How to Recharge 2005 Ford Taurus Air Conditioning
by Rob Kemmett
Just as in any other car, the air conditioner in your 2005 Ford Taurus depends on a refrigerant, R134a. Refrigerant has a lifespan of up to 10 years, so the air conditioner in your automobile should last a long time before you need to recharge it. Recharging the air conditioning system in your Taurus yourself will save you the cost of having a mechanic do it for you.
Step 1
Open your hood and locate the air conditioner's low-side fitting, near the radiator on the right-hand side of the car. The low-side fitting will have an "L" label on it, to indicate the low side of the air conditioning unit. A similar fitting with an "H" on it, to indicate the high side of the air conditioning unit, will be near by.
Step 2
Unscrew the low-side fitting cap with your adjustable wrench and remove it from the unit. Removing the cap will open a port to your low side.
Step 3
Insert the nozzle of your gauge into the low-side port. Press down on the nozzle to fully insert it safely. Gently tug or wiggle the nozzle once it is inserted to ensure that it is secure.
Step 4
Attach the R134a to your gauge nozzle by following the manufacturer's instructions. Some cans have threaded nuts and bolts, while others have a snapping mechanism that locks into place.
Step 5
Turn on your Taurus.
Step 6
Turn on your air conditioning to the coldest setting, as high as it will go.
Step 7
Read the current refrigerant level on your gauge. The gauge has indicators that measure the amount of refrigerant that is currently charging your air conditioner and a chart which lists the average recommended levels (both high and low) of how much refrigerant you should use. There are different models of the 2005 Ford Taurus, such as the SE and SEL, and each has a different recommended refrigerant level. Contact your local Ford dealership and ask the service department what the recommended refrigerant level is for your specific model of Taurus. Have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ready for faster service.
Step 8
Refill your refrigerant to Ford's recommended level by pulling the trigger (or firing mechanism) on your can of R134a for three to five seconds at a time and then releasing it, but only when your compressor turns on. Your compressor is on when you hear a slight humming and buzzing noise coming from the air conditioner, which is located to the right of your low-side fitting (the location of your gauge nozzle). Take note of the new reading on your gauge. Repeat this process until your gauge indicates that you have the proper amount of R134a in your air conditioner.
Step 9
Turn off your Taurus.
Step 10
Remove the gauge nozzle by lifting it straight out of the port.
Step 11
Replace the low-side fitting cap by screwing it back onto the port with your adjustable wrench.
References
Tips
- A license is required to handle refrigerant found vehicles made before 1995, R12. Vehicles that are manufactured after 1995, including the 2005 Ford Taurus, use R134a, which does not require a license to use.
Things You'll Need
- R134a refrigerant kit with built-in gauge
- Adjustable wrench
Writer Bio
Rob Kemmett began writing professionally in 2010 and specializes in writing about food and hospitality. Kemmett has worked in various fine-dining restaurants throughout his career and holds an Associate of Applied Science in Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago.
