How to Add Refrigerant to a 2000 Grand Marquis
by Baptist Johnson
Lack of refrigerant is one of the most common causes of air conditioning system problems. A vehicle with no refrigerant in its A/C system will not blow cold air. One way to add refrigerant is to take the car to a mechanic. However, if you would like to save a few dollars, you can fix the problem yourself. Adding refrigerant to a 2000 Grand Marquis should take no more than 30 minutes.
Step 1
Consult your owner's manual to determine the right refrigerant for your car model and purchase the refrigerant.
Step 2
Connect the pressure gauge and the service hose to the lip of the refrigerant can. Form a tight seal between the service hose and the refrigerant can.
Step 3
Open the valve on the refrigerant can slowly to allow a small amount of refrigerant into the service hose. Close the valve on the refrigerant can.
Step 4
Connect the end of the service hose that is not attached to the refrigerant can to the low-pressure service fitting on your vehicle. On a 2000 Grand Marquis, this pressure service fitting is located underneath the hood near the compressor. Identify the pressure service fitting by locating a thin hose covered by a plastic cap near the compressor.
Step 5
Turn the ignition on and allow the car to start. Turn the air conditioner to its maximum setting.
Step 6
Open the valve on the refrigerant can fully to allow refrigerant to flow into your vehicle's compressor.
Step 7
Fill your compressor until the pressure gauge reaches the recommended range of your vehicle. Consult your owner's manual to determine the recommended range.
Step 8
Turn off the ignition on your car and disconnect the service hose from the pressure service fitting.
References
Tips
- Wear safety glasses and gloves while adding refrigerant to your vehicle to prevent injury to your eyes and hands.
Things You'll Need
- Air conditioning recharging kit (including a service hose, pressure gauge and a valve)
Warnings
- Adding refrigerant to your vehicle can be extremely dangerous. With improper care, the refrigerant can may burst and cause serious injury to your and your vehicle.
Writer Bio
Baptist Johnson was first published in 2000 when a poem he wrote won first prize in a local writing contest. He also writes and edits for Etched Press Society, a micro-publishing company based in Wilmington, N.C. Johnson has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from East Carolina University.
