A/C Refrigerant Information Updates (ASN 0691-05)
Publication date: 1991-06-01Reference number: ASN 0691-05
A/C REFRIGERANT INFORMATION UPDATES
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
REFRIGERANT UPDATES
Model(s): All Acura Models through 1991
Group: Air Conditioning
Bulletin No.: ASN 0691-05
Date: June, 1991
SERVICE INFORMATION
BEWARE OF BLENDED REFRIGERANT
Rumor has it that a blended refrigerant, "176," is being advertised and sold as a drop-in replacement for R-12. This particular product contains HFC-22, which breaks down the desiccants (drying agents) that are used in automobile air conditioners and UL-approved recycling systems. While blended refrigerants are being tested by many of the chemical manufacturers, none have been approved for use by the MVMA (Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association) or the SAE. In other words, there is no drop-in replacement for R-12 at this time.
BEWARE OF DUAL-REFRIGERANT EQUIPMENT
Some dealers have been approached by manufacturers who claim to have A/C service equipment that will work with both R-12 and HFC-134a (the refrigerant of the future). This is highly unlikely for a couple of reasons. First, the SAE is still meeting to define hose, connector, and recycling requirements for HFC-134a. Secondly, it is important that these two refrigerants are never mixed, so dual-refrigerant equipment may never be feasible.