ASKED BY: janie2006 0 0 0 1 1 5 27 ASK DATE: Jun. 12, 2005 CATEGORY: Accessories | Cosmetics and Comfort How Do I Recharge My Ac? Share:       Vehicle: 1985 Dodge Diplomat ok i have a 1985 dodge diplomat salon. i am unsure of what product i need to put into my ac system to recharge the ac (only blows hot air). i know there is an r 12 and an r 134a... how do i find out what my system is adapted to...i live in texas and the ac is reallllyyyyyy important. COMMENT BY: joe allen 0 7 0 3 8 6 90 COMMENT DATE: Jun. 12, 7:50 PM QUALIFICATIONS: ASE Certified Site Rank: 1 The best advice that i can give you is to go to your local parts store where someone can actually look under your hood. They will be able to get you the right stuff and the product will tell you how to use it. If you need help from there then let us know. ACCEPTED ANSWER COMMENT BY: way2old 0 3 9 9 2 0 80 COMMENT DATE: Jun. 12, 7:51 PM QUALIFICATIONS: ASE Certified Site Rank: 2 Look at the service ports on the A/C lines. If they have threads on the outside, it is more than likely R-12. If the service ports aer smooth with a hump near the middle, it is probably R143A. However, someone may have added something else to it unless you are the long time owner for the vehicle. The 1985 Diplomat came from the factory with R-12. COMMENT BY: janie2006 0 0 0 1 1 5 27 COMMENT DATE: Jun. 12, 9:44 PM QUALIFICATIONS: Site Rank: 203 youre correct in that it came from the factory with r 12 i found a service sticker on the radiator shroud with this info after i made my post, but inspecting the system it doesnt appear that it has been modified to anything else at this point, will check with previous (and original) owner just to make sure thanks. COMMENT BY: way2old 0 3 9 9 2 0 80 COMMENT DATE: Jun. 13, 7:36 PM QUALIFICATIONS: ASE Certified Site Rank: 2 Most places that have competent A/C technicians have a device to determine what refrigerant is in the system. Have it checked to be sure. There are a lot of blended refrigerants out there that can cause serious damage to the system over time. COMMENT BY: TheBartender 0 0 2 9 9 5 81 COMMENT DATE: Jun. 26, 8:32 PM QUALIFICATIONS: Site Rank: 7 The changeover to R134A occurred between 1993 and 1995 for most vehicles sold in the US. That 1985 Dodge Diplomat DEFINITELY came with R12. If it has been converted, most reputable shops will put a sticker some where obvious in the engine compartment, most often on the fan shroud. R12 is still for sale, but is VERY expensive at this point. Prices are approaching $50 per pound, and most systems take between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 pounds. Given that the conversion kit and labor for swapping over to R134A is often under $150, it makes more sense to convert vehicles to R134A, IF POSSIBLE. Some A/C systems can't be converted for various reasons. In addition, R134 A is not as effecient at cooling, so the systems don't normally work as well. Plus, on RWD vehicles with mechanical clutch fans, the fan will kick in based on engine temp, which means that proper cooling of the A/C condensor may not occur, causing the A/C system to shut down temporarily. Be very careful about mechanics/shops offering "drop in" replacements for R12 with out converting the system. Some of these drop ins contain butane or related components, which really don't belong in a vehicular A/C system. Username: Password: Remember Me  Sign Up  Forgot Login? Year of 2009 way2old 3 Posts. 0 Answers. Mech Rep: 80 Mileage: 39920 swatkins 1 Posts. 0 Answers. Mech Rep: 74 Site Mileage: 5285 About Us | Contact Us | FAQ | Privacy Policy | Site Map Vehicle Aid © 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.