Is cap needed on re-charge port for Ford Focus air conditioning?

Question

I want to add air conditioning coolant to my 2003 Ford Focus.  I found out the re-charge port is located in a hard to see place near the front right wheel.  I can see the port and the plastic cap is missing.

Is the cap needed, or is it just cosmetic (like a tire valve cap)?

Sorry, if I sound ignorant. I know very little about cars.

thanks

Tony · Accepted Answer

There is no such thing as an ignorant question when asked in sincerity.  

The cap is not needed to hold the charge.  If the shrader valve leaks the cap can slow down that leak, but if it's missing it can't do that.  It also keeps dirt out of the valve stem preventing dirt from getting into the system when you recharge it.

So if you don't have one try to find one at your local auto parts store.

It's a decent question.

Good luck.

")

Anonymous · Answer

Ford Focus Air Conditioning

col b · Answer

The cap is there for the same reason that tyre valves have caps, to keep the dirt out of the valve and thus preventing a leak.Your air con service guy should replace the cap when he recharges the ira con unit.

Michael S · Answer

Your question underlines your last sentence.

There is nothing user friendly about automotive AC. If you "think" it needs to be recharged then you must have a leak because the system is a closed system. If you have a leak, you recharging it will not stop the leak, so it will be back to square one.

If you attempt to recharge it by some miracle hooking up your re-charge kit, the system will be either under-charged or over-charged and either way, the AC won't work.

Much cheaper, and smarter is to go to a certified AC technician before you really make it worse.

Trending News

Is cap needed on re-charge port for Ford Focus air conditioning?

4 Answers