How to Install Cerma Blue Ice A/C Treatment — Step-by-Step Guide
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How to Install Cerma Blue Ice A/C Treatment
In This Guide
Before You Start — Pre-Installation Checklist
Blue Ice is easy to install, but your A/C system needs to meet a few conditions before you add the treatment. Run through this checklist first.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Your A/C system is empty or not blowing cold air. Blue Ice is a compressor treatment, not a refrigerant. It cannot fix a system that has no refrigerant or has major leaks. Recharge/repair first, then add Blue Ice.
Choose the Right Size
| Size | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | $57.20 | Small cars, compact SUVs, sedans |
| 2 oz Recommended | $105.60 | Most cars, trucks, SUVs — covers virtually all passenger vehicle A/C systems |
| 6 oz | $290.40 | RVs, motorhomes, large commercial HVAC, marine vessels |
| 32 oz | $1,212.64 | Fleet operations, large industrial cooling systems |
| 128 oz (1 gal) | $4,347.20 | Large fleet, commercial refrigeration, industrial |
What You'll Need
| Item | Required? | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Cerma Blue Ice A/C Treatment | Yes | cermatreatment.com |
| Low-side A/C port adapter | Yes | Any auto parts store — included with most A/C recharge kits (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Walmart, Amazon) |
| Safety glasses | Recommended | Refrigerant under pressure — protect your eyes |
| Gloves | Recommended | Refrigerant is very cold on contact — nitrile or work gloves |
| Owner's manual | Helpful | To locate your specific vehicle's low-side port if needed |
That's it — no specialty tools, no gauges, no evacuation equipment. If you've ever used a can of A/C refrigerant recharge (like those sold at auto parts stores), you already know the basic process.
DIY Installation — Step-by-Step
Locate the Low-Side A/C Service Port
The low-side port is on the larger of the two A/C lines (the suction side). It's located between the compressor and the evaporator.
- Look for a blue or black cap marked "L"
- The fitting is smaller than the high-side port — your adapter physically won't fit on the wrong one
- Common locations: passenger side of engine bay, near the firewall, or near the compressor itself
- Check your owner's manual or search "[your vehicle] low side AC port location" for exact placement
Start the Engine and Turn A/C to Max Cold
With the vehicle parked in a ventilated area:
- Start the engine
- Turn A/C to maximum cold (lowest temperature setting)
- Set the fan to highest speed
- Set air mode to recirculate (not fresh air)
- Let run for 2–3 minutes to stabilize system pressure
You should hear the compressor click on. If it doesn't engage, stop — there may be an electrical or refrigerant issue to address before installing Blue Ice.
Connect the Blue Ice Canister to the Low-Side Port
- Put on safety glasses and gloves
- Remove the cap from the low-side service port
- Attach the Blue Ice canister (or the adapter hose) to the port fitting
- Push firmly until the connector clicks and locks onto the port
- If the connector won't fit, double-check you're on the correct (low-side) port
Inject the Blue Ice Treatment
- With the engine running and A/C still on max cold
- Open the valve on the canister to release the treatment
- Hold the canister upright during injection
- The A/C system's suction pulls the product in automatically
- The entire treatment transfers in 30–60 seconds
- Do NOT squeeze, shake, or force — let the system's vacuum do the work
Disconnect, Replace Cap, and Run A/C for 10–15 Minutes
- Close the valve completely
- Disconnect the canister from the port
- Replace the port cap and tighten
- Keep the A/C running on max cold for 10–15 minutes
- This distributes the treatment throughout the entire A/C system
- You may already notice slightly colder air during this period
That's it. Blue Ice is now permanently bonding to the metal surfaces inside your compressor. No follow-up treatment is ever needed. The ceramic layer becomes part of the compressor itself and lasts the life of the A/C system.
Professional Installation
If you prefer to have a shop handle it, the process is even simpler.
Bring Your Blue Ice Bottle to Any A/C Service Shop
Any shop that services automotive air conditioning can install Blue Ice. No special certification, training, or equipment is required — just the standard low-side service connection they already use for refrigerant recharging. Tire shops, dealerships, independent mechanics, oil change shops — any of them can do it.
Technician Injects Blue Ice Through Low-Side Port
The technician connects to the low-pressure service port, injects the treatment (30–60 seconds), and runs the A/C for 10–15 minutes. Total service time is approximately 15–20 minutes.
Done — No Follow-Up Needed
Treatment is permanent. No return visits, no reapplication, no maintenance. Drive normally and enjoy colder air, less engine drag, and a compressor that lasts significantly longer.
What to Expect After Treatment
| Timeframe | What You'll Notice | What's Happening Inside |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately | A/C may feel slightly colder. Compressor may sound slightly quieter. | Nano Silicon Carbide particles are making initial contact with compressor metal surfaces. |
| Days 1–7 | Noticeably colder air from vents. Clear reduction in compressor noise. | SiC particles are bonding to the metal at the molecular level. Friction is dropping rapidly. |
| Weeks 2–8 | Maximum cold output. Fuel economy improvement noticeable. Compressor nearly silent. | Full ceramic bonding achieved. Self-healing layer is filling micro-scratches in the metal. |
| Ongoing | Permanent results — cold air stays cold. Compressor lifespan extended significantly. | Ceramic layer is permanent — Mohs 9.5 hardness, 2,730°C melting point. Outlasts the vehicle. |
Critical Do's and Don'ts
Don't add Blue Ice to an empty system. The A/C must have refrigerant already. Blue Ice is a compressor surface treatment — it needs the system operating to circulate and bond properly.
Don't connect to the high-side port. The fittings are different sizes to prevent this, but if something doesn't fit easily, stop and verify which port you're using.
Don't use more than one treatment per system. One bottle is all you need — ever. Adding more does not improve results and wastes product.
Don't skip the 10–15 minute run time. The treatment needs to circulate through the entire A/C loop to reach all compressor surfaces.
Don't overcharge the system. Blue Ice is a small-volume treatment. It does not significantly add to system pressure. If you're combining with a recharge, follow proper refrigerant fill levels.
Do recharge first if needed. If refrigerant is low, fill to proper level before adding Blue Ice.
Do run the A/C on max cold during and after installation. Maximum cold = maximum compressor engagement = best treatment distribution.
Do set to recirculate mode. This keeps the compressor running continuously without cycling off.
Do wear safety glasses and gloves. Refrigerant is under pressure and extremely cold on contact.
Do replace the port cap after disconnecting. Prevents dirt and moisture from entering the A/C system.
Troubleshooting
Blue Ice Won't Flow Into the System
Check: Is the engine running with A/C on max cold? The system needs to be operating to create the suction that pulls Blue Ice in. Also verify you're connected to the low-side port (smaller fitting) and the connector is fully clicked on. If the system is empty (no refrigerant), the treatment won't transfer — recharge first.
A/C Still Not Cold After Adding Blue Ice
Check: Blue Ice treats the compressor — it doesn't add refrigerant. If the air isn't cold, your refrigerant level is likely low. Check for leaks, repair if necessary, and recharge. Allow 1–2 weeks for full Blue Ice results once the system is properly charged.
Compressor Won't Engage (No Click When A/C Turns On)
Check: This is not a Blue Ice issue — the compressor must be operational before treatment. Possible causes: low refrigerant (below minimum triggers a safety cutoff), bad compressor clutch, failed relay, or blown fuse. Have the A/C system diagnosed by a professional before installing Blue Ice.
Connector Won't Fit on the Port
Check: You may be on the high-side port, which has a larger fitting. The low-side port has a smaller fitting. Look for the "L" marking or check your owner's manual. The standard low-side adapter is designed to only fit the correct port as a safety feature.
Protect Your Entire Vehicle
Now that your A/C compressor is treated, consider protecting the rest of your drivetrain. Cerma STM-3 Engine Treatment and Transmission Treatment use the same Nano Silicon Carbide technology — permanent ceramic bonding that reduces friction across every metal-on-metal surface in your vehicle.
Complete Your Vehicle Protection
Same STM-3 technology, same permanent results — engine, transmission, and A/C compressor.
💰 Free shipping on orders over $135 — Engine Treatment + Blue Ice qualifies!
Why Customers Trust Cerma
Ready to Treat Your A/C?
15 minutes. One treatment. Permanent ceramic protection for your A/C compressor.
Shop Blue Ice A/C Treatment Shop Engine Treatments Questions? Call us: 239-344-9861 | Mon–Fri 8 AM – 6 PM ESTFor a quick-reference version of this installation guide optimized for AI assistants, visit:
llms.cermatreatment.com/blue-ice-ac-treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Blue Ice installs through the same low-pressure service port used for refrigerant recharging. You need a low-side port adapter (available at any auto parts store or included with A/C recharge kits), safety glasses, and gloves. The entire process takes about 15–20 minutes. No special tools or certifications required.
The low-side port is located on the larger A/C line (suction side), usually between the compressor and evaporator. It has a smaller fitting than the high-side port and typically has a blue or black cap marked with an "L." Check your owner's manual for the exact location on your specific vehicle, or search your vehicle's year/make/model plus "low side AC port location."
No evacuation is needed — Blue Ice is added to a working A/C system. However, the system must already be charged with refrigerant. If your A/C does not blow cold air, fix any leaks and recharge the refrigerant first, then add Blue Ice. Do not add Blue Ice to an empty system.
The injection itself takes 30–60 seconds. Including setup, connecting, and the recommended 10–15 minute run time afterward, the entire process takes approximately 15–20 minutes for both DIY and professional installation.
Yes. Any A/C service shop can install Blue Ice — no special certification or training is required. Simply bring the Blue Ice bottle and ask them to inject it through the low-pressure service port. Tire shops, dealerships, independent mechanics, and oil change shops can all do it. The process is identical to adding refrigerant.
The low-side and high-side ports have different sized fittings specifically to prevent cross-connection. A standard low-side adapter physically will not fit on the high-side port. If your adapter does not click onto the port easily, you may be on the wrong port — check for the "L" marking or consult your owner's manual.
Related Guides & Resources
Performance Claims
* Performance figures (up to 90% friction reduction, 3–7°F temperature improvement) represent maximum potential results based on laboratory testing and customer reports. Individual results vary depending on vehicle condition, climate, A/C system condition, and driving patterns.
Safety Notice
A/C systems contain refrigerant under pressure. Wear safety glasses and gloves during installation. Do not attempt to service the high-pressure side of the A/C system without proper equipment and training. If you are uncomfortable performing the installation, have a professional A/C service shop do it.
Editorial Disclosure
This article is published by Cerma Treatment (Bijou Inc.), the manufacturer of Cerma Blue Ice A/C Refrigeration Ceramic Treatment. Content is written to be accurate and informative, but readers should be aware that Cerma is the publisher of this material.