Refigerant oil is used to cool the air in an air conditioner. Vehicles manufactured after 1995 use R134a refrigerant oil. Older vehicles use R12, which requires special licensing to use. You can add R134a to your vehicle air conditioner, without any special requirements or tools. Most canisters come equipped with quick-connect nozzles and pressure gauges. The 1999 Ford Taurus uses the R134a quick-connect fittings on the AC lines, allowing you to refill the system, as necessary.
Raise your hood, and support it, with the hood support rod.
Remove the plastic cap from the low-pressure port on the coolant line. The port is located along the passenger's side of the engine firewall. The port is covered by a black cap and attached to the larger, metal tubing, coming from the AC condenser at the front, passenger's side of the engine.
Attach the quick-connect fitting from the R134a recharge canister. The fitting pops into place and will only connect to the low-pressure port. The fitting will not fit any other port.
Start the vehicle, and allow it to run for a few minutes. Turn the air conditioner to the highest setting.
Press the trigger on the canister to fill the system. Monitor the progress, by releasing the trigger, and checking the pressure reading on the gauge. Do not overfill the system, or you could damage your AC system. Disconnect the quick-connect fitting, by lifting on the sides of the fitting. Replace the black cap, and close the hood.
