
compressor label before adding refrigerant oil to A/C compressor/system. See Fig. 2 . The following R-134a refrigerant oils are currently
available.
Lexus
PAG Refrigerant Oil (ND-OIL 8) with 10P/10PA swashplate (piston) compressor. Synthetic Refrigerant Oil (ND-OIL 9) with through-va n e
(rotary vane) compressor.
Mercedes-Benz
PAG Refrigerant Oil (001 989 08 03).
Nissan
PAG Refrigerant Oil (KLH00-PAGR0) with rotary vane compressor. PAG Refrigerant Oil (KLH00-PAGS0) with piston (swashplate)
compressor.
Saab
PAG Refrigerant Oil (40 74 787).
SERVICE EQUIPMENT
Because R-134a is not interchangeable with R-12, separate sets of hoses, manifold gauge set and recovery/recycling equipment are required to
service vehicles. This is necessary to avoid cross-contaminating and damaging system.
All equipment used to service systems using R-134a must meet SAE standard J1991. The service hoses on the manifold gauge set must have
manual (turn wheel) or automatic back-flow valves at the service port connector ends. This will prevent refrigerant from being released into
the atmosphere.
For identification purposes, R-134a service hoses must have a Black stripe along its length and be clearly labeled SAE J2196/R-134a. The low
pressure test hose is Blue with a Black stripe. The high pressure test hose is Red with a Black stripe, and the center test hose is Yellow with a
Black stripe.
R-134a manifold gauge sets can be identified by one or all of the following.
Labeled FOR USE WITH R-134a on set
Labeled HFC-134 or R-134a on gauge face
Light Blue color on gauge face
In addition, pressure/temperature scales on R-134a gauge sets are different from R-12 manifold gauge sets.
SYSTEM SERVICE VALVES
SCHRADER-TYPE VALVES
Schrader valve is similar in construction and operation to a tire valve. When a test gauge hose with built-in valve core depressor is attached,
Schrader stem is pushed inward to the open position and allows system pressure to reach gauge.
If test hose does not have a built-in core depressor, an adapter must be used. Never attach hose or adapter to Schrader valve unless it is first
connected to manifold gauge set.
Refrigerant R-12 Schrader-type valve cores have TV5 thread size. Refrigerant R-134a Schrader-type valve cores use M6 (Metric) threads. R-
134a valve cores can be easily identified by use of "O" rings and external spring. See Fig. 1
.
SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS
SERVICE VALVE LOCATIONS NOTE:Synthetic/PAG oils absorb m oisture very rapidly, 2.3-5.6% by weight, as com pared to a m ineral oil
absorption rate of .005% by weight.
NOTE:Refrigerant R-12 service hoses will ONLY be labeled SAE J2196.
NOTE:Although sim ilar in construction and operation to a tire valve, NEVER replace a Schrader-type valve
with a tire valve.
VehicleHighLow
Audi(14) (15)
Acura(2) (3)
BMW(4) (5)
Chrysler, Eagle & Mitsubishi
Colt, Mirage & Summit(10) (11)
Colt Vista & Summit Wagon(10) (11)
Diamante(1) (1)
Eclipse & Expo(10) (11)
Galant(10) (11)
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A/C SYST EM PRECAUT IONS
A/C GENERAL SERVICING A/C System Servicing cautions
BEFORE OPENING THE SYSTEM
Before disconnecting any lines or fittings, the system must be completely discharged using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment.
DISCHARGING A/C SYSTEM
1. Remove service valve caps and install gauges. For high side gauge hose, Adapter (D81L-19703-A) must be used to connect to high side
service valve.
2. Place open end of center hose in garage exhaust outlet or in a well ventilated area. Slightly open low side gauge valve and let refrigerant
escape slowly without loosing refrigerant oil.
3. When system is nearly discharged, using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment, open high side gauge valve to release any
pressure trapped in compressor. Close valves immediately after discharging to prevent entry of moisture.
DISCONNECTING LINES & FITTINGS
1. After system is discharged, using approved refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment, carefully clean entire area around coupling nut to
prevent dirt entering system. Always use two wrenches to avoid twisting or distorting lines and fittings (hold fitting with one wrench
while loosening coupling nut with second wrench).
2. Ford spring-coupling fittings require a special coupling tool (Motorcraft YT-1056) to open or close. See procedure under Connecting
Lines and Fittings.
3. Cap or plug all LINES and FITTINGS immediately to prevent entry of air and moisture into system. Do not remove these caps until
connections are being made.
COMPONENT REPLACEMENT
When components are replaced, system oil level must be adjusted. Add refrigeration oil to replacement component. See Compressor oil Check
article, as well as COMPONENT OIL REPLACEMENT QUANTITIES chart under A/C SYSTEM SPECS article in this section.
USING R-12 REFRIGERANT - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Always work in a well-ventilated, clean area. Refrigerant (R-12) is heavier than oxygen, and will displace oxygen in a confined area.
Always wear eye protection when working around air conditioning systems and R-12. The system's high pressure can cause severe injury
to eyes and skin if a hose were to burst. R-12 evaporates quickly when exposed to atmosphere, freezing anything it contacts.
2. Use care when handling refrigerant containers. DO NOT drop or strike containers or expose refrigerant containers to excessive heat.
Containers must never be heated more than 125°F (52°C). Never expose R-12 directly to open flame.
USING INDIVIDUAL R-12 CANS
Disposable refrigerant cans (referred to as one pound cans) have a flat type seal or a screw type seal, and proper can tap must be used for each
type. Be sure sealing gasket on can tap is in good condition. A proper safety can tap will prevent refrigerant from flowing back into open can,
as tap has a one-way flow control.
MULTI-CAN DISPENSING VALVES
A multi-can dispensing valve allows attachment of several cans of refrigerant, and is a good substitute when a bulk container is not available.
Cans are installed onto each leg of multi-can dispensing valve in the same manner as the individual cans, and each leg has its own can tap.
CAN TAP INSTALLATION FLAT TYPE SEAL CANS
On cam-lock or one-piece can taps, first turn the handle outward to the fully open position. Securely engage locking lugs over the can flange,
and lock them in place by turning cam lock or locking nut. Screw tap assembly into adapter so sealing gasket is fully seated against the can
top. Turn tap inward to pierce the can and close the tap. DO NOT open tap until ready to purge the service hose or dispense refrigerant into
the system.
On 2-piece can taps, be certain tap handle is turned fully inward to the closed position. Check that locking base is turned to its outer limit.
Securely engage locking lugs over the can flange. Turn entire tap assembly (without disturbing the closed setting) downward into the locking
base to pierce the can. DO NOT open tap until ready to dispense into system. CAUT ION: When discharging air conditioning system , use only approved refrigerant recovery/recycling
equipm ent. Make every attem pt to avoid discharging refrigerant into the atm osphere.
NOTE:Recent findings by the EPA indicate that R-11, R-12 and R-113 are harm ful to the Earths' protective
Ozone layer. Make every attem pt possible, to avoid discharging R-11, R-12 or R-113 into the
atm osphere.
CAUT ION: When R-12 is exposed to an open flam e, drawn into a running engine, or detected with a Halide
(propane) leak tester, poisonous phosgene gas is form ed. Keep work areas ventilated and avoid
running engines near work area.
NOTE:Recent findings by the EPA indicate that refrigerant is harm ful to the Earth's protective Ozone layer.
When discharging refrigerant avoid allowing refrigerant to enter the atm osphere. Refrigerant recovery
system should be used when discharging the system .
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MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
1988-93 MAINT ENANCE Ford Motor Co. Maintenance Inform ation
MODEL IDENTIFICATION
VIN LOCATION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the
code characters.
VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN
example below.
Fig. 1: VIN Code ID Explanation
MAINTENANCE SERVICE INFORMATION
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating
conditions:
Severe Service
Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
Towing Or Heavily Loaded
Severe Dust Conditions
Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)
Normal Service
NOTE:For scheduled m aintenance intervals and the related fluid capacities, fluid specifications and labor
tim es for m ajor service intervals, see SCHEDULED SERVICES article in this section. Warranty
inform ation and specifications for fluid capacities, lubrication specifications, wheel and tire size, and
battery type are covered in this article.
NOTE:Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or m ore) of
these conditions:
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Fig. 6: Identification Label Locations
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
SERVICE LABOR TIMES
WHEEL & TIRE SPECIFICATIONS
TIRE INFLATION
Tire inflation pressure is listed on a decal attached to right door pillar.
WHEEL TIGHTENING
Tighten wheel lug bolts to 65-87 ft. lbs. (88-118 N.m). If wheels are equipped with locking type lug nuts, ALWAYS position the "keyed" nut
opposite the valve stem.
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
All 1988-92 models use a BX-35 battery. The 1993 Festiva uses a 50D 20L standard battery.
CAUTIONS & WARNINGS
BATTERY WARNING
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
NOTE:For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor tim es are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE
INT ERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.
CAUT ION: When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with com puters m ay lose m em ory data. When battery
power is restored, driveability problem s m ay exist on som e vehicles. T hese vehicles m ay require a
relearn procedure. See COMPUT ER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMAT ION
section.
WARNING:When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with com puters m ay lose m em ory data. When battery
power is restored, driveability problem s m ay exist on som e vehicles. T hese vehicles m ay require a
relearn procedure. See COMPUT ER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMAT ION
section.
CAUT ION: Before replacing a blown fuse, rem ove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid
dam aging the electrical system . Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated am perage rating. T he use
of an incorrect am perage rating fuse m ay result in a dangerous electrical system overload.
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