manufacturers:

alfa romeo

audi

bentley

bmw

cadillac

chevrolet

chrysler/jeep

citroen

dacia

fiat

ford

geely

great wall

honda

hyundai

infiniti

isuzu

jaguar

kia

land rover

lexus

lotus

mazda

mercedes benz

saic mg

mini

mitsubishi

nissan

peugeot

porsche

proton

renault

rolls royce

seat

skoda

ssangyong

subaru

suzuki

tata

toyota

vauxhall

vw

volvo

others

other cat.:

repair

safety

general

SummaryThe new air conditioning gas is appearing on cars now. What do you need to know?

New Air Conditioning Gas

factor

volumes

New Air Conditioning Gas The EU Directive 2006/40/EC requires that all new type-ap-

proved vehicles from 1st January 2012 are able to use

a refrigerant with a global warming potential less than 150.

However, production has been disrupted by the Japanese earthquake of 2011. A new plant is being commissioned in China but until production is fully established it has been temporarily permissible for vehicle manufacturers to install R134a so long as the system is compatible with the new directive. Full production is expected in the 4th quarter of 2012. But after 31st December 2012 a gas that complies with the directive must be used.

There is no requirement to retro-fit the new refrigerant for those supplied by the manufacturer with R134a.HFO 1234yf (commonly known as R1234yf)is one such refrigerant, manufactured and supplied by Honeywell and DuPont (in a joint venture) within Europe. It has a Global Warming Potential of just 4 (R134A has a GWP of 1300), will disperse if released into the atmosphere, and its refrigerant properties are similar to R134a. One potential disadvantage is that is flammable.

The first vehicles that are using R1234yf are beginning to appear on UK roads now. These include, but are not limited to: • Mercedes B-Class • Mercedes SL • Hyundai i30 • Hyundai Santa Fe • Kia C’eed • Subaru XV • Subaru Impreza • Toyota Prius+ MPV

How do you know if the system is using R1234yf?Some, if not all, compressors are capable of using R134a or R1234yf which is why manufacturers have been able to continue with R134a until sufficient supply of R1234yf is available. The compressor should be labelled as above.

Therefore it is vital to check which refrigerant has been used. The vehicle should be clearly labelled, typically on the landing panel, front panel, or bonnet.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ARE:• CO2; THOUGH THIS REQUIRES

A MORE COMPLEX SYSTEM, IS LESS

EFFICIENT, AND IS A “GREENHOUSE”

GAS IN ITSELF AND REQUIRES AN

OFFSET FOR ITS USE.

• 152A; WHICH IS AGAIN MORE

COMPLEX, HAS A GREATER

VOLUME AND MASS.

• R-32; THIS GAS IS FAR MORE

FLAMMABLE.

It is a requirement that the vehicle or maintenance documentation clearly identifies the refrigerant used. The service port cap itself may also identify the refrigerant used (see below).

The service ports for recovery and charging will be different and therefore care should be taken for a damaged vehicle to identify the refrigerant and ensure the correct air conditioning pipes are ordered and supplied. The pipes may have an R1234yf label on them.

There appears to be no change to the PAG oil specification, though this should be checked on each occasion. Remember an electric compressor for a hybrid such as the Toyota Prius+ will require a specific oil (see Thatcham technical newsletter TL857).

R1234yf is typically more expensive than R134a with one supplier suggesting a price of €250 per kilo to Thatcham, with a minimum supply of 5kg. Supply is still very limited.

R1234yf is heavier than air and flammable, so if there is a likelihood of this refrigerant leaking the area should be ventilated so it cannot gather which would increase likelihood of asphyxiation or ignition.

R134a is not compatible with an R1234yf system and cannot be substituted as it does not meet the directive requirements.

Thatcham recommends a dedicated Charging Station, which will have the correct connectors & the ability to store & recharge R1234yf safely, for vehicles with undamaged air conditioning components.