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What type of refrigerant for 2018 F150?


When it comes to maintaining your vehicle's air conditioning system, using the correct refrigerant is crucial for optimal performance and efficiency. If you own a 2018 Ford F-150, you might be wondering what type of refrigerant is required for your truck. In this article, we’ll break down the specifics to help you keep your A/C system running smoothly.


The Recommended Refrigerant for a 2018 Ford F-150


The 2018 Ford F-150 is designed to use R-1234yf refrigerant. This type of refrigerant is a newer, environmentally friendly alternative to the older R-134a refrigerant. R-1234yf has a lower global warming potential (GWP), making it a preferred choice for modern vehicles that comply with stricter environmental regulations.


Why R-1234yf Refrigerant?


R-1234yf refrigerant is becoming the standard for many newer vehicles, including the 2018 Ford F-150, due to its environmental benefits and efficiency. Here are some reasons why this refrigerant is used:



  • Environmental Compliance: R-1234yf has a significantly lower GWP compared to R-134a, reducing its impact on climate change.

  • Improved Efficiency: It provides excellent cooling performance while being more energy-efficient.

  • Regulatory Requirements: Many countries, including the United States, have adopted regulations that encourage or mandate the use of low-GWP refrigerants in vehicles.


How to Check and Refill Your Refrigerant


If you suspect your A/C system is low on refrigerant, it’s essential to address the issue promptly. Here’s a general guide to checking and refilling your refrigerant:



  • Step 1: Locate the A/C service ports under the hood of your truck. The low-pressure port is typically where refrigerant is added.

  • Step 2: Use a refrigerant gauge to check the current pressure levels in your A/C system.

  • Step 3: If the pressure is low, purchase R-1234yf refrigerant and a compatible recharge kit.

  • Step 4: Follow the instructions on the recharge kit to safely add refrigerant to your system.

  • Step 5: Monitor the pressure levels to ensure they are within the recommended range for your vehicle.


Note: If you’re not comfortable performing this task yourself, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional mechanic. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in A/C system maintenance and can ensure your refrigerant is topped off correctly and safely.


Final Thoughts


Using the correct refrigerant is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your 2018 Ford F-150’s air conditioning system. R-1234yf refrigerant is the recommended choice for this model, offering both environmental benefits and excellent cooling efficiency. If you have any questions or need assistance with your A/C system, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Kevin’s Autos. We’re here to help keep your vehicle in top shape!


Frequently Asked Questions

Can R-1234yf be used 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.



What refrigerant is in a 2018 F150?


The air conditioning system on all modern vehicles is charged with R-134a, while some older vehicles still use R-12 freon.



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.



What refrigerant does a 2019 Ford F150 take?


Finding yf (2019 Refrigerant Update)

Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide
MY2019 Cumulative Refrigerant Survey
FordF-150 RaptorR-134a
FordF-250R-134a
FordF-350R-134a



Why is R1234yf replacing R-134a?


R1234yf, or HFO-1234yf, was introduced in response to environmental concerns over the continued use of HFC-134a. This newer refrigerant is a hydrofluoro olefin (HFO). It has a much lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to HFC-134a.



What type of refrigerant does Ford use?


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.



Why is R-1234yf preferred over R-134a?


Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP): 1234yf refrigerant has a significantly lower GWP compared to 134a, making it a more environmentally friendly option.



How many cans of R-1234yf do I need?


(1) It depends on the car. Most cars will hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant (or about 2-3 12oz cans), however larger vehicles and those with rear A/C will likely hold more. Check your vehicle manual for proper system capacities.



How can you tell the difference between R-134a and R1234yf?


Most vehicles have a label or sticker under the hood that indicate whether the refrigerant used is R-134a or R-1234yf.



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.


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.