Recharge A/C on 1994 Ford Aerostar
The 1994 Ford Aerostar van was manufactured with optional air conditioning, which uses a compressor and circulating coolant to lower the ambient temperature of the interior. This coolant can leak, and require replacement; the leak should be repaired, as A/C coolant does not \"wear out,\" and should not leak. The average backyard mechanic can recharge the air conditioning of an Aerostar in about thirty minutes.
Instructions
1. Take the van to a garage or oil change facility to get the air conditioning system evacuated. Even though there is not enough coolant to cool the interior, there is still latent coolant in the lines and evaporator that must be removed before fresh coolant and oil can be added. Shops will normally collect this coolant for free, as they are compensated for it.
2. Attach a can of coolant to the valve provided in the recharge kit by twisting it onto the bottom of the valve until the needle in the valve punctures the can. The valve will pressurize at this point. Attach the nozzle to the low side service port on the air conditioning system, in this case near or on the evaporator casing. The high side port is between the battery and the radiator in most Aerostars; this is not the correct port. Damage could result from trying to use the wrong port. Press the nozzle to the port and seat it by pulling back on the valve opening momentarily.
3. Start the van and turn the air conditioning to the maximum setting. Open the valve by pulling the trigger or turning the valve opening counterclockwise. The air conditioning system will draw in the coolant, emptying the can in about ten minutes. When the can is empty, pull the nozzle from the low side service port and remove the can of spent coolant from the valve by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Replace it with a can of lubricant and repeat the process. After the can of lubricant has been expended, change it out for the last can of coolant and allow it to fully discharge into the system. For leak detection, add a can of ultraviolet dye and allow it to run in the car for a few days before checking for leaks with a UV light. The Aerostar system will take about 2 pounds of coolant.
5. Turn the A/C system off, stop the engine and dispose of all waste properly.
Tags: 1994 Ford, 1994 Ford Aerostar, conditioning system, Ford Aerostar, Recharge 1994
