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 to a system that requires the use of R-12 refrigerant. These two types of refrigerants are not compatible and 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 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 the use of a non-CFC-based refrigerant known as R-134a. This refrigerant has many of the same properties of R-12 and is similar in form and function. However, R-134a refrigerant is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerant. Because of the absence of chlorine in its molecular structure, R-134a is not considered an ozone-depleting substance.

Refrigerant System Identification

The refrigerant used in this refrigerant system is R-134a. R-134a refrigerant is the only type of refrigerant that can be used in the A/C system.

NOTE: R-134a refrigerant systems require the use of Motorcraft YN-12B refrigerant oil or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSH-M1C231-B. R-134a systems can be identified by examining the following areas.

• Vehicle's refrigerant charge tag indicates R-134a service.
• The A/C cycling switch (19E561) has a black base.
• An A/C pressure cut-off switch (19D594) has been added to the discharge line. This switch is not in R-12 systems.
• High- and low-side service ports require the use of special quick-disconnect adapters to preclude the use of R-12 service equipment.

Special Service Equipment

 CAUTION: Do not use R-12 special tools and equipment when servicing an R-134a refrigerant system. Also, do not use R-134a special tools and equipment when servicing an R-12 refrigerant system. Doing so may damage the refrigerant system. Refer to the Rotunda Equipment Catalog for additional information on R-134a special servicing equipment.

• Spring Lock Coupling Disconnect Tool Set T84L-19623-B.
• High Side A/C Fitting Socket D94L-19703-A.
• Low Side A/C Fitting Socket D94L-19703-B.
• Rotunda R-134a Mobile Recycling Center 023-00150 or equivalent.
• Rotunda R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent.
• Rotunda R-134a Manifold Gauge Set 176-R032A or equivalent.
• Rotunda R-134a Vacuum Pump (1.5 CFM) 176-R0126 or equivalent.
• Rotunda R-134a Vacuum Pump (3.0 CFM) 176-R0034 or equivalent.
• Rotunda R-134A High-Side Quick Disconnect 176-R0037 or equivalent.
• Rotunda R-134A Low-Side Quick Disconnect 176-R0036 or equivalent.
• Rotunda 0-220°F Dial Thermometer 023-R0007 or equivalent.

Test equipment must be connected to the refrigerant system in order to make system tests. If a charging station is used, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use.