Ford vehicles, including the Ford F-150 and Ford Edge, use R-134a refrigerant for their air conditioning systems. R-134a replaced R-12 in the early 1990s due to its more environmentally friendly properties. It is important to follow the proper steps for adding refrigerant to your Ford vehicle to avoid damaging the AC system or components like the clutch or compressor.
Contents
- What cars use R134a refrigerant?
- When did Ford stop using R-12?
- Why is R-1234yf preferred over R134a?
- Is R134a refrigerant illegal?
- What kind of refrigerant does Ford use?
- Is r134 and R-1234yf the same?
- Why is R134a banned?
- Can you still purchase R12 refrigerant?
- Can I use R-22 instead of R134a?
- Is R134a refrigerant still available?
What cars use R134a refrigerant?
In most cars that are on the road today, R134a refrigerant makes the A/C system blow cold on hot days. Selected for its low flammability and safety, as well as because it’s kinder to the environment, almost every car built since 1994 is equipped with R134 refrigerant. However, kinder is the key word.
When did Ford stop using R-12?
So carmakers were mandated to stop using R12 after the 1994 model year. One current replacement refrigerant is R134a, which serves the same purpose as Freon but is less harmful to the environment. Freon is the well-known trademarked name for dichlorodifluoromethane gas.
Why is R-1234yf preferred over R134a?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, R1234yf is more energy-efficient compared to R134a. This means vehicles using R1234yf as their refrigerant will consume less fuel. Another thing to note is that R1234yf has a significantly higher cost compared to R134a.
Is R134a refrigerant illegal?
A rule proposal by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides that all high-GWP HFCs, including R134a, R404A and R410A, will be banned in most new refrigeration equipment from January 1, 2025.
What kind of refrigerant does Ford use?
R134a
Ford refrigerant filling quantities R134a and 1234yf.
Is r134 and R-1234yf the same?
The R-1234yf is much more reactive than R-134a. On the positive side, this higher reactivity is why R-1234yf is so much more friendly to the environment. It tends to react with other gases in the atmosphere and break down within a couple of weeks, as compared to R-134a, which remains stable for over a decade.
Why is R134a banned?
The Agency cites the use of TCE in some R-134a production as an unreasonable risk to human health. In October 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to ban the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of trichloroethylene (TCE) for all uses.
Can you still purchase R12 refrigerant?
While the production of new R12 is banned, it is not illegal to sell or use R12. In fact, many of the cylinders and cans of Freon R12 sold for decades throughout the United States are still around today.
Can I use R-22 instead of R134a?
Absolutely not. They are not even close. R22 ( not R22a) operates at about twice the pressures of R134a.
Is R134a refrigerant still available?
R134a is being phased out globally due to its high global warming potential. It’s been banned for new vehicle AC systems in the United States, and lower-GWP alternatives are taking its place across industries.
