How to Charge the AC on a 1999 Ford Escort

The air conditioner system in the 1999 Ford Escort uses R-134a refrigerant. The system may lose refrigerant over time, which will affect the performance of the air conditioner. If the it does not seem to cool as well as it once did, you may need to add more refrigerant. The R-134a refrigerant and an automotive recharge kit are available at most auto parts stores. You can charge the air conditioner system at home to avoid taking the vehicle to an expensive mechanic.

Turn the valve counterclockwise on the R-134a automotive recharge kit to open the valve. Attach a container of R-134a refrigerant to the kit.

Open the hood, and locate the low-pressure port on the air conditioning system. The port will be close to the firewall on the passenger side of the engine compartment. Remove the plastic cap from the port by turning it counterclockwise with your fingers.

Connect the recharge kit hose to the low-pressure port. Pull back on the hose adapter slightly, and slip the hose over the port. Release the hose adapter, and it should lock in place.

Start the engine, and turn on the air conditioner. Set the air conditioner to the maximum cool setting, and set the fan blower to high.

Turn the valve clockwise on the R-134a automotive recharge kit to close the valve, and break the seal on the R-134a refrigerant. Once the valve is closed completely, turn it counterclockwise all the way to allow the refrigerant to flow into the vehicle system. Add the entire container of refrigerant to the vehicle.

Check the air temperature flowing through the vents in the passenger cabin with a thermometer. The air should be 35 to 40 degrees colder than the outside temperature. If necessary, use another can of R-134a refrigerant to achieve the desired temperature.

Turn off the engine. Pull back on the hose adapter slightly, and remove the recharge kit hose from the fill port. Replace the cap by turning it clockwise. Close the hood.