How do I know what kind of AC refrigerant I have in my car?
If you're unsure about the type of refrigerant used in your car's air conditioning system, there are a few ways to determine it. The most accurate method is to check the information label located under the hood or in the glove compartment, which will specify the refrigerant type. However, if that information is not available, there are other steps you can take to identify the refrigerant.
Locate the AC Refrigerant Type
The first step is to locate the AC refrigerant type information in your car. Here's how to do it:
- Check the information label under the hood or in the glove compartment. This label will typically list the refrigerant type, such as R-134a or R-1234yf.
- Consult your owner's manual. The manual should provide details on the specific refrigerant used in your vehicle's air conditioning system.
- Look for a sticker or label on the compressor or other AC components. Some manufacturers place the refrigerant type directly on the components.
- If you can't find the information, contact your car's manufacturer or a local auto parts store. They should be able to provide the refrigerant type for your specific make and model.
Knowing the refrigerant type is important because different cars use different refrigerants, and using the wrong one can damage the AC system.
Understanding Refrigerant Types
The two most common refrigerants used in modern cars are R-134a and R-1234yf. R-134a was the standard refrigerant for many years, but newer vehicles are increasingly using the more environmentally-friendly R-1234yf.
R-134a is an older refrigerant that has a higher global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-1234yf. R-1234yf has a much lower GWP, making it a more sustainable option. However, some older cars may still use R-134a, so it's important to identify the correct refrigerant for your vehicle.
Knowing the refrigerant type is crucial for properly maintaining and servicing your car's air conditioning system. Using the wrong refrigerant can lead to costly repairs and potential damage to the system.
How to check car AC refrigerant type?
Most vehicles have a label or sticker under the hood that indicate whether the refrigerant used is R-134a or R-1234yf. However, not all cars have this. If not, visiting the A/C Spec Database available through our Port Finder page will help you figure out what type of refrigerant your car needs.
What vehicles take R-1234yf refrigerant?
Current list of OEMs that use R-1234yf refrigerant
- BMW i3 Electric.
- Cadillac XTS.
- Chevrolet Malibu, Spark EV, Trax.
- Chrysler 200C, 200S, 300, 300C.
- Citroën C4, Elysëe.
- Dodge Challenger, Charger, Dart, Ram 1500.
- Fiat 500.
- Ford Transit.
What kind of refrigerant is used in my car?
R134a
The majority of vehicles on the road today use R134a to fuel their air conditioning systems. What is R134a? R134a freon is an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant. While it does not create the same ozone deterioration as R-12, it still presents substantial environmental risks.
Does it matter what Freon I put in my car?
Please remember that using the wrong type of refrigerant for your system can create a hazard or cause serious damage so it is very important to get it right. Don't worry though, as AC Avalanche recharge hoses can only work on systems of their respective type, eliminating the risk of using the wrong type.
Can I still get R-12 refrigerant for my car?
Certification Required. If you have a classic car with air conditioning and it hasn't been upgraded lately, it probably still has R12 refrigerant in the system. While it can no longer be manufactured, there is a surprising amount of Freon still available as new old stock (NOS).
Can I use 1234yf instead of 134a?
While R-1234yf could be the perfect replacement for R-134a, there is one major challenge with this new technology. 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.
How do I know what refrigerant my AC uses?
One way you can tell which refrigerant your air conditioner needs is by checking the large sticker or plate on its compressor or evaporator, which will state the refrigerant that's required.
What happens if you mix R134a and R1234yf?
The mixing of R-134a with R-1234yf will change refrigerant pressure and may result in evaporator freeze-up on pressure control systems, reducing system airflow.
Why is R134a being banned?
Why Is R-134A Being Phased Out? When Is the Phaseout Expected to Conclude? Like a lot of '90s relics, R-134A has not aged well. It was known then that 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane could potentially contribute to acid rain and that its ozone layer depletion potential was high.
Is it illegal to put 134a in a 1234yf system?
The refrigerant R134a in an automobile air-conditioning system provided for R1234yf is considered an illegal substance according to Directive 2006/40/EC. This is punishable by a fine and in particularly blatant cases even by imprisonment.
