When did Ford stop using R-12 refrigerant?
Ford Motor Company phased out the use of R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon, in its vehicles in the early 1990s in response to environmental concerns over the substance's impact on the ozone layer.
The Transition Away from R-12 Refrigerant
R-12 refrigerant, or Freon, was widely used in automotive air conditioning systems throughout the 20th century. However, in the late 1980s, concerns grew about the substance's role in depleting the Earth's ozone layer. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed, which called for the phasing out of ozone-depleting substances like R-12.
In response, automakers like Ford began transitioning to alternative refrigerants that were more environmentally friendly. Ford stopped using R-12 in its vehicles in the early 1990s, switching to the R-134a refrigerant instead.
The Impacts of the Transition
- Reduced environmental impact: The switch to R-134a helped reduce the automotive industry's contribution to ozone depletion.
- Compatibility challenges: The transition required changes to vehicle air conditioning systems to accommodate the new refrigerant, which had different properties than R-12.
- Cost implications: Retrofitting vehicles to use the new refrigerant added costs for both automakers and consumers.
Overall, Ford's transition away from R-12 refrigerant in the early 1990s was part of a broader industry-wide effort to address environmental concerns and comply with international regulations.
What year did they switch from R12 to R134a?
So to answer your question, the conversion from R-12 to R-134a began in the late 1980s, and many automakers had already made the switch to R-134a by the early 1990s. However, the use of R-12 in existing vehicles continued for several years, and some older vehicles may still have R-12 systems today.
When did Ford stop using R12 refrigerant?
1994
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.
Is R12 Freon still available?
Limited quantities of reclaimed R-12 is still available for service of installed equipment. A wide variety of R-12 retrofit blends are available.
When was R12 banned in cars?
1994
For many years, R12 was the automotive refrigerant standard. It was effective and cheap. However, scientists quickly discovered its sinister secret: It was partially responsible for the rapidly-depleting ozone layer. In 1994, it was banned from all new cars sold in the US.
What 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. Have the air conditioning refrigerant system serviced only by qualified personnel.
When was R134a discontinued?
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 was Freon 12 banned?
It was banned from all new cars sold in the country beginning in 1995 and stopped being used in new air conditioning systems, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems in 2010. With the 2020 ban, no additional Freon could be produced or imported.
What happens if you put 134a in an R12 system?
Refrigerant Can Leak Easier
R134a systems work at higher discharge-side pressures than R12 systems, which could lead to compressor seals leaks. Additionally, since R134a is composed of much smaller molecules, it has a greater chance of leaking from an R12 system.
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 was R12 phased out?
Jan. 1, 1996
All CFCs, including CFC-11 and R-12, were phased out of production on Jan. 1, 1996, and no longer are available for new equipment. Replacement CFC refrigerants are available only from stockpiles accumulated before the above date or if recovered from existing equipment.
