WHERE DO I ADD FREON TO MY 1996 FORD ESCORT LX?

You don't. Freon is an element which destroys the earth's ozone layer.

IF where you live is anything like Pennsylvania, THE ONLY people permitted to install refrigerants into any cooling system MUST BE licensed by the state! The refrigerants' records are tracked and monitored.

IF there is a leak, the mechanic/technician is the one who has to answer about what led-up to the leak.

BUT it's your "neck in the noose". I suggest checking with your county, state, province or country.

Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it!

VTY,
Ron Berue
Yes, that is my real last name!

Sources: A factoid I learned a very long time ago.

Air conditioners have a high pressure port (fitting) and a low pressure. the high pressure fitting is on the line that comes out of the compressure and runs foward to the condenser core in front of the radiator. this fitting is a differant size than the low pressure. the low pressure fitting is normaly mounted near the filter canister whitch is the lines that run into and out of the fire wall. (when running correctly this filter can will be wet and cold to the touch. then the line after comming out of the fire wall is low pressure and runs back to the compressor. if you bought a refill kit they only fit the right fitting to fill the system. after hooking up the can and the lines to the low side of the system open the valve and then start the engine and turn on the air system. let run until the condensor starts to swet. and keep checking the temp on the air coming out of the vents. you will do well to get 40 degrees. this can take a few minutes. after you remove the fill system then run the car around a bit and keep shutting off and on the air. Don't over fill the system because too much is dangerous and it will also cause it to freeze up.
I hope this helps
Gford