Discharging and Recovery

R-134a A/C Service Center:

Special Tools

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

CAUTION: If a refrigerant recovery or recycling station is used, the following general procedures should be observed in addition to the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturers.

CAUTION: The A/C refrigerant analyzer 198-00001 or equivalent must be used before the recovery of any vehicle's A/C refrigerant. Failure to do so puts shop's bulk refrigerant at risk of contamination. If the vehicle's A/C refrigerant is contaminated, refer the customer to return to the service facility that performed the last A/C service. If the customer wishes to pay the additional cost, use the A/C recovery equipment that is designated for recovering contaminated A/C refrigerant. All contaminated A/C refrigerant must be disposed of as hazardous waste. For all equipment, follow the equipment manufacturers procedures and instructions.

NOTE: Hoses should have shutoff devices or check valves within 305 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.

NOTE: Follow the equipment manufacturer's procedures and instructions.

1. Use R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent to evacuate and recover the A/C system.

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 recommends the use of a U.L.-approved recovery/recycling device such as R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent (which meets SAE Standard J 1991) during any A/C system repair and recharge procedure which requires that the system be evacuated.





2. Connect the A/C service center hose(s) to the vehicle service gauge port valves and the service center inlet fitting.
3. 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 station pressure goes into a vacuum. On some equipment, 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 recovery station hose(s).
6. If the system pressure rises, repeat steps 2-5 until the vacuum level remains stable for two minutes.
7. Perform the required service operations, then recover and recharge the A/C system.