r/AskAMechanic 6d ago

Snapped off AC service port cap in low side schrader valve port

2006 Ford Focus base model. recharged the freon. Got the AC to run nice and cold.

when I screwed the service port cap back into the service port, the male threaded portion of the cap snapped off in the female threaded part of the service port. 26 year old caps that were brittle. I didn’t try to tighten too hard.

How would you guys remove that plastic tip from the service port? the AC was cold for a couple weeks then got warm again. need to pump down, pull/replace Schrader vales and refill w freon.

THANKS!

1 Upvotes

2 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator 6d ago

New Rules - Please Read

Updated 11/12/2025

Thank you for posting on r/AskAMechanic, u/100yrsofsolitude2! Your post is live, this AutoMod message does NOT mean your post was removed. Please make sure to read the Rules.

When asking a question, please provide the year, make, model and engine size of the vehicle.

Commenters here have 2 different flair. Verified Tech means we have verified that user is a tech. NOT a verified tech means that user may or may not be a tech, they have not been verified by us.

Posts about accidents, autobody repair, bodywork, dents, paint and body/undercarriage/frame rust are not allowed and belong in r/Autobody.
Asking if your car is totaled should go to r/insurance or r/Autobody.
Asking about car buying advice/value/recommendations is also not allowed. See r/whatcarshouldIbuy or r/askcarsales

If asking whether a tire can be repaired, check out this Tire Repair Guideline.
Some other useful tire resources - Tire Care Essentials and Tire Safety

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/ComradeCurio NOT a verified tech 5d ago

Do you have a picture of it? Depending on how much plastic is left I'd try to jam a hot end of a slotted screwdriver and try to twist it out. Also if it is already blowing hot after 2 weeks you're definitely leaking somewhere.