Here's why you shouldn't try to do it yourself and what you should do instead:
* Safety: Refrigerant is under high pressure and can cause serious injury if mishandled. The system also contains oil vital for the compressor's operation. Improper handling can lead to compressor failure, costing hundreds of dollars to repair.
* Specialized Equipment: You need a refrigerant recovery/recycling machine to properly evacuate the old refrigerant before adding new. This is essential for environmental reasons and for the proper functioning of the system. You also need gauges to measure pressure and ensure the system is properly charged.
* Identifying Leaks: If the system is low on refrigerant, there's a leak somewhere. Simply recharging it without finding and fixing the leak will just result in having to recharge it again soon. A leak detection needs to be performed by a professional mechanic.
What you should do:
1. Take your Focus to a qualified mechanic or auto AC specialist. They have the proper equipment, training, and expertise to diagnose the problem (leak detection, compressor function, etc.), and properly recharge the system.
2. Be prepared to pay for the service. The cost will depend on the cause of the low refrigerant. A simple recharge may be relatively inexpensive, but fixing a leak will be more costly.
Trying to DIY this is strongly discouraged due to the safety and technical challenges involved. It's much safer and more cost-effective in the long run to let a professional handle it.
