Refrigerant System

CAUTION: Do not add R-12 refrigerant to an A/C system that requires the use of R-134a refrigerant. Also, 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.

NOTE: R-12 refrigerant and refrigerant oil is not compatible with R-134a refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant oil.

In an effort to avoid the use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants that may harm the ozone layer of the atmosphere, Ford Motor Company has introduced a new refrigerant system that requires 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 use of R-134a refrigerant will not harm the ozone layer.