How hard is it to add freon to your truck using a kit?

Question

I need to add freon to my truck and I've been told that it cost about $45 a pound to add freon to my truck. My question is how hard is it to to use the freon D-I-Y kits? Can you tell me step by step how to do it and provide links if possible? As much info as possible please!!!!!!

It is a 1988 Ford Ranger Standard Cab V6 2.9 liter....hope that helps

Answer 1

First you need to be certain it is freon. That would be evident by the sticker under the hood that says R-12 refrigerant. If it says R-134 than it is NOT freon. Freon is not used so much anymore as the older cars retire. But at any rate, in my State, a DIY'er cant do there own recharge of freon. You can buy R-134 kits at most autoparts stores and the instructions are very clear. you can also get retrofit kits that claim to be compatible. most AC guys will balk at that but heres a couple of things to consider. a) your freon went somewhre..... leak?? thats gotta be fixed first. the retro fit kits come with 134 charging can, lubricating oil for the compressor and a stop leak additive. All I can say is that they only cost about $50 for everything and all the cars I recharged with one still works. R-12 systems as they are old, you'll likely have to go to a shop and they will flush, add dye to find leaks and then charge it with a few pounds of R-12 if that is what you have.
write me if you need more info.

Answer 2

It is really easy. The only thing you need to know is what type of freon you are using. Is it R-12, or the newer R-134A? Buy the kit for the type of freon that you use. The kit will have instructions on how to do it.

Mainly, you just hook the can of freon to the gauge, and then hook the other end to the low pressure fitting on the AC line. It will be the bigger one of the two. The fitting will only fit on the right one anyway. Start the engine and turn on the AC, then add the freon until the gauge reads in the green. Do not overfill the AC.

You have a leak somewhere, so expect to do this next year again and again, until you get the leak fixed. good luck.

Answer 3

Its actually really easy. The kit will come with some fittings that screw onto the valves of your compressor. You cannot put them on backwards because they are different sizes. Once the fittings are on you take the hose provided, affix it to the top of the can which punctures the can, and the end of the hose will clamp onto the compressor fitting which you put on (low side). Turn on the car and A/C, turn the can upside down and unscrew the part connected to the can to let the freon out and shake the can as you do it. Tighten the part you unscrewed on the can to stop the flow of freon.

The only problem involved here is you dont have a gauge to show how much you put in there and if you overcharge the compressor this could be dangerous or cause problems.

Answer 4

just go buy the kit it will have instructions make sure the kit has a pressure gauge on it so you dont over fill it the kits about 40 -45 dollars and about 6-8 a can but the kit comes with plenty

Answer 5

What kind of truck is it and year, this depends on if you have retro-fitted yet. Its pretty easy if your have the correct tools and supplies