mfwizard

I need to recharge the air conditioner in my duaghter's 97 Taurus. I have a 134 refrigerant kit, but I'm having trouble locating the low pressure valve for connection. The one valve I found on the front passenger side of the engine compartment is too large for the connector on my pressure guage. Is there anywhere that I can find a schematic of the AC system without having to buy a shop manual?

LunaticSVT

Ford hid the LOW SIDE terminal under the plastic covering near the windshield. Follow your hoses that run along the sides of the washer fluid and coolant reservoir all the way back to the firewall (into a cylindrical container called the evaporator). You'll notice a plastic covering that runs along the back where the hood meets the windshield just above the evaporator. Remove the screw holding the plastic covering nearest the AC lines (the left most screw when looking into the engine compartment standing in front of the car). Pry it back to reveal the LOW TERMINAL SIDE of the A/C (should be near a gold sticker that says r-134 a wrapped around the hose). Remove the plastic cap and you should be in business.

mfwizard

Thank you for the information. I have scheduled time in a friend's garage for tonight so I will try again to locate the low-pressure valve. I assume Ford hid it for the purpose of making us "shade tree" guys work to find it.:<)

mfwizard

Once I knew where to look, (as not in the compressor area), it took about a minute. On this particular vehicle, there was no cover. The valve was in plain sight. I just wasn't looking for it to be on the firewall. Fifteen minutes and 2 cans of 134a later, the air conditioner cools again. Thanks again for the help.

LunaticSVT

No worries. Glad I could help.