A/C Hi/Lo End Service Valves On 94' Astro

[JohnnyC16117]

Can anyone tell me or have a pic on where the low side A/C service valve is on my 94 AWD Astro (w)-Vin can be located ? From the front of van under hood I can only find one service valve to the front left of the accumulator on passenger side that sticks up fairly high off of a thin piece of tubing with a black cap on it (Figure One). The line looks too slim to me to be the low side..or is it? I am going to attempt to put a charge to the A/C and run some dye to see if I can find my leak myself to save some $$$ , I have never charged A/C on an Astro before and not sure where what service valves are where My first step is to find the low side valve , would also like to know where the high side is as well and the release valve if equipped with one..Maybe (Figure Two)?? Figured I would start by locating the low side valve first, any help is much appreciated...thanks in advance


Figure One: Red Arrow Shows The Valve I Did Find
Figure Two: Another View Of Valve ( What is the valve on accumulator marked with Green Arrow? )

[Shad0wXCalibur]

That valve on the accumulator is the low side port. Its supposed to have a cap on it, too.

[JohnnyC16117]

Thank You Shad0wXCalibur. I would have never thought it was on the accumulator itself and still been out there digging around for a valve on a line that don't exist LOL... It was charged before I was told from previous owner but would loose charge after a couple of days and blow warm air again. I read that the accumulator's go bad after approx 5 years and from what I know this one has never been replaced , would you suggest changing the accumulator itself before going any further and charging with refrigerant and dye?

[Shad0wXCalibur]

The accumulator has desiccant in it that absorbs moisture. You replace it when you open up the AC system because you expose it to moisture. Also replace the orifice tube since its a $3 part. Leaks could be from old o-rings or the crimps on the rubber lines. When you figure it out and put it back together, make sure to pull a vacuum to remove any moisture and make room for the freon.

I paid a shop to fix the AC on my 2000 because they are better equipped to diagnose and fix it. It's too much trouble for me and I'm a DIY kind of person.

[JohnnyC16117]

I may just end up doing the same thing and taking to shop if it becomes too much of a hassle. Before I open up the system or anything else I am going to try AC Super Seal and cross my fingers. If that don't do the trick I'll be taking mine in for the repair(s) as well .Ill post back results I get from the Super Seal D.I.Y. fix.. Thanks again for the info

[JohnnyC16117]

Not holding a charge for more than a couple days ..so decided not to even waste the time or money on the Super Seal.. Off to the shop she goes Im going to mention to them to be sure to replace the orifice tube while they are at it as well as u mentioned, thanks for the info & tip

[CharlieV]

I plan on recharging my A/C in my '97 Astro tomorrow. Would the location of the ports be the same as in JohnnyC16117's photo? If not, where is my low side port located? If you can upload a photo with your response that would help, that is if it is different.

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Yes. The low side will be on the accumulator and high side on the metal line. That's how it is on my 2000.