Refrigerant System

NOTE: R-12 refrigerant and refrigerant oil is not compatible with R-134a refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant oil.

 CAUTION: Never mix the two refrigerants or the oils.

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 on Mustang vehicles 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.

 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 refrigerant to an A/C system that requires the use of R-12 refrigerant. These two types of refrigerant should never be mixed. Doing so may cause damage to the A/C system.

Identifying Refrigerant Systems

NOTE: R-134a A/C systems can also be identified by a gold-colored A/C clutch (2884) .

In order to find out which type of A/C system a particular vehicle has, inspect the A/C system major components and refrigerant lines. If the system components have yellow R-134a NON-CFC tags, it is an R-134a system requiring the use of R-134a refrigerant.

If the A/C system has any of the R-134a identifying characteristics, R-134a refrigerant is the only type of refrigerant that can be used in the A/C system.

Special Servicing Equipment

 CAUTION: Do not use R-12 Special Tools and Equipment when servicing a R-134a system. Also, do not use R-134a Special Tools and Equipment when servicing a R-12 system. Doing so may cause damage to the A/C system. Refer to the Rotunda Equipment Catalog for more information on R-134a Special Servicing Equipment.

• 176-R032A R-134a Manifold Gauge Set
• 078-00850 R-134a Service Center
• 176-00001 R-134a Service Center
• 161-R0010 R-134a Halogen Leak Detector

Test equipment must be connected to the refrigerant system in order to make system tests. If a charging station is used, follow the instructions of the station manufacturer.