For starters I have a 2006 Ford Escape.

So for awhile now my ac has been on the fritz. I took it to the shop and had them take a look at it. They came back with the diagnosis that my a/c condenser was cracked. They didn't have any in stock and didn't have time at the moment to fix it. So I decided today that I would try and tackle this myself. So my only questions are:

1) What type of refridgerant oil do I need to add. I read somewhere that hybrids require very specific oil. Is this true?

2) Do I need to add the oil when I swap the condenser or can I just let the shop add it when they add the refridgerant?

Thanks!

~Matt

 

Can't answer your questions, but nice going tackling this yourself. I had my compressor replaced this spring, and the bill was about $1000. Ouch.

 

The shop will add oil when they charge it. Just be sure they know to use the correct oil.
While it's discharged, you might also replace that scroll valve in the bottom of the compressor. It's a known weakness, and it's just $25