A/C - R12 Refrigerant Substitutes Service Tip
Article No.96-17-10
08/12/96
AIR CONDITIONING - USE OF R-12 REFRIGERANT SUBSTITUTES - SERVICE TIP
FORD:
1980-93 CROWN VICTORIA
1981-93 ESCORT
1982-83 FAIRMONT
1982-88 EXP
1982-93 MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD
1983-86 LTD
1984-94 TEMPO
1986-93 TAURUS
1988-93 FESTIVA
1989-93 PROBE
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1980-93 GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR
1981-87 LYNX
1982-83 LN7, ZEPHYR
1982-86 CAPRI
1982-93 COUGAR
1982-94 CONTINENTAL
1983-86 MARQUIS
1984-92 MARK VII
1984-94 TOPAZ
1986-93 SABLE
1991-93 CAPRI, TRACER
MERKUR:
1985-89 XR4TI
1988-90 SCORPIO
LIGHT TRUCK:
1980-93 BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F SUPER DUTY, F-150-350 SERIES
1983-93 RANGER
1984-90 BRONCO II
1986-93 AEROSTAR
1988-93 F-47
1991-93 EXPLORER
1993 VILLAGER
MEDIUM/HEAVY TRUCK:
1985-94 CARGO SERIES, F & B SERIES, L SERIES
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to list Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed NC substitutes for R-12 refrigerant.
ISSUE:
A number of manufacturers are producing refrigerant products which are described as being direct replacements for refrigerant R-12.
ACTION:
If service is required, use only new or of known quality recycled refrigerant R-12. Ford Motor Company has approved R-134a as the only refrigerant substitute for R-12.
CAUTION:
USING ANY UNAUTHORIZED SUBSTITUTE REFRIGERANT FOR R-12 MAY RESULT IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE A/C SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
INFORMATION FROM THE EPA
This information has been taken from EPA documents to address Ford specific applications and recommendations. Further EPA information on ozone-depleting substances and regulations regarding its handling can be found on the Internet at World Wide Web site: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/
In 1994, EPA established the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program to review alternatives to ozone-depleting substances like R-12. EPA examines new substitutes for their ozone depleting, global warming, flammability, and toxicity characteristics. The SNAP process does not test these substitutes for A/C system compatibility, reliability, durability, or performance.
Under the SNAP rule, each new refrigerant must be used in accordance with the following conditions:
1. Unique Fittings - Each new refrigerant must be used with a unique set of fittings to prevent the accidental mixing of different refrigerants.
2. Unique Equipment - Each refrigerant must have dedicated recovery/recycling equipment for that refrigerant.
3. Labels - Whether a vehicle is originally designed to use a new refrigerant or is retrofitted, the technician must apply a detailed label giving specific information about the alternative. This label covers up information about the old refrigerant and provides valuable details on the alternative and how it was used. The technician is required to fill in their name, company performing the retrofit, address and the date retrofitted.
4. Remove Original Refrigerant - The original R-12 must be removed from the system prior to charging with the new refrigerant. This will guarantee that the largest amount of clean R-12 is available for use in vehicles that still need it.
A summary of the refrigerants reviewed under EPA's SNAP program for use in motor vehicle air conditioning systems is in the table.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 91-9-7, 96-15-7
SUPERSEDES: 93-23-11
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 208000, 208999, 290000