SECTION 412-00: Climate Control System — General Information
2002 Escape Workshop Manual
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Procedure revision date: 06/14/2001

Air Conditioning (A/C) System Evacuation And Charging

Special Tool(s)
R-134a Refrigerant Center
176-00002 or equivalent
R-134a A/C Refrigerant Center
023-00153 or equivalent
R-134a Manifold Gauge Set
176-R032A or equivalent
1.2 CFM Vacuum Pump
023-R0162 or equivalent
4.0 CFM Vacuum Pump
023-R0163 or equivalent
  1. Prior to charging the refrigerant system, you must verify the purity of the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to the Refrigerant Identification Testing in this section.

  1. NOTE: Ford Motor Company recommends use of a charging station to carry out evacuation and charging of the refrigerant system. If a charging station is not available, system charging may be accomplished using a separate vacuum pump, charging cylinder, and manifold gauge set. For additional information, refer to the Manifold Gauge Set Connection in this section.

    Connect the R-134a A/C Refrigerant Center to the low and high pressure service gauge port valves.
  1. Evacuate the system until the low-pressure gauge reads at least 99.4 kPa (29.5 in-Hg) (vacuum) and as close to 101.1 kPa (30 in-Hg) as possible. Continue to operate the vacuum pump for a minimum of 45 minutes.
  1. Turn off the evacuation pump. Observe the low-pressure gauge for five minutes to make sure that the system vacuum is held. If vacuum is not held for five minutes, leak test the system, service the leaks, and evacuate the system again.
  1. Correctly oil match the system to verify that the correct amount of refrigerant oil is present in the system. For additional information, refer to the Refrigerant Oil Adding in this section.
  1. Charge the system with the specified weight of refrigerant and refrigerant oil.
  1. When no more refrigerant is being drawn into the system, start the engine and select MAX A/C operation. Adjust the blower motor speed to maximum and allow the remaining refrigerant to be drawn into the system. Continue to add refrigerant into the system until the specified weight of R-134a has been added. Close the charging cylinder valve and allow the system to pull any remaining refrigerant from the hose. When the suction pressure drops to approximately 207 kPa (30 psi), close the charging hose valve.