I read a lot of customer reviews before buying the ArticFreeze AFK-12, and was very apprehensive about the unit's performance but I threw the dice anyways. I'm glad I did. My order arrived promptly and in perfect condition.
To insure a successful System Check and Proper Charge, PLEASE read the instructions carefully, and follow them exactly.
HINT: DO NOT attach a can of R134-A to your Tester until you have determined that adding refrigerant to the system is NECESSARY. Once the can is screwed on, it CANNOT be removed without the loss of the expensive refrigerant into the atmosphere.
In case you've lost the instructions:
1.Find the proper Port (Low Side) and unscrew the (blue or black) cap to remove.
2.Start the Engine, Transmission in "PARK", and set the A/C to MAXIMUM Coldest setting, Fan Speed Highest keep all windows WIDE OPEN during test.
3.Attach Blue "Push and Lock" coupler to Low Side Port. Push down firmly on coupler until it "CLICKS" into place. The unit WILL NOT WORK if the coupler is not connected firmly !!
4.Turn unit "ON" by pushing the Black Button in the center of the unit.
Measure the A/C system by squeezing Black Trigger on right side of unit for TWO (2) SECONDS and then releasing. Wait a few seconds while the lights flash alternately as the unit self-calibrates and checks the condition of the system.
REMEMBER: One of the best features of the AFK-12 is that it SELF-CALIBRATES and compensates for ambient temperature variations. Units that use analog gauges DO NOT compensate for ambient temperatures !! The installer must do the calculations, and there's too much room for error. The accuracy of the AFK-12 is greatly enhanced by this self-compensating feature.
5.Use Light Color Bar Chart to determine if charge is needed:
Red Bar = WARNING: System OVERCHARGED.
Yellow Bar = ALERT: STOP Adding Refrigerant.
Green BLINKING = PARTIAL charge. ADD Refrigerant.
Green SOLID = PROPER Charge. NO Refrigerant Needed.
White Bar = LOW Charge. ADD Refrigerant.
IF REFRIGERANT IS NEEDED:
Shake can vigorously for at least one full minute, then screw can on tightly to the bottom of unit.
Being CAREFUL to KEEP THE CAN UPRIGHT, squeeze the Black Trigger in FIVE (5)-second increments to charge the system, shaking can repeatedly every few seconds during the charging process.
Release the trigger to CHECK the system. Repeat as needed until SOLID GREEN Bar is lit.
CAUTION: This unit is Computerized, and is VOLTAGE SENSITIVE. There are FOUR (4) batteries included in the package. Be SURE that each battery measures at least 1.5 Volts before installing. The Battery Compartment is CLEARLY MARKED to show battery positions. Be CAREFUL to install all 4 batteries in the correct position.
NOTE: The AFK-12's Blue Coupler fits all systems that were designed for 134A refrigerant.
My 18-year-old Mercury's A/C system now gives up a frigid blast of air before the engine reaches operating temperature. Outstanding results were obtained with ARTICFREEZE Ultra-Synthetic 134A+, which contains a leak sealer, and a moisture-and-acid eliminator. 12 oz. cans, also available at Amazon.
Take your time, read the instructions, work carefully, and reap the benefits all summer long !!
Good Luck !!
Interdynamics AFK-12 customer support was helpful. This may supplement the instructions on the unit. As I understand it, you press the round black on button first to turn on the unit it will cycle and beep to show it is on. Then give the black handle a 3 -4 second squeeze to calibrate it to air pressure. The unit will go through its measurement cycle. Connect the hose to the low side coupler and while holding the unit upright (if a freon can is screwed on), squeeze the black handle for only 2 to 4 seconds to get a measurement. A short squeeze will take a measurement, a longer 15 second squeeze will add freon if a freon can is screwed on. The unit will cycle after each 15 second fill.
But always use an additional 2 -4 second squeeze in between the 15 second fills to measure and see if it needs more freon added. I have two of these units in different locations and will have to play with these instructions.
I felt comfortable with the Arctic Freeze Freon Fill kit with guage and UV leak detector and penlight which was simple and worked well. I found no leak. Freon level set and AC blowing cold. :)
Interdynamics AFK-12 Arctic Freeze Auto Air Conditioning Smart Charge Recharge Kit Pack of 1.
Artic Freeze Recharge Kit with UV Dye and Pen Light
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Not having used one before, it took a couple of guesses to get it hooked up and working. After that, it worked just fine.
Read Best Reviews of Interdynamics AFK-12 Arctic Freeze Auto Air Conditioning Smart Charge Recharge Kit - Pack of 1 Here
The first clue you should be aware of since my experience with this Charger is fully explained in the first Troubleshooting Guide's FAQ: "ISSUE/CONDITION Green light does not light after adding 2+ cans (more than 24 OZ) of R-134a refrigerant (only White Light lit); POSSIBLE CAUSE AC System Leak OR TXV A/C System with rapidly cycling compressor; REMEDIES/ACTION Check for leaking oil on refrigerant lines & A/C components. Seek Professional Help. Check vent temperature. If temperature cold, stop charging." This last sentence is in my opinion the first clue that this Charges isn't so SMART. I order it simply because I wanted an easy way to check systems and to dispense refrigerant. Was I sadly disappointed. Both vehicles I own, a 97 Merc and an 07 PT Cruiser which what I believe have perfectly working A/C systems failed. The Charger would only register the White Light -Low Charge. After connecting a can of R-134a refrigerant I found the Charger's connecting tube almost to short to allow a can of refrigerant to be held correctly. I also found that trying to charge the systems of both vehicles that little if any refrigerant was dispensed after 15+ minutes on each vehicle by squeezing the unit's trigger in 15-second increments. Little if any of the fluid was dispensed since the can still seemed full even though some fluid must have because the can of refrigerant did get cooler on certain tries. I know that both car's cooling temperature here in central Texas blows cold air down to 45-50 degrees since I keep a thermometer on the air vents. I should therefore know that both systems in these vehicles work efficiently and correctly and the Charger simply does not live up to it's advertisement. I just wish I had weighed the Charger and can of refrigerant on my postal scale before connecting it to the A/C system so I could later weight it again to ascertain just how much fluid was dispensed, if any. If you should purchase this Charger be aware that the BLACK button is the "On and Off". I didn't read anywhere that this button was anything but "power" which is printed on the device -at first I expected the button to glow or something. I would not recommend this device.
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I purchased this product to check the charge level on a 98 Pontiac Bonneville and 2004 Chrysler Town and Country. I figured that since it is a computerized "smart" unit, that also measures outside ambient temperature, I would not have any trouble. Well, after dropping $44 at Advance Auto here is my experience.
Firstly, Reading Is Fundamental. For those born in the mid to late 60's you may remember the RIF campaign. When I took the first measurements with the unit it read "low charge". I ran the check three times for verification. I was about to go pick up some R134a when I notice something on the end of the blue quick connector tube. It read "push to engage". I went back to the low side service port and using my thumb....."Pushed to Engage". There was an audible "click" sound which confirmed you were solidly connected to the low side port.
Secondly, the blue hose could be another six to eight inches longer. If the low side service port is located low next to compressors, radiators, etc. you may have a hard time recharging the A/C per the instructions. The R134a can must be held as upright as possible when recharging A/C. Failure to do so can cause liquid refrigerant to drain into the smart-charge thus causing the trigger to stick. Depending upon where the low side port is located, you may have to get underneath the vehicle.
Thirdly, according to the unit, both vehicles are overcharged. It was close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit when I did the testing so I am not sure if that was a factor. The package information says the black center button is a Start/Calibrate button. I am not sure if the calibration is manual or automatic. Neither do the instructions state how to calibrate if it is deemed required. I am planning to borrow my neighbor's non-computerized dial unit to verify if both vehicles are overcharged.
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Verry good solar panel that include a USB outlet on the solar controler ( Not for I-phone or others electronics ). Work well on sunny or not sunny day. Nice to have a twelve feet wire, it will eliminate the outside connection. Very responsable supplier I had a problem with power of delivered pannel and they correct it promptly.
