Discharging and Recovery

In order to minimize the discharge of refrigerants into the atmosphere, Ford Motor Company supports the efficient use, recovery and recycling of the R-134a used in all vehicles.

Discharge the refrigerant from the system before replacing any refrigerant system component except the A/C cycling switch and the A/C clutch. Using Rotunda R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent. follow manufacturer's instructions to recover the A/C refrigerant.


1. Connect refrigerant recycling station hoses to vehicle A/C service ports and recovery station inlet fitting.

CAUTION: Use extreme care and observe all safety and service precautions related to the use of refrigerants. Failure to do so could contribute to environmental pollution.

NOTE: If Rotunda Mobile Recycling Center 023-00150 or equivalent recycling station is used, the general procedures should be observed, in addition to the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.

2. Turn power to the recycling station on to start recovery process. Allow recycling station to pump refrigerant from the system until the vehicle system pressure is reduced to a vacuum. On some systems, the pump will be shut off automatically by a low pressure switch in the electrical system. On other units it may be necessary to manually turn off the pump.
3. Once the recycling station has evacuated the vehicle A/C system, close the station inlet valve (if equipped), then switch off electrical power.
4. Allow vehicle A/C system to remain closed for about two minutes. Observe system pressure/vacuum levels as shown on the gauge. If pressure does not rise, disconnect recycling station hose(s).
5. If system pressure rises, repeat Steps 2, 3 and 4 until the vacuum level remains stable for two minutes.
6. Perform required service operations. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system.