R-134a Refrigerant System

 WARNING: AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT VAPOR OR MIST. IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS, VENTILATE THE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SERVICE.

 WARNING: LIQUID R-134A REFRIGERANT, AT NORMAL ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURES AND TEMPERATURES, EVAPORATES SO QUICKLY THAT IT HAS A TENDENCY TO FREEZE ANYTHING IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH. EXTREME CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO PREVENT ANY REFRIGERANT FROM COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE SKIN AND ESPECIALLY THE EYES.

 WARNING: WEAR IMPERVIOUS GLOVES AND SAFETY GOGGLES AT ALL TIMES WHEN SERVICING THE A/C SYSTEM. SHOULD REFRIGERANT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EYES OR SKIN, IMMEDIATELY FLUSH THE AREA WITH PLENTY OF WATER FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES. REMOVE ANY CONTAMINATED CLOTHING AND SHOES. CALL A PHYSICIAN.

 WARNING: R-134A IS ALWAYS UNDER PRESSURE. BECAUSE THE SYSTEM IS TIGHTLY SEALED, HEAT APPLIED TO ANY PORTION OF THE A/C SYSTEM, COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE PRESSURE. TO AVOID A DANGEROUS EXPLOSION, KEEP AWAY FROM OPEN FLAMES AND GLOWING METAL SURFACES. THE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD ALSO BE PROTECTED FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT DURING ANY STEAM CLEANING OR MIG WELDING OPERATIONS. R-134A CAN DECOMPOSE AT HIGH TEMPERATURE.

 CAUTION: R-12 refrigerant and refrigerant lubricants are not compatible with R-134a systems. The use of R-12 refrigerant and refrigerant oil in a system designed for R-134a use can result in system damage. R-134a system service requires the use of tool designed specifically for use in R-134a system servicing. Tools designed for use in R-12 systems can result in damage to R-134a systems or components. Also the use of R-134a refrigerant, lubricants and tools on an R-12 system can result in component or system damage.

 CAUTION: The refrigerant used in this system is R-134a, which is a hydrofluorocarbon as opposed to R-12 refrigerant which is a chlorofluorocarbon. These two refrigerants should NEVER be mixed. Mixing of these two refrigerants can result in system failure and/or component damage.

 CAUTION: The refrigerant used in this system is HFC-134a (Tetrafluoroethane) which is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant. HFC-134a, also known as R-134a is non-corrosive, non-explosive and non-flammable. R-134a is heavier than air. Although classified as a safe refrigerant, certain precautions must be observed to protect the parts involved and the technician working on the unit.

 CAUTION: Use only R-134a refrigerant. Due to environmental concerns, when the air conditioning system is drained, the refrigerant must be collected using refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment meeting SAE J1990 and J2210 standards. R-134a must never be removed without the appropriate equipment or released into the atmosphere. Use of a recovery machine dedicated for R-134a is necessary to reduce the possibility of oil and refrigerant compatibility concerns. Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer when removing refrigerant or charging the air conditioning system.

 CAUTION: Ensure that containers are never heated to over 52°C (125°F). Containers should be stored and installed in accordance with all state and local ordinances.

 CAUTION: When admitting R-134a into the refrigerant system keep the tank in an upright position. If the tank is on its side or upside down, liquid R-134a will enter the system and may damage the compressor.

 CAUTION: R-134a should not be mixed with air for leak testing or used with air for any purpose above atmospheric pressure. R-134a is combustible when mixed with high concentrations of air and high pressure.

Prompted by environmental concerns, Ford Motor Company is now producing vehicles equipped with non-chlorofluorocarbon (non-CFC) air conditioning systems. The refrigerant used is R-134a, a hydrofluorocarbon that has no chlorine molecule, which destroys the atmosphere's ozone layer. R-134a is used in all Ford Motor Company vehicles equipped with air conditioning systems. R-134a systems function in the same manner as an R-12 system except for minimal operating pressure differences and component variations.

It is important to understand that R-134a and R-12 systems are not entirely the same. They have components that are slightly different from one another and in some cases, service requirements are slightly different. However, the most important thing to understand is, R-134a refrigerant, refrigerant oil and components can only be used on R-134a A/C systems while R-12 refrigerant, refrigerant oil and components can only be used on R-12 A/C systems. While these two types of systems operate and function in a nearly identical manner, the refrigerant, refrigerant oil and components used in these systems are not compatible.

Also, R-134a systems require the use of dedicated special service tools and equipment. R-134a special service tools and equipment that come in contact with R-134a refrigerant or refrigerant oil can only be used on R-134a systems. R-12 special service tools and equipment cannot be used on R-134a A/C systems and vice versa.