Many people wonder what kind of refrigerant is used in their cars, regardless of whether they are newer or older. Even though it could initially appear to be confusing, it isn’t once you understand the differences and what to look for. You can determine what kind of refrigerant is in your automobile with a little detective effort, too.
The refrigerant used in vehicle air conditioners comes in two varieties. R12 is the name of the first one, whereas R134a is the name of the second. Even if they have similar sounds, there are significant variances between them. R12 was initially the one that was on earlier cars. It goes by the brand name Freon, and after researchers discovered that it contributed to the ozone layer’s thinning, it developed a negative reputation.
Some older vehicles still use R12, particularly those that have not been upgraded to a more contemporary and ecologically friendly system. Prior to 1995, R12 refrigerants were utilized. Therefore, if a car featured air conditioning, this was a standard feature. Since then, some people have upgraded their air conditioning systems, and all automobiles made after 1995 come equipped with R134, a refrigerant that is thought to be environmentally friendly.
In This Article...
Does your vehicle AC have 134a refrigerant Here is how to tell
Start by thinking about the year of your car to see whether it has R134a. You should have R134a in your car if it was made after 1995. R134a may still be in an older vehicle; it all depends on whether it has been converted. Look for a sticker identifying the under-hood unit as R134a to determine whether it has been converted. Additionally, keep an eye out for R134a adapters, which are typically found on the charge components.
If so, does it use 134a refrigerant? Here’s how you can tell. Why not visit a store if you’re still unsure about the refrigerant type you have? You’ll discover what kind of refrigerant you have in a matter of minutes. Also included are your options if you require any services. Alternatively, if you have an older model and would wish to convert it. You can quickly travel to the refrigerant that is better for the environment!
Our fully licensed air conditioning specialists at Keepin’ Cool can provide you with a complete report on the state of your system and assist you with any required repairs and maintenance. Schedule a visit with us today if you want to get your air conditioner performing at its best!
Tags:
Toyota uses 1234yf, right?
Global desire for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable refrigerant has been sparked by environmental concerns. As R134a will be completely phased out by 2021, the 1234yf product—also known as HFO-1234yf and R—was created to replace it. As a result, you’re likely to see more and more of it being used. R134a has been completely outlawed in a number of nations, and U.S. regulations are headed in that direction as well. If you run a vehicle repair shop, you’ve probably noticed a rise in the use of 1234yf in a/c systems.
According to Honeywell’s June 2018 Auto Refrigerant Update, 30 million automobiles will employ HFO-1234yf by the end of this year, with approximately 50% of all new models being produced in 2018. According to estimates, 1234yf is used by GM, BMW, Fiat, Land Rover, and Jaguar at a rate of over 95%; Ford, Honda, and Volkswagon at a rate of over 70%; Toyota, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia at a rate of over 25%; and Nissan, Mercedes, Mazda, and Volvo at a rate of barely any conversions in their new models.
Refrigerant Depot delivered a sizable contract purchase to one of the manufacturers in 2018 who presently has 0% of its models using the yf gas, so you shouldn’t assume that they won’t continue in that direction in 2019. Change will undoubtedly occur, so if our technicians and service centers haven’t done so already, we advise them to do so.
Although the pipes, hoses, and sealing rings used in the systems for each refrigerant are similar, HFO-1234yf requires extra safety measures since it is significantly more combustible. Technicians should use the same caution they would while working with flammable fuel systems if they are not using modern RRR machines or a specialist recovery machine for the 1234yf refrigerant. The Honeywell HFO-1234yf and R-1234yf are the identical product; the only difference is that we sell the Honeywell HFO-1234yf in either 10 or 25 lb cylinders and the R-1234yf in 8 oz cans.
Which refrigerant does my car use, and how do I know?
Look under the hood if you are still worried that you might be using the incorrect refrigerant. You can find a sticker with specific instructions on what refrigerant to use for your engine under the hood.
What happens if R12 and R134a are combined?
Older vehicles are left without a suitable refrigerant for their air conditioning systems as the R12 is officially phased out in 2021. Although R134A is commonly regarded as the finest replacement refrigerant, can you really just plug it into the R12 system without any modifications?
Mixing R12 and R-134a refrigerants is prohibited, and even if the R12 was previously bled out, the system must be modified to use R-134a; otherwise, leaks, copper corrosion, and a loss of lubrication will result.
Let’s take a moment to explore what these codes signify and why R12 has been phased out of use before we discuss several ways to modify your air conditioning system to accept the R134A.
Can R134a be used in an R12 system?
An R12 system needs to be retrofitted to make it capable of handling and processing R134a refrigerant in order to use it in an R134a system. This implies that adding R134a to an R12 system necessitates some refrigerant conversion. The R12 system also needs to be adequately cleansed of the refrigerant after the retrofitting. After that is finished, R134a can be used in an R12 system.
What would happen, though, if R134a was applied to an R12 system that hadn’t been converted, retrofitted, or cleared?
It goes without saying that charging an R12 system with R134a can have some major negative impacts given the variances between the two refrigerants.
Refrigerant Can Leak Easier
To begin with, R12 systems and R134a systems have different designs to support each gaseous state. Systems using R134a operate at higher discharge-side pressures than systems using R12, which may result in compressor seal leakage. Additionally, R134a has a higher likelihood of leaking from an R12 system because it is made up of considerably smaller molecules.
Oil Can Be Incompatible
The kind of oil used in the system becomes a factor as well. As was previously mentioned, mineral oil is typically used in R12 systems, which is not compatible with R134a. R134a may prevent mineral oil from returning to the compressor or may impede heat transfer when it comes into touch with the oil. As a result, the mineral oil cannot be distributed effectively throughout the system, which can seriously harm the internal compressor and refrigeration system and be very expensive to fix. PAG and POE were created as R134a-compatible substitutes because of this.
Can You Legally Use R134a in an R12 System?
In the end, no. If you attempt to “top off an R12 system with R134a refrigerant,” you may be subject to severe penalties from the EPA and the Federal US government. An R12 system must be changed or retrofitted to be able to utilize R134a, and all R12 must be correctly discharged and caught before charging with R134a, in order to use R134a refrigerant in an R12 system legally.
When did Toyota begin use 1234yf?
R-1234yf refrigerant has not yet been used by many technicians in a significant way. This is due to the fact that most vehicles equipped with yf systems have not yet required servicing as it was only launched in 2015.
Can 134a and 1234yf be combined?
The EPA has responded to certain inquiries on the use of R-134a in HFO-1234yf systems by explaining why you should not.
EPA SNAP Final Rule from 2015
The MVAC systems (or components of such systems) are regarded as emission-related components as defined in 40 CFR 86.1803 for vehicles for which the manufacturer counts air conditioning credits toward their LD GHG compliance. This classification consists of
provisions for emission-related warranty, specifications for proper operation for the designated useful life, and prohibitions on tampering. For instance, under Title II of the CAA, replacing a refrigerant with one that has a higher GWP, such as HFC134a, would be deemed tampering with an emission-related component if the manufacturer is claiming air conditioning credits for an MVAC system that uses a lower-GWP refrigerant on a specific vehicle as part of the LD GHG program.
Is R134 the same as R1234yf?
You might have noticed that the A/C refrigerant has started to change on several new cars. OEMs have been using R134a for a while. However, OEMs must phase out R134a by 2021 in accordance with government regulations. OEMs struggled to find a successor as a result. R1234yf was chosen by many US OEMs to replace R134a, however some OEMs went a different direction. Now let’s examine these novel refrigerants.
Similar to R134a, R1234yf was developed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to R134a. The main distinction between the two is that R1234yf needs careful handling because it is slightly flammable. The diagnosis process for the HVAC system is the same as it is for R134a. To handle R1234yf, however, you will require several recovery machines and other tools. Some recovery equipment can work with both R134a and R1234yf. These devices will have automatic refrigerant detecting technology. Ports for R1234yf systems are a different size to prevent confusion. It is not possible to retrofit to use R1234yf, unlike when R12 was switched to R134a.
Some European OEMs have chosen R744 instead of R1234yr because to the probable flammability of the latter. R744 is not flammable because it is carbon dioxide. The 2017 E-Class from Mercedes-Benz uses R744 in Europe. The following-generation Audi A8 will also include R744, according to Volkswagen Group. Due to the high pressure needed—roughly 1400 PSI—this refrigerant demands extremely specialized A/C equipment. Safety issues are raised by this as well.
To be sure the right kind of refrigerant is being used, make sure to look for car labels and OEM information. Different refrigerants require various handling, storing, lubrication, and A/C equipment precautions. Whatever refrigerant you are compelled to use, make sure you are trained to manage it.
When did automobiles start using R134a?
R-12 was replaced with R134a Freon (also known as HFC-134A) in the 1990s. Today, R134a is used as the primary air conditioning fuel in the vast majority of automobiles on the road.
Describe R134a. An HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant is R134a freon. It nevertheless poses significant environmental dangers even if it does not cause as much ozone deterioration as R-12. The EPA describes R134a as a “powerful greenhouse gas with 1,430 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.
Recently, automakers shifted to a new kind of freon that is even more environmentally friendly. freon r134a was “In the European Union, it is completely prohibited for automakers in 2017. By the 2022 model year, US manufacturers were obligated to phase out R134a freon.