Expert: Candido Figueroa - 7/27/2010

Question
1. My 1997 Ford Ranger AC will work fine for a while, then puts out humid not-so-cool air.  Is this a sign of low coolant?  Does the '97 use R-12?  I have a couple of very old 14 oz cans that I saved w/ a hose kit.  Is one 14oz can generally enough?
2. Which connector do you use, the one left of the engine, top of a can in the car (the reservoir?) or the one right of the engine by the battery (connected to the AC radiator)?  See attached picture.  The screw connector on my AC hose kit fit my '92 camry, but is different than the '97 Ranger.  Is there an adapter that I can use?
3. As I recall you fill when the AC is running.  Should the 14oz refill can be held upright or upside down?  I seem to recall this also is important ... from my younger days. :)
Thanks for your help, Mike

Answer
The 97 has R134 system and you need to add R134 not the R12.


If you purchase the correct refrigerant and equipment it will only fit on one side so I thought that would be self explanatory. If you have ever added refrigerant with this system you described then you would know that the can will have to be shaken to get most of it in the system.