Refrigerant Recovery

System Discharge and Recovery Note
Ford Motor Company supports the efficient usage, recovery, and recycling of the refrigerant used in passenger car, compact truck, and light truck air conditioners. Ford Motor Company recommends the use of an Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) approved recovery/recycling device such as Rotunda R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or the Rotunda R-134a A/C Mobile Recycling Center or equivalent meeting Ford specification (which meets SAE Standard J1991) during any A/C system repair and recharge procedure which requires that the system be discharged.

WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE AND OBSERVE ALL SAFETY AND SERVICE PRECAUTIONS RELATED TO THE USE OF REFRIGERANTS.

A Rotunda R134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or a Rotunda R134a Mobile Recycle Center 023-00150 or equivalent must be used, the general procedures should be observed, in addition to the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
1. Connect the service center hoses to the vehicle service gauge ports and the service center inlet fitting.

NOTE: Hoses should have shutoff devices or check valves within 300 mm (12 inches) of the hose end to minimize the introduction of non-condensable gases (air) into the recovery station, as well as to minimize the amount of refrigerant released when the hoses are disconnected.

2. Turn on the power to the service center to start the recovery process. Allow the service center to pump the refrigerant from the system until the service center pressure goes into a vacuum. On some service centers, 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 service center has recovered the vehicle A/C system refrigerant, close the service center inlet valve (if so equipped). Then switch off the power supply.
4. Allow the vehicle A/C system to remain closed for about two minutes. Observe the system vacuum level as shown on the gauge. If the pressure does not rise, disconnect the service center hoses.
5. If the system pressure rises, repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 until the vacuum level remains stable for two minutes.
6. Perform the required service operations, then evacuate and recharge the A/C system.