Ford Ranger Air Conditioning Servicing Instructions

by Eric Grosso

Over time, small leaks may develop within the air conditioning system. Often, these leaks are so small that it may not be necessary to replace components within the system, but rather service the system with extra refrigerant. Luckily, most do-it-yourself mechanics can service the system themselves, avoiding a trip to a professional mechanics or dealership. The system on a Ford Ranger can be serviced within a hour, using basic equipment available at most auto part stores.

Step 1

Attach the hose end of the recharge hose to the air conditioning low pressure port. The port is covered by a black dust cap, located on the top of an air conditioning refrigerant line next to the windshield washer fluid filler neck.

Step 2

Screw the can of refrigerant to the valve end of the hose.

Step 3

Turn the valve on the hose clockwise to pierce the top of the can of refrigerant, the turn the valve counterclockwise to allow the refrigerant to flow through the hose.

Step 4

Start the vehicle. Turn the air conditioning on to its maximum setting.

Step 5

Swirl the bottle of refrigerant gently. The refrigerant will flow from the bottle, through the hose and into the air conditioning lines.

Step 6

Place a thermometer into the end of the air conditioning duct in the interior and read the temperature of the incoming air. Generally, the cold air temperature should be 30 to 50 degrees colder than the ambient air temperature.

Step 7

Unscrew the bottle of refrigerant from the valve end of the hose.

Step 8

Attach another 12-ounce bottle of refrigerant to the valve end of the hose and repeat the servicing process if necessary. No more than 24 ounces should be added to an air conditioning system at one time.