Did 1997 ford use the old r22 freon or the new r134a?

Thats pretty high if the system is not running. Average pressure on the low and high side should be near outside air temp.
Normal low side is 30-40 psi and high side is 200-250 psi when the system is running and the freon charge is full.

This is a professional job. You need to drain & reclaim freon so it does not get into atmosphere. Then evacuate system with a vacuum pump for 30 minutes, then refill with R134a freon in the proer amount. Need special tools too. Probably a $500 job.

Your escort take's 134a freon.If empty will take 1.75lbs.

You are low on Refrigerant either R22 or R134A depending on what was used. If it is R134A you can get a refill can and gauge at Walmart, if it is R22 you are most likely going to have to convert your system since R22 is not available for sale to do it your self type folks.

It takes r-12,but needs to be retro fitted to 134a .

if the port you are trying to connect to is bigger than the connector on the hose, then that is the wrong one. that's the high side. you want to connect to the low side, which is a smaller fitting. the fittings for 134a are quick disconnect.

used to be a big deal. today, you can buy kit from autozone or other auto store and do it yourself. Need to discharge R12 into reclaimer so it does not go into air and pollute air.

Then, install R134a fittings on lines, add r134a feon in proper amount with new oil. leave old oil in system. you can buy cans with oil already in the can with the freon. probably need about 6 ounces of oil.
lot's of websites tell how to do this. vidoes on line too.

good luck

It might or might not be low on gas..

It could be something else..

If you get a do it yourself gas installer,,
There are 2 ports.. Diferent sizes.. The one that fits the can is the right one..

Hope this helps !!
Please rate me good ;o)

some of these freon have environmental restriction check with an a/c mechanic

The compressor has a valve, it lets out the old freon and this is where you charge with new freon. The truck should have a label under the hood possibly on top of grille. It will tell you what freon to use. You don't want to the wrong one. There are 2 types of freon. There is the older R22 that is for 94 and older vehicles, and R134A which is for the newer vehicles. You will have to look on your label, or as part store which kind. I believe it will be R134A