Refrigerant-134a Systems

CAUTION: Do not add R-12 refrigerant to an A/C system that requires the use of R-134a refrigerant. Do not add R-134a refrigerant to an A/C system that requires the use of R-12 refrigerant. These two types of refrigerant should never be mixed. Doing so may cause damage to the A/C system.

In an effort to avoid the use of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants that may harm the ozone layer of the atmosphere, Ford Motor Company refrigerant systems require the use of a Non-CFC based refrigerant known as R-134a. This new type of refrigerant has many of the same properties as R-12 and is similar in form and function. However, R-134a is a Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based refrigerant. while R-12 is a CFC based refrigerant. Because of the absence of chlorine in its molecular structure, the R-134a refrigerant will not have any harmful effects on the ozone layer of the atmosphere.

All vehicles use A/C systems that require the use of R-134a as a refrigerant.

R-134a A/C systems have special service requirements. R-12 refrigerant and components can only be used in R-12 systems, while the R-134a refrigerant and components can only be used in R-134a systems.