Refrigerant-134a Systems

REFRIGERANT-134a (R-134a) SYSTEMS
In an effort to avoid the use of CFC refrigerants that may harm the ozone layer of the atmosphere, Ford Motor Company has introduced a new refrigerant system on some vehicles 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 Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) based refrigerant. Because of the absence of chlorine in its molecular structure, the use of R-134a refrigerant will not have any harmful effects on the ozone layer of the atmosphere.

Ford Motor Company has begun producing some vehicles that have the new A/C systems requiring the use of R-134a refrigerant. R-134a A/C systems have special service requirements. The main thing to keep in mind about R-12 and R-134a systems is that they are different systems.

CAUTION: R-12 refrigerant and components can only be used in R-12 systems while R-134a refrigerant and components can only be used in R-134a systems.