Replace the high-pressure AC hose between the compressor and condenser on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, requiring refrigerant recovery and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC high side hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM AC-specific O-rings
• PAG 46 oil (for EcoBoost AC system) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Per system specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and AC system to cool completely (minimum 1 hour)
3. Verify refrigerant type with identifier (should be R-134a)
4. Record refrigerant charge amount during recovery for proper recharge
5. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
6. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on integrated clips

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC refrigerant
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports. Follow machine instructions to completely recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for recharge reference. Verify system pressure reads 0 PSI on both high and low sides before proceeding.
2. 2

   Access high side hose at compressor
   Locate the AC compressor on the front driver side of the engine. The high side hose connects to the upper discharge port on the compressor. Remove any wire harness clips or brackets securing the hose along its routing path. On EcoBoost engines, you may need to move the charge air cooler tube aside for better access.
3. 3

   Disconnect hose at compressor
   Using an AC line wrench to prevent rounding, loosen the high side hose fitting at the compressor discharge port. Once loose, unthread by hand and carefully separate the connection. Immediately cap or plug the open compressor port to prevent contamination and moisture entry. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the fitting.
   ⚠Even after recovery, residual refrigerant may remain. Wear safety glasses and work slowly when breaking the first connection.
4. 4

   Access high side hose at condenser
   Follow the high side hose forward to the condenser at the front of the vehicle. It connects to the condenser outlet, typically on the driver side. Remove the radiator sight shield or grille opening reinforcement if needed for access. Note any routing clips or brackets holding the hose.
5. 5

   Disconnect hose at condenser
   Using an AC line wrench, loosen the high side hose fitting at the condenser connection. Unthread by hand once loose and separate. Immediately cap or plug the open condenser port. Remove and discard the old O-ring. Note the routing path of the hose before complete removal.
6. 6

   Remove high side hose assembly
   Release all remaining mounting clips and brackets along the hose routing path. Carefully maneuver the hose assembly out from the engine bay, noting its exact path for installation of the new hose. Check mounting locations for any damaged clips or broken tabs that need replacement.
7. 7

   Prepare new hose assembly
   Remove protective caps from new hose ends only when ready to install. Install new AC O-rings at both connection points. Coat each O-ring lightly with fresh PAG 46 oil (approximately 2-3 drops per O-ring). Do not use petroleum-based lubricants. Add the manufacturer's specified amount of PAG oil to the new hose (typically 1-2 oz for high side hose replacement).
8. 8

   Route new hose assembly
   Following the exact path of the original hose, carefully route the new high side hose from compressor to condenser. Ensure the hose does not contact sharp edges, the exhaust manifold, or moving components. Verify adequate clearance throughout the routing path before making connections.
9. 9

   Connect hose at condenser
   Remove the plug from the condenser port. Hand-thread the new hose fitting onto the condenser outlet until seated. Using a torque wrench and AC line wrench, tighten to specification. Ensure the hose alignment is correct and not twisted at the connection.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect hose at compressor
    Remove the plug from the compressor discharge port. Hand-thread the new hose fitting onto the compressor until seated. Using a torque wrench and AC line wrench, tighten to specification. Verify the hose has proper clearance from the accessory drive belt and pulleys.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Secure hose routing
    Install all mounting clips and brackets along the hose routing path to secure it in the OEM position. Ensure wire harness clips are reinstalled if removed. Double-check clearance from all moving parts, especially the serpentine belt and cooling fan.
12. 12

    Vacuum and leak test system
    Connect AC service machine to vehicle service ports. Pull a vacuum on the system for minimum 30 minutes, ideally 45 minutes. System should hold vacuum with less than 1 inch Hg rise over 10 minutes after pump stops. If vacuum does not hold, locate and repair leak before proceeding.
13. 13

    Recharge AC system
    Using the AC service machine and digital scale, recharge the system with the exact amount of R-134a recovered (or per system specification if recovery amount was low). Add refrigerant slowly through the low side service port. Monitor pressures during charging to ensure proper flow and no blockages.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly until seated
2. Reconnect negative battery cable and tighten securely
3. Reinstall any grille components or shields removed for access

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold with blower on high
• Verify compressor engages and cycles normally
• Check both AC line connections for leaks using electronic leak detector or soap solution
• Monitor AC vent temperature - should reach 38-42°F within 5 minutes at idle
• Verify high side pressure reaches 150-250 PSI and low side 25-45 PSI at idle (ambient temperature dependent)
• Check hose routing has adequate clearance with engine running
• Road test vehicle and verify AC performance under load remains consistent

More procedures for this vehicle