Refrigerant: Description and Operation

This vehicle uses a new type of refrigerant called R-134a. It is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear colorless liquefied gas.

R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12 refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a small amount of R-12 in a R-134a system could cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil sludging or poor performance. Never add R-12 to a system designed to use R.134a. System failure will occur.

R-134a refrigerant requires a special type of compressor oil. When adding oil, make sure that it is designed to be used in a R-134a system. Refer to the label under the hood for proper oil and refrigerant charge levels.

Due to the different characteristics of R-134a it requires all new service procedures.