Air Conditioning Slowly depleting?

2006 BUICK LUCERNE

120,000 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

DSCHWINDT

MEMBER
49 POSTS

My A/C still works but the temperature of the air is slowly increasing. I assumed it needed more refrigerant, so I was going to recharge it. But when I attached my low pressure gauge with screw-on r143a, the gauge showed the pressure to be in the yellow. Apparently, this means there is a problem with my A/C, and it doesn't need to be recharged. Since the air was slowly getting warmer it seemed like a recharge issue, but now I'm at a loss. What are some potential fixes?

Jul 3, 2025 at 8:59 PM

STRAILER

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
54,832 POSTS

Sure, can I ask when you run the engine and turn the A/C system on can you hear the radiator cooling fans come on? Also, those can kits do not tell us much, we need to connect an A/C gauge set which you can get from Amazon for about $37.00.

https://amzn.to/4exX08S

And then watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EqdrBVb0sY

Also, can you tell if the compressor is clicking in? Please go over this video and get back to us.

Jul 5, 2025 at 12:36 PM

DSCHWINDT

MEMBER
49 POSTS

Yes, the radiator fans and the compressor are functioning properly. I will try to get the a/c gauge set at some point, but it may be awhile before I get around to it since other things have come up. I will let you know what happens once I get around to it.

Jul 20, 2025 at 8:08 PM

STRAILER

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
54,832 POSTS

Sounds good, there is a chance the system is overfull which will cause this issue as well. Also, did anyone add oil to the AC system during a repair, too much oil can cause this problem as well.

Jul 21, 2025 at 10:16 AM

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