What type of refrigerant does Ford use?
Ford, one of the leading automotive manufacturers, has made a conscious effort to adopt environmentally-friendly refrigerants in its vehicles. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, Ford has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint by utilizing refrigerants that are more eco-friendly than traditional options.
The Shift Towards Sustainable Refrigerants
Historically, many automotive manufacturers, including Ford, have used hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in their vehicle air conditioning systems. However, these refrigerants have been found to contribute to global warming, leading to a push for more sustainable alternatives. Ford has responded to this challenge by transitioning to the use of hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, which have a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to HFCs.
Ford's Refrigerant of Choice: R-1234yf
The specific refrigerant used by Ford in its vehicles is R-1234yf, an HFO refrigerant. This refrigerant has a GWP of less than 1, which is a significant improvement over the GWP of traditional HFC refrigerants, which can range from several hundred to over a thousand. R-1234yf is not only more environmentally friendly, but it also meets the performance and safety requirements for automotive air conditioning systems.
The Benefits of R-1234yf
The adoption of R-1234yf by Ford brings several benefits to the company, its customers, and the environment:
- Reduced Environmental Impact: The low GWP of R-1234yf helps to mitigate the contribution of Ford's vehicles to global warming, making them more sustainable and environmentally responsible.
- Compliance with Regulations: The use of R-1234yf allows Ford to comply with increasingly stringent regulations regarding the use of refrigerants in the automotive industry, ensuring its vehicles meet environmental standards.
- Improved Efficiency: R-1234yf has been shown to have similar or better performance characteristics compared to traditional HFC refrigerants, maintaining the cooling efficiency of Ford's vehicle air conditioning systems.
By embracing the use of R-1234yf, Ford is demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability and its willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of the automotive industry. This move not only benefits the company's reputation but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
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.
Is it illegal to put 134a in a 1234yf system?
Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.
What year did Ford start using 134a refrigerant?
1 All 1999 - 2016 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles are equipped with R-134a refrigerant. 2 The refrigerant usage applies to all models of a vehicle unless otherwise specified.
What Ford vehicles use 1234yf?
Ford refrigerant filling quantities R134a and 1234yf
| Model | Year of manufacture | Freon |
|---|---|---|
| Ford S-Max 1.5i + 2.0i EcoBoost | 06.2016 - | R1234yf |
| Ford S-Max 2.0TDCI | 06.2016 - | R1234yf |
| Ford S-Max 2.0TDCI with rear air conditioning | 06.2016 - | R1234yf |
| Ford Transit 2.3i/2.0TDCi | 2001 - 2005 | R134a |
What happens if I put R134a in a R1234yf car?
The expansion valve setting for R-1234yf refrigerant is different compared to R-134a. Changing from R-1234yf to R-134a refrigerant may result in a system with incorrect refrigerant flow and heat exchanger mal-distribution which may cause a loss of cooling performance or durability concerns.
What year did they switch to 1234yf?
General Motors began introducing vehicles to the market utilizing this new system in 2013 with full conversion in 2018. Chrysler, Honda, and Subaru models followed in 2017. It is anticipated that by 2025 all vehicles will contain 1234YF.
What refrigerant is used by Ford?
WARNING: The air conditioning refrigerant system contains refrigerant R-134a under high pressure. Opening the air conditioning refrigerant system can cause personal injury.
When was R134a banned?
The AIM Act is a Federal nationwide rule phasing out the use of global warming materials. As part of that effort, EPA is now banning the use of 134a in aerosol products as of 1/1/2025. There are excepted products that are allowed to use 134a until 1/1/2028.
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.
Can I use R1234yf instead of R134a?
Internal heat exchanger for R1234yf refrigerant (photo: NRF) As you can see from the above description, R134a and R1234yf refrigerants are not completely identical and their substitution will always result in faster degradation of the A/C system and eventually lead to costly repairs.
