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What refrigerant does a Ford Fusion take?

The refrigerant type for a Ford Fusion depends on the model year; many older Fusions use R-134a, while a substantial number of newer models use R-1234yf. To be certain, check the under-hood label on your car or consult Ford’s official documentation for your VIN.


How to determine the correct refrigerant for your Fusion


Use these steps to confirm the exact refrigerant required for your specific vehicle.



  • Look for the A/C refrigerant specification on the under-hood label near the radiator support or the compressor. The label will indicate either R-134a or R-1234yf.

  • Consult your owner’s manual or Ford service information for your exact VIN to verify the required refrigerant.

  • Consider the service ports and fittings; the two refrigerants use different connections, and using the wrong service equipment can cause leaks or contamination.

  • If you are having a technician service the system, provide the year, trim, and VIN to ensure the correct refrigerant type and lubricant are used.


Accurately identifying the refrigerant helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures proper cooling performance.


Recharge and repair considerations


When the system is low or needs maintenance, follow proper procedures to avoid damage and ensure reliability.



  • Do not mix refrigerants. If the system contains unknown refrigerant, have it recovered and evacuated by a qualified technician before any refill.

  • Use the correct refrigerant for your vehicle (R-134a or R-1234yf) and the appropriate lubricant for that refrigerant.

  • If a leak is suspected, repair the leak and verify system integrity before recharging the refrigerant.

  • After recharge, run the AC with cabin demand at maximum for a few minutes and recheck pressures to confirm proper operation.


Following these steps helps ensure safety, compliance with environmental standards, and reliable cooling performance.


Model-year nuances


Because the Ford Fusion was produced across multiple years and regions, refrigerant specifications can vary. The most reliable source is the under-hood label, followed by VIN-specific Ford documentation or a dealer confirmation. If in doubt, ask a certified automotive technician to identify the correct refrigerant for your exact vehicle.


VIN- and region-specific confirmation


For the most precise guidance, supply your VIN to a Ford dealer or consult official service publications, as some market-specific or trim-specific options may affect the refrigerant type used in your Fusion.


Summary


The Ford Fusion’s refrigerant type is not universal across all model years. Most older Fusions use R-134a, while many newer models use R-1234yf. Always verify with the vehicle’s under-hood label, the owner’s manual, or a Ford service source tied to your VIN before servicing the air conditioning system. This ensures the correct refrigerant and lubricant are used and helps maintain optimal cooling performance.

What kind of refrigerant does a Ford Fusion take?


refrigerant R-134a
WARNING: The air conditioning refrigerant system contains refrigerant R-134a under high pressure. Opening the air conditioning refrigerant system can cause personal injury.



Does my car use R-134a or R-1234YF?


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.



What kind of freon does a 2012 Ford Fusion take?


R-134a
Essential 2012 Ford Fusion Refrigerants
R-134a PAG 46 AC Oil Lubricant: with ICE 32 Lubricant Enhancer features advanced chemistry to help extend compressor life and improve cooling capacity.



What kind of freon does a 2017 Ford Fusion take?


The refrigerant for a 2017 Ford Fusion is R-1234yf, which is a newer, more expensive refrigerant. Some older or region-specific vehicles may use R-134a, but the 2017 model year primarily transitioned to R-1234yf. To be certain, check the label under the hood for the specific refrigerant type.
 
This video explains how to recharge the AC system in a Ford Fusion: 59sQuiteAlrightYouTube · Jul 3, 2023

  • Primary refrigerant: R-1234yf is the standard refrigerant for the 2017 Ford Fusion, especially in the U.S. market. 
  • Check the under-hood label: The most accurate way to determine the correct refrigerant is to look for a sticker under the hood. It will specify either R-1234yf or R-134a. 
  • Alternative for specific regions: Vehicles manufactured for certain markets, like Mexico, may have been designed for R-134a. 
  • Compatibility: It is crucial to use the correct refrigerant type, as the systems and service equipment for R-1234yf are different from those for R-134a. 


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.