Discharging and Recovery

WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE AND OBSERVE ALL SAFETY AND SERVICE PRECAUTIONS RELATED TO THE USE OF REFRIGERANTS.

Ford Motor Company supports the efficient usage, recovery and recycling of the refrigerant used in passenger car, compact truck, and light truck air conditioners. Ford Motor Company recommends the use of a Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.)-approved recovery/recycling device such as Rotunda R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent (which meet SAE Standard J 1991) during any A/C system repair and recharge procedure which requires that the system be discharged.

The following general procedures should be observed, in addition to the operating instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.

NOTE: Hoses should have shutoff devices or check valves within 305 mm (12 inches) of the hose end to minimize the introduction of non-condensable gases (air) into the recycling station and to minimize the amount of refrigerant released when the hose(s) is disconnected.

1. Connect hose(s) of the Rotunda R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or the Rotunda R-134a Mobile Recycling Center 023-00150 or equivalent to the vehicle A/C service ports and the recovery station inlet fitting.
2. Turn the power to the R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent on to start the recovery process. Allow the R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent to pump the refrigerant from the system until the station pressure goes into a vacuum. On some stations the pump will be shut off automatically by a low-pressure switch in the electrical system. On other units, it may be necessary to manually turn off the pump.
3. Once the R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent has evacuated the vehicle A/C system, close the station inlet valve. Then, switch off the electrical power.
4. Allow the vehicle A/C system to remain closed for about two minutes. Observe system vacuum level as shown on the gauge. If the pressure does not rise, disconnect hose(s) of the R-134a A/C Service Center 176-00001 or equivalent.
5. If the system pressure rises, repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 until the vacuum level remains stable for 2 minutes.
6. Perform required service operations, evacuate and recharge the A/C system.