DIY home fixes that save you time and money.
If your GMC or Chevy (2020 and newer) AC isn’t blowing as cold as it used to, you might assume it needs an expensive dealership service. In this guide, I’ll show you how to recharge your AC system yourself and save hundreds of dollars by doing it at home.
One of the most important things to understand with newer GM trucks is that they use R-1234yf refrigerant instead of the older R-134a system. Using the correct refrigerant is critical before you even start the recharge process.
A dealership AC service can easily cost several hundred dollars depending on the diagnosis and recharge required. For vehicles that are simply low on refrigerant, a DIY recharge can restore cold air for a fraction of the cost.
This is a beginner-friendly maintenance task that can help keep you comfortable during the hottest months of the year while avoiding unnecessary repair bills.
Watch the Full Video
Tools & Products Used
AC Recharge Kit (R-1234yf compatible):
https://amzn.to/3RXGRlT
Why AC Refrigerant Type Matters
Before you attempt any recharge, it’s important to confirm which refrigerant your vehicle uses.
Newer GMC and Chevy trucks (2020+) typically use:
- R-1234yf refrigerant
- Designed for newer vehicle AC systems
- Required by the manufacturer
Older vehicles typically use:
- R-134a refrigerant
- Not compatible with newer R-1234yf systems
Using the wrong refrigerant can damage AC components and lead to costly repairs, making refrigerant identification the most important step before starting.
How This AC Recharge Works
In this project, I walk through the complete recharge process, including:
- Identifying the correct refrigerant type
- Running the truck correctly before charging
- Connecting the recharge canister
- Monitoring system pressures
- Checking vent temperatures
- Verifying system performance after charging
What You’ll Learn
- How to identify the correct refrigerant for GMC/Chevy (2020+)
- Why R-1234yf vs. R-134a matters
- How to safely prepare your vehicle before charging
- Step-by-step hookup of the AC recharge canister
- How to monitor vent temperatures after charging
- What to watch for after the recharge is complete
- How this simple DIY can save hundreds versus dealership pricing
Dealer vs DIY Cost
DIY Cost
- R-1234yf AC recharge kit
- Basic DIY tools
- Can often be completed in less than an hour
Dealer Cost
- AC diagnostic fee
- Refrigerant recharge service
- Labor charges
Depending on your location and dealership rates, an AC recharge service can cost several hundred dollars. If your system is simply low on refrigerant, doing the work yourself can result in significant savings.
Beginner-Friendly AC Maintenance
This is one of the easier automotive maintenance tasks for DIYers. There is very little disassembly required, and the process focuses on properly identifying the refrigerant, safely connecting the recharge kit, and monitoring system performance.
As always, follow all safety instructions included with your recharge kit and never overcharge the system.
Final Thoughts
Recharging the AC in your GMC or Chevy (2020+) is a simple DIY maintenance task that can restore cold air and save you a substantial amount of money. The key is making sure you’re using the correct R-1234yf refrigerant and following the proper charging procedure.
If your truck is no longer blowing cold air due to low refrigerant levels, this DIY repair may be one of the fastest and most cost-effective fixes you can perform.
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DIY home fixes that save you money.