Ford Refrigerant and AC Compressor Oil Capacity Charts [With Oil Type Recommendations]

Are you looking for Ford Refrigerant Capacity and type? This post is for you!

A refrigerant is a specialized fluid that your car’s Air Conditioning (AC) system needs. Without it, your AC won’t be able to cool the inside of your car. 

The list of refrigerants compatible with Ford vehicles include older R-12, today’s common R-134a, and the newest, more expensive R-1234yf. Different refrigerants have different cooling capacities. Newer types like R-134a and R-1234yf can be slightly less effective than R-12, especially in high heat or when idling. However, new Ford models are designed to compensate. 

Two things you need to remember when shopping for refrigerants for your Ford vehicle: First, never mix refrigerants or the specialized oils they use (like R-12’s ester oil and R-134a’s PAG oil), as this can quickly destroy your AC compressor. 

Second, if your AC stops blowing cold air, it means your refrigerant has run out, which can be a sign of a leak in the system. Since refrigerant doesn’t get used up, you must find and fix that leak before recharging, or you risk component failure, especially if the system has been empty for a long time.

Furthermore, there is a lookup table to help you find what you need quickly. Then, with some recommendations, you can easily pick the right product for your Ford.

Read on to learn more!

Ford Refrigerant Capacity and Oil Type Lookup

Different refrigerant types are designed for different types of hose systems, fittings, and pressure levels. That being said, you can’t just pick a random refrigerant on Amazon: you need to make sure that a refrigerant is compatible with your Ford’s AC system.

Moreover, you need to pick an oil type that’s compatible with the refrigerant. The oil lubricates the compressor’s moving parts and must be chemically compatible with the refrigerant to avoid separation or damage. Separation happens when the oil and refrigerant form distinct layers of liquid instead of being properly mixed in your AC system.

Keep in mind that adding too much oil or using the wrong refrigerant can be fatal to the A/C system. It’s best to follow the right amount and type used for your vehicle.

Type the year & model of your Ford in the SEARCH box.
E.g: 2014 Ford Fusion.

Note that: SUHD means See Under Hood Decal. Leave a comment if you cannot find your vehicle!

Read More: Ford F150 Oil Capacity & Oil Type

Ford Refrigerant Type

 

Prior to 1995, R-12 was used in Ford vehicles with air conditioning systems. This refrigerant was later replaced. 

But why was it replaced? 

R-12 refrigerant was replaced because it contains chlorine, which harms the Earth’s ozone layer. By the mid-1990s, new cars, including Ford vehicles, switched to a safer alternative called R-134a.

Today, R-12 is expensive and hard to find because it is no longer produced due to these environmental concerns. Never mix R-12 and R-134a in your Ford vehicle.  They have different chemical properties and require different types of compressor oils. 

You can convert an R-12 AC system to use R-134a by replacing your AC’s internal components such as the hoses, O-rings, tubes, receivers, and possibly the evaporator pressure switch. This isn’t a simple DIY job so it’s best to sign the services of a professional.

Ford’s most recent models, which date from 1994 to the present, employ R134a in their air conditioning systems. R134a was introduced as a replacement for R-12. Unlike R-12, this refrigerant has less environmental impact.

R-134a is a more effective and safer alternative to R-12. In addition, you should never mix these two different refrigerants. 

Just so you know, you can convert an older car with R12 to an R134a system. 

Read More: How to choose the right coolant for your Ford?

Ford A/C Compressor Oil Type

Ford vehicles initially used mineral oil compatible with R-12 refrigerants for compressor lubrication. When the industry shifted to the newer R-134a refrigerant in the mid-1990s, Ford and other manufacturers switched to synthetic PAG (polyalkylene glycol) oils, typically PAG46, designed for miscibility with R-134a. 

These oils have different viscosities and chemical properties tailored to lubricate compressors effectively under the operating conditions of R-134a systems. 

More recently, with the adoption of the environmentally friendly R-1234yf refrigerant, Ford uses specially formulated PAG oils, such as those meeting WSS-M2C300-A2 specifications (optimized for R-1234yf’s chemical characteristics).

Ford specifies the exact oil types and quantities for each system to ensure reliable performance and longevity of the air conditioning components. Following these oil and refrigerant compatibility guidelines to maintain efficient and safe operation of your Ford’s AC systems.

Motorcraft Oil Compressor YN12D is an example of compress oils that is  designed specifically to meet stringent Ford Motor Company standards. 

It is a 7oz universal PAG compressor oil used in Ford vehicles, especially fitting air conditioning compressors in models from about 1990 to 2006, including Ford Bronco, F-150, and Mustang, as well as Mercury Cougar and Grand Marquis.

Ford Aspire Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Contour Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Country Squire Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Crown Victoria Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford EDGE Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Escort Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford EXP Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Fairmont Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Festiva Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Fiesta Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Five Hundred Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Focus Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Fusion Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Granada Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford LTD Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Maverick Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Mustang Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Pinto Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Probe Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Special Service Police Sedan Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Taurus Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Tempo Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Thunderbird Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Torino Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford ZX2 and ZX3 Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Aerostar Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford E Series Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Bronco Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Ecosport Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Escape Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Expedition Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Excursion Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Explorer/ Sport/ Sport Trac Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford F Series Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Flex Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Freestar Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Lobo Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Police Interceptor Utility Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Ranger Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Taurus X Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Transit Connect Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

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Ford Windstar Refrigerant Capacity and Refrigerant Oil Type

Closing Notes on Ford Refrigerants

To sum up, Ford uses R134a refrigerant and PAG 46 as the A/C compressor oil. This refrigerant is more environmentally friendly because it does not deplete the ozone layer.

Besides, the PAG 46 oil and the new R-134a refrigerant are compatible. If you want the best cooling performance from your Ford A/C system, use the right refrigerant and add just enough oil as the guide above.

Properly caring for your Ford AC system means paying close attention to refrigerant and oil compatibility and regular maintenance. Always choose the refrigerant specified for your Ford model and pair it with the correct OEM-compatible compressor oil. 

Regularly check and replace your cabin air filter, keep the interior clean, and have refrigerant levels professionally inspected and recharged as needed. Using your AC even in cooler months by running the defrost mode helps prevent moisture buildup and mold growth inside the system.

If you can not find your vehicle in the chart and need more information, leave a comment, then I will get back to you soon!

Related Reads

1. Toyota WS Transmission Fluid Alternative Discover the best alternatives for transmission fluids and how they compare with recommended AC compressor oils – Read more.
2. Understanding ILSAC GF-6: The Best Engine Oils for Modern Vehicles See how modern standards like ILSAC GF-6 apply to AC compressor oils for optimal performance – Find out more.
3. Dexos Approved Oil Lists [Dexos 1, Dexos 2, Dexos 3, Dexos D, Dexos R] Explore which AC compressor oils meet stringent standards similar to Dexos-approved engine oils – Explore here.
4. Motorcraft Coolant Equivalent: [Orange & Premium Gold] Find out how Motorcraft coolant equivalents relate to recommended AC compressor oils and refrigerants for your Ford – Discover now.