I have questions about DIY charging

[RParker]

I wish I had found this forum before attempting to recharge the AC system on my 2011 GMC Terrain (never buy a Terrain - SO many issues !)
Anyway, my AC had been working fine, but then it wasn't very cold or as cold as it's been, and of course we're in a heat wave here in Missouri. I watched some YouTube videos, I'm mechanically inclined, so it seemed pretty easy and straight forward. Well, I hooked up my small can 143a with gauges and my system was showing the pressure on low side was in the red. I thought maybe I needed to pump some in for the gauges to read right. I pumped a little in, stopped, and checked the air blowing out of the vents. It did seem a little cooler after a bit, but the needle was still in the red. I went to a friends house and he does HVAC on houses, and he pumped out the low side till it was empty. Then I pumped in the whole can, and yes, I got the stuff that has the oil and the stop-leak stuff and dye in it because I thought that was the way to go, and now I know better after reading this forum. But here's the thing, I pumped that whole can in and never got the needle to the green part, and the air coming out of the vents isn't cool at all. I looked all over and I'm not seeing any leaks. I am in a financial situation because of a recent $3,500 repair (timing chain, valves, machine heads, exhaust manifold and catalytic converter) and I'm beyond broke right now making car payment, full coverage insurance and now another loan payment for repair bill . I have taken on a second job driving for Uber on the weekends to pay off the loan, so I have got to get this AC going without taking it to a shop that's charging $250 just to diagnose !
Should I buy another can, without the stop-leak stuff, just the dye, and see if that second can gets the needle into the green ? I'm concerned I could do serious damage, but I even got a different gauge (borrowed from a friend) and it read the same.
Thank you for any help and advice, besides taking it to a shop bc I just can't afford it
Robin ~

[Tim]

From what I read, so much was done incorrectly here.

A magical can of refrigerant with a dial gauge will provide real pressure readings. Vehicles need a specific weight of refrigerant per their design. Also, I noted the refrigerant was removed and more added. Maybe I missed reading the post. But did you pull the system into a vacuum before adding the refrigerant back?

Understand you are on a bugjet. However, things need to be done correctly if you have any chance of getting cold air, IMO.

[JohnHere]

I agree with the above post.

Additionally, gauges being in the Red or Green doesn't really matter because inexpensive discount or auto parts store gauges aren't accurate to begin with. You'll need the extensive knowledge and skills that only years of experience can bring, along with a professional Manifold Gauge Set to diagnose your vehicle, as well as several additional tools, equipment, and supplies to evacuate and recharge it.

Unfortunately, using refrigerant (in this case R-134a) containing sealer and/or stop leak probably compromised the entire system. That's a major drawback of using one of these "quick fixes in a can" products that are, sadly, still widely available to the unsuspecting public.

The damage has already been done, and I suggest not adding any pure refrigerant as I don't think it will help. The only things that I can see happening are to wait until you're financially able. Then have a competent, professional Mobile Vehicle A/C repair shop overhaul the system. Or purchase another vehicle having working A/C using the proceeds from the sale of your 2011 Terrain.

[GM Tech]

Sounds to me like the compressor is not running....

[Tim]

Sounds to me like the compressor is not running....

Hello, sir.