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Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:54 pm
by kenlou
I want to thank both Tim and John for all of your help and guidance. You guys have been super and I appreciate it so much.
Kenny
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 6:27 am
by Cusser
Disclaimer: I'm not an AC Pro.
kenlou wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:47 pm
I used 12 ounce cans of refrigerant and weighed in the charge. I got 31.3 ounces in. The truck calls for 33 ounces.
It's tough to hit an exact target amount of refrigerant using cans.
kenlou wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:47 pm
The center vent shows 50 degrees on with 88 degrees ambient and a whole lot of humidity. Does this sound normal?

At idle? Driving down the road at 45mph? How many minutes after switching on?
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 7:34 am
by Tim
kenlou wrote: Sun Jul 27, 2025 5:47 pm
I was able to squeeze in a little time to get this project completed, I hope.
I checked all a/c related fuses and relays, all good.
I used 12 ounce cans of refrigerant and weighed in the charge. I got 31.3 ounces in. The truck calls for 33 ounces.
The questions I have:
How much of a difference in cooling will those 1.7 ounces have?
The center vent shows 50 degrees on with 88 degrees ambient and a whole lot of humidity. Does this sound normal?

Kenny
Are the inlet and outlet pipes on the evaporator core similar after it has been running for a few minutes?
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 10:28 am
by kenlou
Cusser:
The center vent shows 50 degrees on with 88 degrees ambient and a whole lot of humidity. That is sitting in the drive after running for 15 minutes.

Tim:
I will check the inlet and outlet pipes on the evaporator core to verify.
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 10:40 am
by Tim
Question: Not looking back, is this a 2-door, extra-cab, or 4-door vehicle?
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 12:37 pm
by kenlou
[Question: Not looking back, is this a 2-door, extra-cab, or 4-door vehicle?/quote]
It is a 2 door
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 3:02 pm
by JohnHere
A center vent temperature of 50°F at an ambient of 88°F isn't normal cruising at 45 MPH. I would expect more like 40°F or even a bit lower for a properly operating system.
You couldn't get in the last 1.7 ounces (~5 percent) of the refrigerant charge? How did you charge it? Into only the low-side service port, cans upright for refrigerant gas (never inverted for liquid), engine RPM ~1,800, doors and windows open, system set to Max Cool or Recirc, temperature set on full cold, blower on high, airflow set to dash vents, radiator/condenser fan roaring?
It should have easily taken the full load of refrigerant.
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 5:47 pm
by kenlou
It could’ve taken the full amount, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t put too much in. That temp is with the truck sitting in the drive.
I charged it only the low-side service port, cans upright for refrigerant gas, engine idling, windows open, system set to Max Cool, temperature set on full cold, blower on high, airflow set to dash vents.
Tim:
The inlet and outlet pipes on the evaporator core are both cold.
Kenny
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 5:49 pm
by Tim
List current pressure readings.
Re: 2004 F-150 Heritage AC
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2025 5:51 pm
by kenlou
I did not pay attention to the readings, I was only going by amount of refrigerant.
