Refrigerant: Service and Repair

Refrigerant System Identification

Two refrigerants (R-12 and R-134a) are used in today's air conditioning systems. The refrigerants are not compatible and while system operations and procedures are the same for both, the equipment to service is unique and cannot be used interchangeably. The label stating A/C refrigerant use in the vehicle is attached in the engine compartment so the proper service procedure and equipment can be referenced in the service manual. An R-134a refrigerant system will have gold R-134a non-CFC tags in addition to the refrigerant charge tag.

If a component has been used with R-12, it cannot be used again in an R-134a system. If used in an R-134a system, it cannot be put into a R-12 system. Contamination can occur and performance can be adversely affected because each system uses a different oil designed for that system.

Special Service Equipment

CAUTION: Do not use R-12 special tools and equipment when servicing a R-134a system. Doing so may cause damage to the R-134a A/C system.

The refrigerant system has a high-pressure (discharge) and a low-pressure (suction) gauge port valve. These are Schrader-type valves. They provide access to both sides (high-pressure and low-pressure) of the system for service hoses and a manifold gauge set so system pressures can be read.

R-134a systems require the use of special servicing equipment designed specifically for R-134a systems. R-12 servicing equipment cannot be used when servicing R-134a A/C systems. R-134a special service equipment includes R-134a recovery/recycling/recharging station, R-134a leak detector, R-134a vacuum pump and R-134a manifold gauge set.

For the R-134a A/C system, Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a recovery/recycling device such as Rotunda 176-00001 R-134a Service Center or equivalent during any air conditioning service repair or discharge/recharge procedure.