXT too. Dodge Service Manual says Low Side Pressure should be 20 to 35 psi at 90F, will charge to 33.5 psi.

Don't use that kit. Get your money back and spend it on a real gauge manifold that measures both pressures with accurate gauges.

About half of A/C problems are caused by a low charge (which means there is a leak that needs attention, not "leak stop"). The other half are some other reason.

Measuring only the low side doesn't tell much about what is happening in the system. Charging by pressure isn't reliable even when you have both pressures.

I tried getting a good Manifold Gauge kit - cost $89 at O ' Reilly's. The problem is the only A/C tanks they use are $200 30lb tanks of R134. I asked if they can use a $7 can tap adaptor to use $20 A/C can and both AutoZone and O'Reilly said no. So I can't afford a Manifold Gauge set, because I can't buy a $200 R134 tank either.

But it's funny that some manifold gauge sets on Amazon - they said they use a can tap.

A professional type manifold will work with a can tapper. The outlet fitting on a can tapper is the same as that on a 30 lb tank.
You need a tapper like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Mastercool-855.../dp/B000LQODJC
This will work on the single-use 12 oz cans with a threaded top fitting sold in 48 states.
In California, resealable cans are required. I don't know what kind of can tappers are available for those.

I changed my mind and returned the ACP – 100. Got an Interdynamics Manifold Gauge set and an A/C can tap at O ‘ Reilly’s for $106. Plus $28 for Synthetic 19 oz R134. Also a $51 UV Dye kit.

Bought this:
Amazon.com: Interdynamics MF-134 R-134a Air Conditioning Manifold Gauge Set with Hoses and Quick Connects - Pack of 1: Automotive
Buy Interdynamics Professional Manifold Gauge & Hose Set 429 at Advance Auto Parts

I would have preferred to buy this can tap:
Amazon.com: Mastercool 85510 R134a Can Tap Valve-Screw-On Model: Home Improvement

I didn’t trust the recommended fill ranges the ACP – 100 listed. I consulted the pdf Service Manuals and a Haynes A/C manual for the recommended Low & High side pressures for my Honda Civic and G.C. SXT.
On the 2005 SXT S.M I got this: 90F -> low side 20 to 35 psi [will fill to 34 psi], high side 290 to 380 psi.
Now I’m actually wanting the weather to hit a 90F day! Don’t want to recharge when it’s cool!

The Haynes A/C book teaches you how to use a Manifold Gauge, and it also gave a listing of problem diagnosis for many Low & High Pressure reading variations.

If I didn’t buy a Manifold Gauge from O’Reilly’s I get this from ebay [best listing for it]:
HVAC A/C Refrigeration Kit AC Manifold Gauge Set R22 / R404A / R134A Auto Freon | eBay
HVAC A/C Refrigeration Kit AC Manifold Gauge Set R134A R12 R22 R404A Aluminum | eBay

I wonder if this would be useful: Pro Series Vacuum Pump 2.6 CFM R12 R22 R134a 2 stage A/C Car | eBay