What year did Ford start using 134a refrigerant?
Ford began using the 134a refrigerant in its vehicles in the early 1990s, transitioning away from the previously used R-12 refrigerant. This change was driven by environmental regulations aimed at phasing out ozone-depleting substances like R-12.
The Transition to 134a Refrigerant
In the late 1980s, concerns grew about the environmental impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the primary component of the R-12 refrigerant used in automotive air conditioning systems. CFCs were found to be contributing to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer, prompting international efforts to phase them out.
The Montreal Protocol, an international agreement signed in 1987, mandated the gradual reduction and eventual elimination of CFC production and use. In response, the automotive industry began searching for alternative refrigerants that were more environmentally friendly.
Ford, along with other major automakers, settled on the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant known as 134a, or tetrafluoroethane. This new refrigerant had a much lower ozone depletion potential compared to R-12, making it a more sustainable choice.
The Transition Timeline
The transition to 134a refrigerant in Ford vehicles occurred gradually throughout the early 1990s:
- In 1992, Ford began using 134a in some of its new vehicle models, such as the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.
- By 1995, the majority of Ford's vehicle lineup had been converted to use the 134a refrigerant.
- The phase-out of R-12 refrigerant was completed by the end of the 1995 model year, with all new Ford vehicles using 134a going forward.
This transition was part of a broader industry-wide effort to comply with the Montreal Protocol and reduce the environmental impact of automotive air conditioning systems.
