2003 Ford Windstar BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Refrigerant System Evacuation

NOTE: Ford Motor Company recommends use of an A/C service center to carry out recovery, evacuation, and charging of the refrigerant system. If an A/C service center is not available, refrigerant system recovery, evacuation, and charging may be accomplished using a separate recovery station, vacuum pump, charging cylinder, and manifold gauge set.
  1. Connect an R-134a service center to the low-and high-pressure service gauge port valves.
  2. Evacuate the system until the low-pressure gauge reads at least 99.4 kPa (29.5 in-Hg) of 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.
  3. Turn off the vacuum 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 leak, and evacuate the system again.
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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