Recharge the AC

[knl25]

How do i put R134a in the Windstar. Is it the black cap on the vertical tube in front of the engine?

Thanks

[mundy5]

Normally the refrigerant is put into the Low pressure line. In order to safely do this, you really need to know the pressure on both the high and low pressure line. If your van is leaking though, this would be a regular maintenance item for you and potentially might be at best a very temporary fix. It's up to you, but if it is leaking badly, it's better to fix the leak first b/4 adding more refrigerant. The dye test is the best at figuring out where the leak is.

[knl25]

There may be a very small leak as the AC is still cold but not as much as before.

So which one is the low pressure line?

And can i do the leak test with dye myself? or does this require special equipment?

[mundy5]

I don't know if you can do the test yourself. Normally it is done at a shop. Maybe others can chime in.

Regarding the low pressure line, it should have a blue cap and a capital L on the top. the high pressure line should have a red cap and have a capital H on it.

[knl25]

just recharged with a kit from walmart (to the black cap with the 'L') and the AC is very cold now.

hopefully it will stay cold for the summer.

thanks for the help.

[mundy5]

congrats knl25, I hope that kit had a pressure gauge so that you don't overfill the refrigerant. how old is your windstar? I'm thinking I need to consider doing something similar in about 2-3 yrs. Right now, the a/c is very cold.

Also to prevent more leaking in the future, you really need to make sure you are running the A/C all year round at least once a week.

[knl25]

Originally Posted by mundy5

congrats knl25, I hope that kit had a pressure gauge so that you don't overfill the refrigerant. how old is your windstar? I'm thinking I need to consider doing something similar in about 2-3 yrs. Right now, the a/c is very cold.

Also to prevent more leaking in the future, you really need to make sure you are running the A/C all year round at least once a week.

Mine is a 2000. The kit has a gauge and it took a whole bottle to get to the normal pressure range.

Last year the van's AC was very good, but I do not turn it on at all throughout the winter and fall. I'll remember to use it once a while.

Thanks

[wiswind]

Actually, you most likey are turning it on in the fall and winter.
The A/C is "ON" when you have the controls set in any position that includes the defrost.
It will NOT , however, actually engage if the temperature is real cold outside.....but otherwise, it will be cycling when you are using the defrost or a blend of defrost and floor outlets.