How long have u had it? Do u know for sure it has not been previously converted? If it has, you're 1/2 way there. I've done 2 R12 to R134a conversions (not XJs), both with excellent results. Like most things, if repaired/converted correctly, they work well, if half a**ed, they don't. LOL

 

What a bunch of bad advice!

It's probably already r134 - they started using 134 in the early 80's.
R12 systems are filled from the low side too.

Look fur a sticker. Ask the dealer if it's 12 or 134- he can tell by the VIN. Just a phone call is enough.

If it's 12, you need to flush it and drain the compressor of it's oil.
Then use ESTER oil - compatible with both 12 and 134
Flush kits are available at most parts houses.

Then bypass the lo switch and fill with 134. The compressor has to run to suck the 134 in. bypassing the lo switch makes it run when lo or empty.

If you've had it for years and it worked once, but now doesn't, it probably means you have a very slow leak somewhere. You mat have to add a can once a year - no biggie - but if it leaks down in a few days you need to find the leak and fix it.
Electronic leak detectors are ion ebay for bout $20 - a shop will charge you a few hundred - of course you'll need major repairs!

 

R134a didn't become mandatory in the US until '94 model year.

 

The jeep is an 88, I have had it for about 3 years now and its never blown cold for me. Im not sure if it has been converted, i dont think there is a sticker.

 

May be a good idea to seek professional advice.

 

people seem to be blowing this way out proportion 134a fitting pop on like a air tool does r12 screw on ac systems fill from the low side only ,and never by pass a pressure switch to fill a pressurized system of any kind...if you fell uncomfortable seek help ...

 

It's not worth it, if your that worried buy a car with A/C that functions for the baby.

 

Can one get a car with working a/c for a couple hundred bucks? LOL

 

Its not that it doesn't function for the baby its that id prefer to have ac instead of doorless. If I wanted a different vehicle I don't think id be posting on here do you?

 

I was just looking at the whole package, which is 24 years old. By the time it's "converted" it will run +/- $500 easy & still blow luke warm air.

Case in point I own a 1990 GMC 1/2 ton truck, A/C is still 27° @ the center vent, when it pops and the R-12 goes away it's 2 - 60 air, I'll save my money for a new truck.

 

One of the 2 conversions I did was a '92 Chevy p/u....sold it 5 years after the conversion....a/c was still freezing cold.

 

I've been out of the biz for some time now, but when I sold a can of R134a to a customer, they would ask which line to attach it too, they all attach to the low pressure hose, I believe that all R12 fittings are screw on styles and are too large for the snap on type R134a applicators. That's the reason for the adapters.

I did a quick search on google about conversions/retrofits

http://autoacrepairs.com/134aConversion.htm this website is a basic step by step

and

http://www.aa1car.com/library/retrofit.htm this website goes more in depth about specifics

but you asked for options on how to fix it, personally, there are so many components and special tools for an ac job, that I had my fiance take her car to the dealer to get her ac fixed, cost some money, but in the end, if it leaks out within a couple weeks, I can also go back and wreak havoc on them to fix it again where as if I did it myself, I would just be out the money and back to square one, with no ac.

 

Getting a new vehicle just cause of ac seems a bit odd.

 

No, I think you missed my point, it's because my truck is 22 years old. Better to buy something ~ 5 years old and dump money in to that instead. Plus it's not because I'm cheap, I don't think you'll find too many 22 year old rusty trucks with 150k, and a new set of Yoko ATS 2s'. I just try to put my money where it does the most good.

ETA: OK, ya some people that know me would call me cheap.

 

My jeep is older than your truck. I plan on keeping it for a while as a project/restoration. So I wanna fix everything and do it right