My A/C needs to be charged with freon. I heard that freon cannot be purchased due to gov't laws and the only way I can get it is if I have someone do it. Can I actually get freon at a local parts store? And if so, how much? And also, what kind of gauge will I need to charge the system?
2007-03-03 12:22:47 · 11 answers · asked by stabnhobo 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I thought a 97 Explorer came with R134 in it. If thats the case, go to any good parts store and pick up a can and gage with a hose.
2007-03-03 12:44:50 · answer #1 · answered by srena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would need a set of gauges for 134a type freon, which is what your Explorer takes. However, if you dont understand what the pressure readings tell you, it's best to take it to a trained technician to avoid personal injury or damaging your system. If you try to add freon to the high pressure side the can may explode in your hand. If you absolutely must do it yourself, and can get the freon, when you connect the gauges make sure the pressure reads 0. It's the only way to know how much freon to add without knowing a lot more about a/c. Once the gauges read 0, you can add the correct amount of freon through the low side port, which is located on the accumulator ( the black bottle on the passenger side rear with the large hose going to it). The amount to add is listed on a sticker on top of radiator cover, keep in mind the cans are only 14 ounces, and the engine must be running. When done, the pressues will run about 40psi low side and 250psi on high side on a 75-80 degree day, given that everything in system is functioning properly and it was a leak that caused freon loss. You still havent fixed the leak, though, which can usually be found by locating oily residue on the lines, or on components, like around the compressor front shaft seal ( look on the a/c compressor clutch closely). And whatever you do, WEAR SAFETY GLASSES! A blast of freon in the eyes will freeze them..causing permanent blindness!!!! ( see above...take it to a pro and let them do it!!)
2007-03-03 12:55:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, you can buy refrigerant at parts stores. The refrigerant that will go in your vehicle is called R-134a. The old "freon", is R-12, and is illegal for consumers to purchase and is no longer being made. What makes you think that you need to recharge your system? Is your A/C blowing warm air? If so there can be many issues causing this problem, and adding more refrigerant is unlikely to solve the problem. Chances are that you have a leak somewhere and this must be repaired at a professional repair facility, then properly recharged by a certified professional. To find the problem, some electrical testing for the A/C compressor, clutch, A/C on command, pressure switch, etc., may be necessary and then specialized equipment must be used to locate the leak. This is definitely something that you want a professional to handle.
2007-03-03 12:34:03 · answer #3 · answered by Mtech 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Freon R-12, to which I believe you are referring, was discontinued from manufacture in 1995. A '97 Ford should have no freon R-12 in it. It uses a more environmental-friendly refrigerant called Freon 134a. However and regardless, there are kits made which will convert the old Freon R-12 systems to this more environmental-friendly refrigerant. It is very easy to screw this job up. I would recommend you take it to a garage who will guarantee their work. That way, if there's any trouble, you have a guarantee to fall back on.
2007-03-03 12:42:15 · answer #4 · answered by DeeJay M 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only person who can buy freon is licensed auto shops. If you try looking on ebay, there are people selling Freon(R-12), but you still show your license before they will ship your order to avoid breaking ebay and federal laws. It's best to just convert your system over to R-134a system. All older R-12 systems can be converted and you will save money in the process. Also you can go to a local mechanic and they can fill you up with freon (because as mentioned before only they can buy the freon still).
There are some conversion kits out there (K-mart sells some), but if you really don't know what your doing, it's best to just go to a mechanic.
WARNING DO NOT EVER ADD R134A TO A R-12 SYSTEM BEFORE FLUSHING ALL THE R-12 REFRIGERANT OUT!
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2007-03-03 12:37:35 · answer #5 · answered by W. Antony 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
1997 Explorer Xlt
2016-12-13 03:51:38 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All you need to do is change out the R12 with R134a refrigerant. You can buy kits that allow you to change it out. I noticed autozone has a kit that allows you to charge the system but I don't know if they carry something to switch over refrigerants. Your best bet would be for somewhere to evacuate your system of the old refrigerant and get yourself a R134a charging kit from autozone. Make sure you put a new sticker under the hood somewhere that indicates that your A/C system now uses R134a. Good luck =)
2007-03-03 12:33:54 · answer #7 · answered by Andrew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You also need to put a vacuum on the system before you charge it. This is an important step of recharging the A/C system. You need a vacuum pump that is made for A/C systems. You also will a gauge set. I would recomend going to a repair shop that can do the work for you.
2007-03-03 13:01:02 · answer #8 · answered by akicestorm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
97s don't use freon. They use 134.
2007-03-03 13:09:51 · answer #9 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-03-04 23:39:00 · answer #10 · answered by Christian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋