How do I depressurize A/C

I have a 96 Ford Ranger. My A/C compressor has seized up and I want to remove it. I've worked on my own vehicles all my life just never worked on the A/C. My shop manual says the A/C system has to be depressurized first but doesn't tell me how. How do I do it?

Do you have the R-134 system? Really the way it is to be done is with a recovery tank and guages. Also, Once you one that system, you will hav eto replace the Seperator as well. Once it's all installed it will need to be vacuumed down then leak checked then charged. I too have worked on my own vehicles, but A/C systems is one thing that I will spend a little money on and have it done the right way.

The ONLY legal and proper thing to do is to take it to your loacel garage and ask them to "recover" you refridgerant.

They should do this for free.

well, i dont know about free, but that is the correct way to do it.once you have all parts reinstalled it should be vacume checked for leaks and properly recharged with correct amount of freon and oil.