A 1997 Ford Contour has an air conditioning system that uses Freon R-134a as the refrigerant. You do not have to go to a mechanic to charge your system, because you can buy a can of refrigerant from your local auto parts store and recharge it yourself. Do not get R12 refrigerant, because it is not compatible cars made after 1995. With the right refrigerant, charging your air conditioning system is a simple job that costs less than taking the vehicle to a mechanic.
Purchase a can of R-134a refrigerant and a charging hose with a gauge from your local auto parts store.
Start the vehicles engine. Turn the air conditioner to maximum A/C.
Attach the hose to the can of R-134a if the hose did not come attached. Open your Contour's hood. Locate the air conditioner line in the front of the car above the radiator. The line has a low-pressure and a high-pressure service fitting. Locate the low-pressure service fitting, which is the smaller one and is to right of the center of the car.
Unscrew the cap from the low-pressure service fitting. Screw the charging hose onto the fitting. Press the release button on top of the can of R-134a to allow the refrigerant to pass into the vehicle's air conditioning system.
Listen for the air conditioning pump to engage, if it has not already done so. If it does not engage, stop filling the car with refrigerant and take the vehicle to a mechanic. If it engages or has previously engaged, fill the system with the R-134a. Watch the gauge to ensure the air conditioner system is not overfilled.
