What kind of Freon does a 2018 Ford f150 take?

The 2018 Ford F-150 uses R-134a refrigerant, not the newer R-1234yf.

Details matter because some vehicles have been retrofitted or labeled differently over time. The correct refrigerant type is shown on a service label under the hood and in the owner’s manual, and it’s essential to follow that specification when charging or servicing the AC system. This article explains how to verify the exact refrigerant for your truck and why it matters for performance and safety.

How to Confirm the Refrigerant Type in Your F-150

Use these steps to verify the refrigerant type before servicing the air-conditioning system.

• Look for a refrigerant specification label on the engine bay, typically near the AC compressor or on the radiator support, which should indicate R-134a or R-1234yf.


• Consult the owner’s manual or Ford service information for your exact model year and VIN to confirm the factory refrigerant specification.


• If the vehicle has undergone a retrofit, check invoices or the retrofitting documents to see the revised refrigerant type and oil requirements.


• When in doubt, contact a Ford dealership or a qualified automotive HVAC technician to confirm the correct refrigerant for your specific truck.

Conclusion: Always verify the refrigerant type on the label and with official documentation before charging or servicing to avoid damage to the system.

Notes on Servicing and Safety

Servicing an AC system requires using the correct refrigerant and lubrication, following proper recovery procedures, and adhering to environmental regulations. If you’re unsure, rely on a professional technician who can evacuate the system, recover the old refrigerant, and recharge with the correct type and amount.

• Do not mix refrigerants. Use only the type specified for your vehicle unless a documented retrofit has been performed.


• Ensure the system is depressurized and the ignition is off before opening service ports.


• Follow local environmental and disposal regulations for refrigerant recovery and disposal.

Conclusion: Using the correct refrigerant and following proper service procedures helps maintain cooling performance and protects the system from damage.

Summary

For a 2018 Ford F-150, the standard refrigerant is R-134a. Verify the exact spec on the hood label or in the owner's manual, and avoid mixing refrigerants. If there’s any doubt about retrofits or labeling, consult a Ford dealer or a certified HVAC technician for guidance.

What refrigerant is used in Ford trucks?

1 All 1999 - 2016 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles are equipped with R-134a refrigerant.
PDF

Why is my 2018 Ford f150 AC not cold?

A 2018 F-150's AC not blowing cold is likely caused by low refrigerant, a faulty compressor clutch, or a blend door actuator issue. To troubleshoot, first check the simplest things: ensure the cabin air filter is clean, and try a system reset by disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes or using the HVAC reset procedure. If those don't work, inspect the compressor clutch, check for refrigerant leaks, and verify the blend door actuator is functioning correctly.
 
This video explains a common cause for AC problems and shows how to check the blower motor and its connector: 1mBarbour's Auto HelpYouTube · May 18, 2025
Common causes and solutions

• Low refrigerant: A system leak is a common reason for poor cooling. Low refrigerant can also cause the compressor clutch to not engage. 
  • Solution: Get the system pressure professionally checked and repaired for any leaks. The system must then be evacuated, vacuumed, and recharged with the correct refrigerant (R1234yf). 
• Faulty compressor clutch: The clutch may fail to engage due to low refrigerant, a bad relay, or a faulty sensor. 
  • Solution: Check the AC compressor clutch relay and fuses. If the clutch still doesn't engage with sufficient refrigerant, the clutch itself or the coil might be faulty. 
• Blend door actuator malfunction: A broken blend door actuator can prevent the system from mixing hot and cold air correctly, even if the AC is producing cold air. 
  • Solution: Inspect the actuator for proper operation, as a malfunction can stop cold air from getting to the vents. 
• Dirty cabin air filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow, reducing the AC's cooling efficiency. 
  • Solution: Check and replace the cabin air filter if it is dirty. It's usually located under the dashboard on the passenger side. 

Troubleshooting steps

1. Reset the system: Try disconnecting the negative battery terminal for at least 15 minutes, or use the climate control reset procedure: press and hold A/C and Recirc simultaneously, release, then press A/C again within 2 seconds. 
2. Check cabin air filter: Locate and inspect the cabin air filter. Replace it if it's dirty. 
3. Inspect the compressor: Visually check the AC compressor clutch. If the clutch is not spinning, it could be a sign of a problem. Listen for unusual noises. Look for signs of leaks around the compressor and condenser. 
4. Check electrical components: Verify fuses and relays for the AC system are in good condition. 
5. Professional diagnosis: If the issue isn't resolved by the above steps, a professional diagnosis is recommended to check for refrigerant leaks, test the compressor and clutch, and inspect the blend door actuator. 

This video demonstrates how to diagnose an F150 AC system with no cold air, including checking for leaks and a faulty expansion valve: 52sFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family YouTube · Apr 27, 2021

Does my car use R-134a or R1234yf?

Finding out which refrigerant your vehicle uses is easy with the help of A/C Pro®. The first place to look for this information is under the hood. Pop the hood and look for a label, which is usually white or bright yellow. On this it will either say “R-134a” or “R-1234yf,” and it may even say what the capacity is.

How much does it cost to recharge the AC in a 2018 Ford f150?

between $351 and $430
The average cost for a 2018 Ford F-150 AC Recharge is between $351 and $430. Labor costs are estimated between $171 and $251 while parts are typically priced around $180. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.