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What kind of refrigerant does Ford use?

Ford, one of the leading automotive manufacturers, has made a conscious choice in the refrigerants it uses for its vehicles. The company has opted for a specific type of refrigerant that aligns with its commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with industry regulations.


The Refrigerant Used by Ford


Ford primarily uses R-1234yf as the refrigerant in its vehicles. R-1234yf is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant that has a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to the previously used R-134a refrigerant.


The switch to R-1234yf is part of Ford's efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles and comply with regulations aimed at phasing out high-GWP refrigerants. This refrigerant has a GWP of less than 1, which is significantly lower than the GWP of R-134a, which is around 1,430.


Benefits of Using R-1234yf


The use of R-1234yf in Ford vehicles offers several benefits:



  • Reduced Environmental Impact: The low GWP of R-1234yf helps to minimize the greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle air conditioning systems, contributing to Ford's sustainability goals.

  • Compliance with Regulations: The adoption of R-1234yf allows Ford to comply with regulations, such as the European Union's F-Gas Regulation, which aims to phase out the use of high-GWP refrigerants in new vehicles.

  • Compatibility with Existing Systems: R-1234yf is designed to be a direct replacement for R-134a, allowing for a seamless transition in Ford's vehicle models without the need for significant system modifications.


By choosing R-1234yf as its primary refrigerant, Ford demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility and its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its vehicles.

What year did Ford start using R-1234yf?


The reason for the 2017 model year rollout of R-1234yf is because of the way the EPA regulations for CAFE credits were developed.



What vehicles use R134a refrigerant?


In most cars that are on the road today, R134a refrigerant makes the A/C system blow cold on hot days. Selected for its low flammability and safety, as well as because it's kinder to the environment, almost every car built since 1994 is equipped with R134 refrigerant.



When did cars stop using R-134a?


In the United States, vehicles produced after 2021 no longer contain R-134A in the air conditioning system. In other parts of the world, including the United States, there are restrictions around using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Specifically, in California, retailers can deny selling customers canned R-134a.



Will R-134a be phased out?


The commonly used synthetic refrigerants such as R134a, R407C and R410A have a GWP value higher than 2,500. As a result, their production is being phased out.



Can you replace R-134a with R-1234yf?


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.



What type of refrigerant does Ford use?


Ford refrigerant filling quantities R134a and 1234yf

ModelYear of manufactureFreon
Ford C-Max II/Grand C-Max 1.6TDCi12.2010 -R134a
Ford Galaxy 2.0/2.31995 - 2000R134a
Ford Focus IV 1.6TI-VCT/2.0i + 2.3i EcoBoost/2.0 GDI2014 -R134a
Ford Focus IV 1.5i EcoBoost/ 2.0TDCI08.2016 -R1234yf



Can I use R134a instead of R1234YF refrigerant?


REPLACEMENT OF R1234YF WITH R134A
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.



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.



When did Ford stop using R-12 refrigerant?


But Freon was shown to deplete the earth's vital ozone layer. So carmakers were mandated to stop using R12 after the 1994 model year. One current replacement refrigerant is R134a, which serves the same purpose as Freon but is less harmful to the environment.



Can I use R22 in a R134a system?


No, the compressor will fail. These two refrigerants have very different properties. One of R22 and R134a is high pressure and the other is low pressure. They don't mix chemically and don't have the same boiling point, leading to inefficiencies and eventual compressor failure.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.