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~

 

O ya I also have rear air.
Thanks guys ~Gage~

 

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.

 

If you don't have the proper gauges, then you should take it to the dealer or a shop that specializes in A/C work.

 

Better yet, buy the gauges and do it yourself. It will be cheaper and you'll have the gauges for next time.

 

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.

 

Thanks guys for the info, I think I will leave this to the dealer to do.
~Gage~

 

See if your dealer has a special first.

 

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 )

 

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.

 

Is that just you, or can you get shops to put in dye?

 

Either.

You can buy a can of dye charge at any auto parts store.

Steve

 

Yep - cheap around $6.00

 

I swore I posted a thank you 2 days ago to your post, but apparently it didn't go through. Anyways, thanks for the answer

 

Went to the dealer today to get my brakes done and asked them about my A/C ad they told me its $150 to check it and $2 an oz if I need refrigerant.
~Gage~