Use Of R-12 Refrigerant Substitutes (96-17-10)

Publication date: 1996-08-12
Reference number: 96-17-10
Supersedes refnos: 93-23-11

USE OF R-12 REFRIGERANT SUBSTITUTES

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 93-23-11, 96-17-10, Date of Issue: August 12, 1996
Superceded Bulletin(s): 93-23-11, Date of Issue: November 10, 1993

AIR CONDITIONING - USE OF R-12 REFRIGERANT SUBSTITUTES - SERVICE TIP

APPLICATION

Model(s): Ford: 1980-93 Crown Victoria

1981-93 Escort

1982-83 Fairmont

1982-88 EXP

1982-93 Mustang, Thunderbird

1983-86 LTD

1984-94 Tempo

1986-93 Taurus

1988-93 Festiva

1989-93 Probe

Lincoln-Mercury: 1980-93 Grand Marquis, Town Car

1981-87 Lynx

1982-83 LN7, Zephyr

1982-86 Capri

1982-93 Cougar

1982-94 Continental

1983-86 Marquis

1984-92 Mark VII

1984-94 Topaz

1986-93 Sable

1991-93 Capri, Tracer

Merkur: 1985-89 XR4TI

1988-90 Scorpio

Light Truck: 1980-93 Bronco, Econoline,

F Super Duty

F-150-350 Series

1983-93 Ranger

1984-90 Bronco II

1986-93 Aerostar

1988-93 F-47

1991-93 Explorer

1993 Villager

Medium/Heavy Truck: 1985-94 Cargo Series, F & B Series, L Series

Bulletin No.: 96-17-10

Date: August 12, 1996

NOTE: This bulletin supersedes Technical Service Bulletin No. 93-23-11 dated November 10, 1993.

ISSUE

A number of manufacturers are producing refrigerant products which are described as being direct replacements for refrigerant R-12.

ACTION

If service is required, use only new or of known quality recycled refrigerant R-12. Ford Motor Company has approved R-134a as the only refrigerant substitute for R-12.

CAUTION: Using any unauthorized substitute refrigerant for R-12 may result in severe damage to the A/C system components.

INFORMATION FROM THE EPA

This information has been taken from EPA documents to address Ford specific applications and recommendations. Further EPA information on ozone-depleting substances and regulations regarding its handling can be found on the Internet at World Wide Web site: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/

In 1994, EPA established the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program to review alternatives to ozone-depleting substances like R-12. EPA examines new substitutes for their ozone depleting, global warming, flammability, and toxicity characteristics. The SNAP process does not test these substitutes for A/C system compatibility, reliability, durability, or performance.

Under the SNAP rule, each new refrigerant must be used in accordance with the following conditions:

Unique Fittings - Each new refrigerant must be used with a unique set of fittings to prevent the accidental mixing of different refrigerants.
Unique Equipment - Each refrigerant must have dedicated recovery/recycling equipment for that refrigerant.
Labels - Whether a vehicle is originally designed to use a new refrigerant or is retrofitted, the technician must apply a detailed label giving specific information about the alternative. This label covers up information about the old refrigerant and provides valuable details on the alternative and how it was used. The technician is required to fill in their name, company performing the retrofit, address and the date retrofitted.
Remove Original Refrigerant - The original R-12 must be removed from the system prior to charging with the new refrigerant. This will guarantee that the largest amount of clean R-12 is available for use in vehicles that still need it.

A summary of the refrigerants reviewed under EPA's SNAP program for use in motor vehicle air conditioning systems is in the following table.

Fig 1: SUMMARY OF REFRIGERANTS CHART 1