How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in a Ford F-Series

An air conditioner that is blowing warm air is frustrating. If all of the air conditioning components are working properly in your Ford F-Series truck, you may need to recharge your system with refrigerant. In most cases, you can do this using an automotive air conditioning recharge kit. You can do this if your truck is compatible with R134 refrigerant. Models made prior to 1996 may have to be retrofitted to use R134 refrigerant instead of R12.

Things You'll Need

• Goggles
• Gloves
• Leak detection kit
• Pressure gauge
• R134 refill kit

Instructions

1. Test your air conditioning system for leaks. You can find kits that will help you to find leaks in the system and possibly seal small leaks at your local auto parts store. If you see any visible damage, take your truck to a professional to repair the leaks and recharge the air conditioning system with refrigerant. Find the Low Pressure Side service port and remove the cap. On most Ford F-Series trucks, including the F-39, F-59, F-150 and F-250, the LPS connector is along the firewall. The location in some trucks may vary due to engine upgrades or many other factors.

2. Look at the valve connectors on your Ford truck air conditioning lines to figure out if your car uses R134 or R12 refrigerant. You will notice screw type connectors on the both the High Pressure Side and Low Pressure Side lines in models using R12 refrigerant. Models made before 1996 may use the old R12 refrigerant. If this is the case, you must have your truck's air conditioning system retrofitted to use R134 refrigerant. R134 compatible models have quick connect valves. If you see these, it is safe to continue with the recharge. Keep in mind that mixing R12 and R134 refrigerant will damage the air conditioning system.

3. Get an accurate pressure reading for the air conditioning system. To do this, you should start the engine and turn on the air conditioner on the coldest temperature at maximum power. Hook up the air pressure gauge according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Attach the refill hose to the connector on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system.

5. Turn the valve on the refill hose slowly to allow the refrigerant to enter the air conditioning system. Pay attention to the way you hold the can. Most kits will have you hold the can upright when you recharge the air conditioning system. You may need to add more than one can. If this is the case, check the pressure often.

6. Close the valve on the refill hose and remove the hose from the connector when you have finished recharging the air conditioning system. Make sure that you put the cap back on the port.

7. Leave your truck running for 15 to 20 minutes after recapping the port. This allows the refrigerant to circulate throughout the entire system.

Tips & Warnings

• You need a license to purchase R12 refrigerant. In some areas, you need one to purchase R134.

• Always protect your eyes and skin by wearing safety goggles and gloves when working with the air conditioning system.

• Never discharge refrigerant into the air. It is a federal crime to do this, even when you are using R134 refrigerant. You can take any excess refrigerant to a professional for disposal.

• The air conditioner is pressurized. Never try to work on the High Pressure Side of the air conditioner. Doing this, or overfilling the system, can cause an explosion that can result in serious injury or death.