Ford Repair: 1996 Ford Contour AC Recharge, ford contour, ac recharge

Question
The first thing I need to know is how can I tell if my contour is R-12 or R134-A cooling?

I have a 1996 contour 4cyl that I would like to recharge the ac.  Can this be done on my own or does it have to go to a service station?

If it can be done are there any step by step instructions on how to do it, preferrably with pictures?

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
your 96 vehicle is R-134, by mandate. As far as this being a "do-it-yourself" project, it isn't. I would suggest that you bring it to a garage for AC repair or the local dealership. IF it needs to be recharged, they'll have to find the leak and repair that first, then recharge the system.
Erik