Did you notice the 2016 Honda Civic’s A/C refrigerant? Honda’s requirement that this system use POE compressor oil rather than PAG is R-1234yf, and this is not a typo (like other OEMs).
Honda claims that POE oil is utilized since it is less flammable and nonconductive than PAG. R-1234yf is used in the 2016 Pilot, Civic, and Fit EV. New models will have R-1234yf with POE oil as they are updated or released. Honda vehicles require a different type of POE oil for this system than hybrid vehicles do. Honda offers three different kinds of POE oil, and the POE needed for R-1234yf is a unique item. Always verify the car labels to ensure you are using the proper oil and refrigerant before beginning any system repairs.
The EPA’s decision in July 2015 that R-134a would be outlawed in new automobiles sold in the United States beginning with the 2021 model year is also responsible for this change in refrigerant.
In This Article...
Can I substitute R134a with R-1234yf?
The creation of a sophisticated technology lubricant that can withstand this extremely aggressive refrigerant has provided a solution to this problem. For just this use, BG Products created Universal Frigi-Quiet for R-1234yf, PN 702. This new lubricant is highly pure and of high grade. Here, purity is the crucial term. As with keys to a locked door, lubricant impurities let oxidation reactions happen, which will start to spread the breakdown of the oil. This process is almost tough to stop once it begins. For the purity of R-1234yf, Universal Frigi-Quiet helps stop oil deterioration. This lubricant also makes use of a very stable base oil technology that will withstand thermal breakdown brought on by the destructive effects of heat stress.
You might be curious as to whether PN 702 will operate with older systems that continue to use R-134a. Yes, it is the answer. This simplifies it. One item, PN 702, can be kept on hand by service centers and used on any vehicle, regardless of whether it runs on R-134a or R-1234yf. That is the easiest it gets, and everyone enjoys simplicity.
Honda began utilizing 1234YF when?
In 2013, General Motors started releasing vehicles on the market with this new technology, and full conversion occurred in 2018. Models from Chrysler, Honda, and Subaru came next in 2017. By 2025, it’s expected that 1234YF will be present in every vehicle.
Does HFC134a resemble R134a?
R134a and HFC134a are two distinct compounds, as can be seen from the information above, yet they can be used interchangeably because of their similar physical characteristics. The ODP values of R134a and HFC134a are both zero. Because of its low toxicity, it is a very efficient and secure replacement for the CFC-12 used in the refrigeration sector. The principal applications for R134a and HFC134a are industrial and commercial refrigerators, small stationary refrigeration equipment, medium-temperature refrigeration in supermarkets, and vehicle and home appliances.
What happens if you add R-134a to a system that uses R-1234yf?
The maximum cooling performance of the two refrigerants may be impacted by a number of design flaws. There is no information available on what might occur with a refrigerant swap because vehicle manufacturers have not disclosed any information on the exchange of system refrigerant. This might involve problems with cooling efficiency and toughness.
R-1234yf refrigerant has a different expansion valve setting than R-134a. When switching from R-1234yf to R-134a, a system may have improper refrigerant flow and heat exchanger mal-distribution, which could result in a reduction in cooling performance or durability issues.
When an Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX), which is frequently utilized in R-1234yf MAC systems, is used, the TXV setting also varies. The outcome could be inadequate cooling or the freezing of the evaporator core due to an increased suction line pressure drop, which could alter the setting for a pressure-controlled compressor.
In dual evaporator systems, where the proper balance of front and back expansion devices helps prevent oil buildup in the rear evaporator, this can be very harmful.
For optimum performance and lower load requirements at colder ambient, evaporator control settings are crucial. When changing the refrigerant, different settings can be needed depending on whether pressure control or temperature control is being used to provide maximum cooling performance.
The refrigerant used in the system has an impact on how the compressor controls the refrigerant pressure, whether it has cycling compressors or variable displacement compressors. It’s possible that switching from R-1234yf to R-134a won’t have an impact on systems that employ air temperature monitoring to operate the evaporator.
If charged with 100% R-134a, R-1234yf systems that control freeze prevention by pressure may experience a loss of cooling performance. This is because R-134a needs to be adjusted at a lower pressure of 3.3 psig in order to achieve freeze protection at 32 F. The outlet air temperature could rise by 4 degrees F (2.2 degrees C) as a result.
When R-134a and R-1234yf are mixed, the refrigerant pressure changes and there is a chance that pressure control systems’ evaporators can freeze up, decreasing system airflow.
What vehicles use 1234yf?
Currently, R-1234yf is used in the production of more than 90% of the automobiles made by ten OEM groups that are sold in the US. BMW, FCA, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, JLR, Subaru, Tesla, and Volkswagen Group are some of these OEMs.
What is the price of a 1234yf recharge?
With the cost of the previous standard R134A refrigerant at $30 per pound, the national average cost of an R134A recharge in 2018 was roughly $200–300. The average price on the market right now for R1234yf refrigerant is $120 per pound, though.
R1234yf refrigerant: what is it?
A hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant is R1234yf. Hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms make up HFO refrigerants, however there is at least one double bond between the carbon atoms. R1234yf’s composition prevents it from harming the ozone layer and reducing its contribution to global warming. To handle, sell, or store this refrigerant, you do not require an ARCTick refrigerant handling licence or a refrigerant trade authorisation.
Can I replace the freon in my car’s air conditioning on my own?
Introduction:
Is the air blowing out of your car’s vents simply not as frigid as it once was? Your air conditioning system’s refrigerant levels are probably low.
Tiny amounts of refrigerant leak from the lines over time, lowering the efficiency of the air conditioner. Put more back in; that is the simple remedy.
You can easily recharge your air conditioner by yourself for a low cost, and it only takes a few minutes. Although one of the quickest and simplest car maintenance activities, if done wrong it could lead to issues with the air conditioning system, so carefully read each step before moving on. When everything is done, your air conditioner should produce ice-cold air, and the whole operation should only take you 15 minutes and 25–35 dollars.
How AC Units Operate:
Three primary components make up an air conditioner. a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser. More or less two radiators are connected in a loop to form the condenser and evaporator. On one side of the loop, in between them, is where the compressor is located. The system is filled with a working fluid, in this example r-134a, and is shut off from the outside. Low pressure, gaseous R-134a is taken by the compressor, compressed (creating heat), and then sent to the condenser, where the heat is released to the outside. The evaporator, which is placed inside the passenger compartment, receives liquid refrigerant from the condenser and transports it there. There, it is permitted to expand, dissipating heat and cooling the evaporator. Your car’s air vents receive air that is directed by the fan over the evaporator.
It’s critical to keep moisture out of the system since the operating fluid might get extremely hot or extremely cold. Ice buildup in the compressor can harm the component.
Quick disconnect fitting for AC recharge charging port
Some recharge kits have this fitting that quickly and securely connects to the AC recharge charging connector.
Your air conditioner probably lost some refrigerant during the winter if it was blowing ice-cold air last year but is now hardly cooling. When aging seals shrink and some refrigerant leaks out, that occurs in older automobiles.
Typically, turning on the automobile air conditioning will send you back to the freezing cold. If your car was built after 1993 and is filled with R-134a refrigerant, you can complete that task by yourself (to make sure, check the label under the hood or the specifications section of your owner’s manual).
Restrictions may apply to the sale of R-134a refrigerant to consumers in several states. The cans may occasionally be designed differently, necessitating various charging techniques. All AC issues won’t be resolved by charging the AC. However, if you’re willing to risk $50 on a rechargeable ac kit, you could become a cool dude in less than an hour. By performing the auto ac recharge yourself, you can save roughly $100 on labor.
Pick up an R-134a A/C recharging kit at any auto parts store. Because it included a quick-connect fitting and reusable gauge, as well as a seal conditioner ingredient in the refrigerant, I used the A/C Pro product you see here. For an AC recharge for a car, however, any brand will work. A word of caution: Many commercial recharging kits utilize oils and seal conditioners that are incompatible with the electric AC recharge compressors in hybrid vehicles. A fatal electrical shock might be caused by using the incorrect auto ac recharge kit. Before making a purchase, verify that your hybrid vehicle is compatible with the car ac recharge product on the label. Consult a professional if you’re unsure.
Caution
If used incorrectly, refrigerant can result in frostbite and severe eye damage. Wear gloves and goggles when doing the process, and pay close attention to all the warnings in the package instructions.
Does introducing freon require that the automobile be in motion?
It could be time to add extra freon if the air conditioner in your car is not cooling properly. If yours breaks down, adding freon yourself might be worth a shot to avoid the lengthy waits and expensive costs of contacting a professional.
Freon is a refrigerant that cools the air in air conditioners. It is a gas that has been compressed into a liquid and then discharged to assist in cooling the air conditioner. You can use your air conditioner in the summer thanks to this procedure.
There are numerous different refrigerants, but R-134a freon is the one used in automotive air conditioners. When it’s hot outside, this kind of gas will assist keep the temperature inside your car cool. Unfortunately, if you discover that your system is no longer keeping you cool, this can be expensive to replace.
The addition of freon requires operating your car because it is done through a canister. Holding this canister underneath your vehicle will allow you to spray it into the outside air conditioning system.
Reasons to Keep Your Car Running
When adding freon, you should use your car’s operating engine and air conditioning because:
- The freon can circulate more quickly while the car’s engine is running and the air conditioner is turned up high.
- Modern air conditioners in most cars contain electronics that, if the refrigerant is not moving at a high pace, could be damaged by the freon.
- The A/C should be operating while you add the freon so you can keep an eye on how much you are adding.
- The freon will change into a gas too quickly if the air conditioner’s lines are opened while the engine is off, resulting in poor engine performance or engine failure.
Make sure not to add too much freon when carrying out this step. It is advised to err on the side of caution when adding freon because overfilling your system might result in pressure build-up and harm to your engine.
You must read the directions on the freon can before installing it in your car, just like with any other task. When recharging, pay great attention to the safety instructions provided and make sure you abide by them at all times.