Air Conditioning - Approved Flushing Procedures
Article No.95-18-4
09/11/95
AIR CONDITIONING - FORD APPROVED FLUSHING
PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP
FORD:
1985-86 LTD
1985-88 EXP
1985-94 TEMPO
1985-95 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD
1986-96 TAURUS
1989-93 FESTIVA
1989-95 PROBE
1994-95 ASPIRE
1995-96 CONTOUR
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1984-92 MARK VII
1985-86 MARQUIS
1985-87 LYNX
1985-94 TOPAZ
1985-95 COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR
1985-96 CONTINENTAL
1986-96 SABLE
1987-89 TRACER
1991-93 CAPRI
1991-95 TRACER
1993-95 MARK VIII
1995-96 MYSTIQUE
MERKUR:
1985-89 XR4TI
1988-89 SCORPIO
LIGHT TRUCK:
1985-90 BRONCO II
1985-95 BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F-150-350 SERIES
1985-96 RANGER
1986-95 AEROSTAR
1991-96 EXPLORER
1993-95 VILLAGER
1995-96 WINDSTAR
This TSB is being republished in its entirety to
include Labor Operations for system flushing.
ISSUE:
Ford Motor Company has approved a procedure to provide technicians with a non-CFC method of flushing contaminated A/C system heat exchangers (evaporators and condensers). This procedure allows the A/C components to be cleaned and flushed while installed in the vehicle. The types of contamination flushed include particle matter which results from compressor or desiccant failure and the gummy residue which may form when refrigerant oil is overheated. Some Ford authorized HFC-134a retrofit kit procedures will also require A/C system flushing to remove mineral oil for capacity reasons.
ACTION:
Refer to the following text for proper flushing procedures.
The flushing procedure is a two-step process which involves the use of an A/C Flusher. The Flusher is used to do the following:
1. Circulate the flushing solvent through the A/C system heat exchangers in the reverse direction of normal refrigerant flow (back flushing). Particle matter is filtered from the returning solvent and the solvent is returned to the reservoir for continued circulation.
2. Remove the flushing solvent from the A/C system. In this step, pressurized air (90-125 psi/620-862 kPa) is used to push and evaporate any remaining flush solvent from the heat exchangers.
Only Rotunda Item No. 014-00990 A/C Flushing kit which includes 014-00991 A/C Flusher, 014-00992 A/C Flusher Filling Kit. and F4AZ-19579-A A/C Flushing Solvent (case of 4 gallons/15 L), is approved for use on Ford vehicles. No other flushing device or solvent is approved by Ford Motor Company for flushing A/C systems. The use of other equipment or solvent may cause damage to the A/C system and the flushing unit.
Minimum time for flushing is 15 minutes and minimum time for air flushing is 30 minutes. Failure to continue air purge for the entire 30 minutes as specified may result in residual amounts of flush solvent contaminating the A/C system. Residual flush solvent in a functioning A/C system may lead to A/C system failure.
Do not flush through orifice tubes. TXVs, accumulator/driers, receiver/driers, mufflers or hoses. Internal plumbing and material make-up of these components make it impossible to properly remove the debris and/or residual flushing solvent.
One (1) gallon (3.8 L) of Ford A/C System Flushing Solvent is used in this device and is intended for one (1) vehicle only. It may be used to flush both heat exchangers on an individual vehicle, but under no circumstances should it be used on more than one (1) vehicle. The filter used when flushing is also intended for use on one (1) vehicle only.
NOTE:
DURING THE FLUSHING PROCESS, THIS MATERIAL MAY COLLECT RESIDUE FROM THE A/C SYSTEM, WHICH MAY INCLUDE CFC-12. DISPOSE OF THE SOLVENT AND FILTER IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL REGULATIONS.
Use of A/C system filter kits as prescribed in TSB 94-15-5 is optional if the A/C system is flushed. Filter kit use is recommended after flushing if the system is highly contaminated. If the hoses are clogged with debris, hose replacement is required.
Always remember to match oil properly, replace the accumulator/drier and orifice tube, or TXV and receiver/drier when servicing an A/C system with a compressor or desiccant failure.
The following vehicles require A/C system flushing with retrofit kits to remove mineral oil for capacity reasons.
^ 1993 Probe 2.0L and 2.5L
^ 1988-90 Escort 1.9L EFI
^ 1989-93 Thunderbird Super Coupe
^ 1986-92 Mark VII
^ 1991-93 Capri 1.6L and 1.6T
^ 1988-93 Festiva 1 .3L
^ 1987-90 Tracer 1.6L
^ 1985-89 XR4Ti
^ 1988-89 Scorpio
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 94-15-5
SUPERSEDES: 95-8-1
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage For 1991-95 Lincolns And All Other 1992-95 Models
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
951804A Flush Evaporator 1.0 Hr.
951804B Flush Condenser 1.0 Hr.
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
19703 49
OASIS CODES: 208000, 208200, 208999