Refrigerant System

CAUTION: Never mix the two refrigerants or the oils.

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 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 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.

R-134a A/C systems have special service requirements that will be outlined later. The main thing to keep in mind about R-12 and R-134a systems is that they are different systems. 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.