Now that it is starting to get hot around here...I have been using my Ac. It seems only semi cool. Another trip to the dealer...I just got it back...they had it THREE weeks last time. You all think its just the freon low??

 

Lots of folks(including me) found that their A/C was not fully charged at the factory. I put 16ozs. of R-134A in mine and now it cools much better.

 

Did you put in the freon yourself? I'm assuming it's not very difficult, I've just never done it. Is it easy enough to do? I'd rather try that myself than go through the hassle of taking it in.

 

Yes I did it myself. The best thing to do is get an R-134a charging kit(Wal-Mart) with a gauge so that you can check the system and not overcharge it. All you have to do is identify the LOW pressure side of the system and hook up the charging kit to it, check the pressure, and add the appropriate amount of R-134a to correctly charge the system. Do NOT overcharge the system, more is NOT better. You will end up damaging your A/C system. Follow the instructions that come with the kit and you will be fine.

 

Great, thanks. I'll try this when I get back home.

 

thanks for the info kd4crs I have been unhappy with my AC all last summer I will try this. sounds simplw enough. just a few questions. first how do you know which side of the system is the low pressure side of the system. also how do you know what the correct pressure is. also do you check the pressure with the engine running or not. I have never done this before just want to make sure I get it right. thanks.

 

ty for the info..also I can hear my compressor kicking on and off evry few seconds..is this a sign of low freon and I would also like to know how to locate the low pressure side..thx again

 

To locate the low-pressure port:

1. Find the compressor.
2. Find large diameter metal tubing that leads from the compressor back to the fire wall.
3. Find port on this tube. To be sure, compare with the port on the other tube (smaller tube) that leads from the compressor to the condenser near the radiator. This port is larger and is the High Side port.
4. Do not attempt to connect to the high side port as this can cause a can of refrigerant to explode.
5. The pressure is checked with the engine running and the A/C set to maximum and fan on high.

The low pressure port on the 2004 F-150 is on the larger diameter tube going into the firewall directly below the center connector of the PCM. The high pressure port is on the smaller diameter tubing leading to the condenser up next to the front radiator support and windshield fluid resevoir.

Fordworker, frequent cycling of the compressor is a good indication that the system may not be fully charged.

Since these A/C systems are fairly new I purchased the straight R-134A without additives, oil, etc. I don't think our systems would need or benefit from the additional addidtives. Hope this helps.

Edit: Here is a link to Interdynamics who make the kit I used: Interdynamics. The part number for the gauge kit is: GBM-2CS. The gauge is clearly marked to indicate the proper filled pressure range. Their site has some excellent how-to instructions as well.

 

The old way is to run the compressor (use the a/c) for a few minutes, then put your finger on the valve. The hot or high side will be hot. The cold or low side will be cold to the touch.
Be careful, and be sure to blow a little 134 out of the line before tighting the end on the valve, to blow any air (bad for system) out.
Chris

 

ok..I didn't waste any time..I went to autozone today..got a hose with gauge and one can of r134a...when I first checked pressure..was in the green..or low reading..messed up..from factory low..sad..however..added one can..sucked it down in like 10 seconds...now its in the blue or ok reading..seems much cooler and no cycling now..ty for the help!!!

 

You're welcome guys, always glad to help.

 

it's that time of year. All they guys that bought trucks in theFall and Winter will be noticing how warm the AC is...

 

Mine is warm too. Hopefully, the 05 will be cooler. Come on new truck!

 

My Ford dealership recently recharged my system when I was in for a water leak around the air box. I must say it’s colder now than before. I set the EATC at 73° and that’s plenty cold now.

 

yea, i brought my truck in for warranty fix w/ AC and they found O ring was leaking a bit..so they fixed it and its pretty good cold!

but hey thank for tips! so i ll know what to do in future if AC is low freon or whatever !

YOMAN!