A/C Recharge
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 9
From: Northern IL
A/C Recharge
Does anyone know if I can charge my A/C myself? Or should I let the dealer do it? About how much should it cost?
It would be for my 2000 Expedition 5.4L.
Thanks ~Gage~
It would be for my 2000 Expedition 5.4L.
Thanks ~Gage~
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
You really need a manifold gauge to do it properly--need to be able to read both the low side and high side pressure to measure what's going on with your system.
That said, I know that lots of folks buy a recharge kit and do it blind. Probably, that's no worse than what folks do for $29.95 at quick oil change places, when you think about it.
That said, I know that lots of folks buy a recharge kit and do it blind. Probably, that's no worse than what folks do for $29.95 at quick oil change places, when you think about it.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 1
Without the experience and knowledge of servicing A/C systems, you can cause a lot more problems than you're attempting to solve. You can get it serviced at a reputable repair shop for the cost of quality gauges.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Northern IL
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Lost in Pa.
I do refrigeration service for a living and you will need, a vac. pump to remove air and noncondensables , a manifold gauge set to connect to low & high side to pull vac and add refrigerant and dry nitrogen to pressure test and leak check ( do not use compressed air) and this all could run several hundred bucks. Now to just add refrigerant you can buy a low pressure gauge with can connection and R134 at auto parts store such as Pep Boys or Auto Zone, Advanced Auto, NAPA.
When I had a problem with my 97 Expy just last year I topped off refrigerant and 3 days later didn't cool, after pressure testing with N2 used a pipe to listen to shaft seal on compressor and could hear leak( Hissing ) and had to replace compressor with clutch that I purchased form Ford about $200 and installed in about 3 hrs and I could only guess how much a Dealer would charge ( arm and leg )
When I had a problem with my 97 Expy just last year I topped off refrigerant and 3 days later didn't cool, after pressure testing with N2 used a pipe to listen to shaft seal on compressor and could hear leak( Hissing ) and had to replace compressor with clutch that I purchased form Ford about $200 and installed in about 3 hrs and I could only guess how much a Dealer would charge ( arm and leg )
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
Just did my 03' last night. You really should have te proper equipment to evac the system, pull a vaccum and properly charge it.
I also added tracer dye in case I have a leak. I had not put any in the systems since I have owned it, but it is easy enough to do.
I also added tracer dye in case I have a leak. I had not put any in the systems since I have owned it, but it is easy enough to do.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 2
From: Fort Wayne, IN
Is that just you, or can you get shops to put in dye?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 2
From: Fort Wayne, IN
