Awareness of Changing Refrigerant Types

Posted on 20 April 2017 Print

You may have noticed that A/C refrigerant on many new vehicles has started to change. For many years, OEMs used R134a. However, government mandates require OEMs to phase out R134a by the year 2021. This left OEMs scrambling to find a replacement. Many US OEMs chose to use R1234yf to replace R134a, but there are some OEMs that have chosen a different route. Let’s take look at these new refrigerants.

R134a and R1234yf are similar, however, R1234yf was created as a more environmentally friendly replacement to R134a. The biggest difference between the two is that R1234yf is mildly flammable and does require special handling. Diagnosis of the air-conditioning system can be done in the same way as with R134a. However, you will need different recovery machines and other equipment to handle R1234yf. Some recovery machines are equipped for both R134a and R1234yf. These machines will be equipped with automatic refrigerant detection. To further help avoid confusion, ports for R1234yf systems are a different size. Unlike when R12 was changed to R134a, you cannot retrofit to use R1234yf.

The potential flammability of R1234yr has caused some European OEMs to choose R744 instead. R744 is carbon dioxide, so it is non-flammable. In Europe, Mercedes-Benz is using R744 on the 2017 E-Class. Volkswagen Group stated the next generation Audi A8 will also be equipped with R744. This refrigerant uses very different A/C equipment because of the high pressure required, about 1400 PSI. This also causes safety concerns.

Make sure that you check for vehicle labels and OEM information to ensure the correct type of refrigerant is being used. Different refrigerants require different handling and storag precautions, oils, and A/C equipment. Make sure that you have the training needed to handle whichever refrigerant you are required to use.

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Air Conditioning System Service

Course Air Conditioning System Troubleshooting

Course Air Conditioning Systems Operation and Damage Analysis

  • Your 2025 Favorites: Top Articles Friday, 16 January 2026

    As 2026 rolls in, we can reflect back on what the previous year had to offer. Let's take a look at some of the collision industry information you've been most interested in from this past year....

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    Have you had the experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may...

  • Digital Key Considerations: Toyota/Lexus Thursday, 15 January 2026

    The intermingling of technology and automobiles continues, with digital key offerings from most vehicle makers. Digital keys utilize smartphone technology to expand vehicle access and owner...

  • Nissan/INFINITI Position Statements: Advanced Driver Assistance System Components Thursday, 8 January 2026

    Nissan/INFINITI released position statements on the use of salvaged, aftermarket, and "secondary-market" advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) components.

  • I-CAR Repairers Realm: RTS 2025 Year In Review - Now Available Tuesday, 6 January 2026

    I-CAR had a discussion on the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) 2025 year in review.

  • Ford On Target 2025: Volume 4 Monday, 5 January 2026

    Ford has released the fourth installment of their On Target publication for 2025.

  • Structural Sectioning Procedures: Ford/Lincoln - UPDATE Friday, 19 December 2025

    Ask I-CAR receives many technical inquiries referring to sectioning. The collision repair industry wants to know where can you section, does the OEM have a sectioning procedure, and where can I find the...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Hyundai Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • Body Repair Manual Symbols: Genesis Wednesday, 17 December 2025

    While looking at repair procedures in a body repair manual (BRM) you may notice that symbols are used to indicate specific operations or parts to be used during the repair process. Most BRMs provide a...

  • App-Based Connected Services Considerations: BMW Wednesday, 10 December 2025

    Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and...