Refrigerant: Description and Operation

Refrigerant

Refrigerant 134a (R-134a) Systems
In an effort to avoid use of ozone-depleting CFC refrigerants, Kia Motor Company has introduced a new refrigerant system for this vehicle. This system uses non-CFC-based refrigerant R-134a.

This new type of refrigerant has many of same properties as R-12 and is similar in form and function. R-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerant, however, R-12 is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). With no chlorine atoms in its molecular structure, use of R-134a refrigerant will not have any harmful effects on atmosphere's ozone layer.

Identifying R-134a and R-12 A/C Systems
To determine which types of A/C system a particular vehicle has, inspect A/C system's major components and refrigerant lines for special tags. If system has yellow R-134a "NON-CFC" tags it is an R-134a system and uses R-134a refrigerant. If there are no special R134a "NON-CFC" tags on A/C system components or lines, system uses R-12. R-134a systems can also be identified by brown-colored O-ring (HNBR) used throughout A/C system.

CAUTION: Do not add R-12 refrigerant to an A/C system that requires use of R-134a refrigerant. Do not add R-134a refrigerant to an A/C system that requires use Of R-12 refrigerant. These two types of refrigerant should never be mixed. Doing so may cause damage to A/C system.

Precaution for new refrigerant (R-134a)

CAUTION: R-12 and R-134a components are not interchangeable. Do not replace components from an R-134a system with components for an R-12 system and vice versa. Mixing components from these two types of systems may cause component failure and damage to A/C system.




R-134a system components
The major components of R-134a A/C system are similar to those used previously on R-12 systems. R-12 and R-134a components are similar in design and function. As a result, all Removal and Installation procedures outlined for R-12 components can be used for R-134a components.

(Refer to operating instructions of your refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station for proper procedures.)