Evacuation and Charging
CHARGING WITH A CHARGING CYLINDERCAUTION
^ A/C Refrigerant Analyzer must be used before the recovery of any vehicle's A/C refrigerant. Failure to do so puts the shop's bulk refrigerant at risk of contamination. If the vehicle's A/C refrigerant is contaminated, refer the customer to the service facility that performed the last A/C service. If the customer wishes to pay the additional cost, use the A/C recovery equipment that is designated for recovering contaminated A/C refrigerant. All contaminated A/C refrigerant must be disposed of as hazardous waste. For all equipment, follow the equipment manufacturer's procedures and instructions.
^ Do not add R-12 refrigerant to an A/C system that requires the use of R-134a refrigerant. These two types of refrigerant should never be mixed. Doing so may cause damage to the A/C system.
NOTE: Ford Motor Company recommends use of a charging station to perform evacuation and charging of the refrigerant system. If a charging station is not available, system charging may be accomplished using a separate vacuum pump, charging cylinder and manifold gauge set. If the charging cylinder method is used, the center port of the manifold gauge set should have two refrigerant hoses with integral shut-off valves built into the manifold gauge set. If the gauge set is the type that does not have shut-off valves and two hoses at the center port, a tee fitting and two hoses should be installed at the center port. In addition, the hoses attached to the center port should have shut-off valves at the other ends of the two center hoses to prevent air from entering the hoses when not connected to the vacuum pump and charging cylinder.
1. Connect the manifold gauge set.
2. Recover the refrigerant system.
3. Evacuate the refrigerant system.
4. Connect the center hose of the manifold gauge set to a refrigerant cylinder. If a charging station is used, follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Keep the refrigerant cylinder in the upright position.
5. Start the engine and turn on the air conditioning.
CAUTION: Do not open the high-pressure valve while the engine is running.
6. Open the low-pressure valve on the manifold gauge set to allow the refrigerant to enter the system. Continue to add refrigerant until the proper amount is drawn into the system. Consult the vehicle specification label.
7. Close the low-pressure valve.
8. Check the air-conditioning system for proper operation.
9. Stop the engine.
10. Disconnect the manifold gauge set.