-94 850 wagon refrigerant and transmission fluid

Sarasota · Post by **Sarasota** » 05 Jun 2007, 13:02

Hi,

I refilled the refreigerant yesterday using an AutoZone kit for $20.
When I removed the lower port cap from the line, it made a pop, is that cap supposed to be under pressure (I thought it was just a protective dust cap)?

Also after I was done refilling and I removed the refill cap on the kit I purchased, it appeared that there was a small hissing sound coming from the lower port. I just put back the cap on it and it seemed like it was not leaking. (btw, the refill made my AC arctic cold

So my question is, after refilling, is it normal that that there is some small leakage from the port (maybe just to release some pressure)??

And another completely unrelated question: I need to top off my tranny fluid but I do not know the current fluid specs that are in the tranny currently. (I want to avoid a complete flush right now). What are the dangers of adding a different tranny fluid "type" to what already is in there? Assuming it is regular standard off the shelf fluid in there currently, what can happen if I add Mercon etc.?

Thanks for any help..

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 Jun 2007, 15:30

I can comment on the A/C system.

Your Schrader valve on the port has a leak at its rubber seal. It is a common problem and you can either:

a) Replace the schrader valve and then recharge the system (You really need to pull a vacuum on it first). They are very easy to change as they simply thread in and most auto parts stores have a tool to remove and replace them. or

b) Add some so called "leak repair" R134A. If you are fully charged now you would need to wait for it to get low again or bleed some off before adding it. I have had it work exactly once out of dozens of trys and it was for a high pressure side port Schrader valve on a Jeep. or

c) You can live with it and add a can of R134A every now and again to make it work. Just never let the pressure get to zero before recharging.

As far as your transmission fluid goes, I'll leave that one for someone that has an automatic transmission. I have read posts where a Mobil product is an acceptable substitute but I didn't pay any attention to the numbers.

Hopefully this posts, the site seems to be on its knees.

...Lee

Sarasota · Post by **Sarasota** » 06 Jun 2007, 06:38

Thank you very much for your answers on the AC/questions.

I think I will go with option c. right now since when I screwed back the protective cap, it seemed like the leak was somewhat or totally stopped.

I will see how long it takes for the AC to get low again and then make another determination.

What surprised me was that when I removed the cap there was a popping sound, like the cap was under pressure. This would tell me that the protective cap is air-tight? (and should in theory stop the leak in the valve if screwed on properly?) Would you agree on this?

As far as the tranny fluid goes, all I need to know really from someone is if it can be very harmful to add a couple of quarts ofanother type of tranny fluid than what already is in there? Is it really bad to mix different types?

Thanks for you answer and yes, the site seemed very sluggish yesterday (especially the forum)

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Jun 2007, 08:30

What surprised me was that when I removed the cap there was a popping sound, like the cap was under pressure. This would tell me that the protective cap is air-tight? (and should in theory stop the leak in the valve if screwed on properly?) Would you agree on this?

It will slow it way down but it won't completely stop the leak.

...Lee