lexus-is2

I recently changed out a punctured aircon pipe which resulted in the aircon system being completely out of gas / discharged. my question is, can I still drive the car even though the aircon system doesnt have gas? does the engine cooling system use the aircon system in anyway? I am going to get it regassed but to do so need to drive it to a garage which is about 30minutes drive away. I dont want my engine to overheat or damage due to overheating.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

ur talking about freon right? the car doesnt use freon for cooling.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

well, its not called freon anymore, so he is technically correct... current cars use R134a refrigerant...

the only time the a/c compressor is used is when the a/c is on or the defrost... it is a smart system though, it will not turn on unless there is pressure in the system... one quick question - did you replace the accumulator or receiver/drier? if a system is opened, its a good idea to replace whichever of these that you have, as any moisture that has gotten in to the system has ruined the desiccant packets... either way, it will work for a while, but won't be as reliable as it should be down the road... moisture becomes an acid in the system...

RTIS250

iTrader: (9)

Yea, these guys are right. Having no refridgerant just means your a/c wont work. The compressor is not engaged unless the pressure is high enough, so no damage can be done.