How To Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in 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.
How to Recharge Air Conditioning with Freon in Ford F Series
Test your air conditioning system for leaks
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.
Look at valve connectors on your Ford truck air conditioning lines to figure out if your car uses R134 or R12 refrigerant
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.
Get an accurate pressure reading for air conditioning system
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.
Attach the refill hose to the connector on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system.
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.
Attach the refill hose to the connector on the Low Pressure Side of the air conditioning system.
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.