Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual page 3129

SECTION 412-00: Climate Control System - General Information
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Refrigerant Identification Testing
Special Tool(s)
Refrigerant Identifier with Air-
Radicator
198-00003 or equivalent
1. NOTE: An A/C refrigerant analyzer must be used to identify gas samples taken directly from the
refrigeration system or storage containers prior to recovering or charging the refrigerant system.
Follow the instructions included with the Deluxe Refrigerant Diagnostic Tool to obtain the
sample for testing.
2. The diagnostic tool will display one of the following:
If the purity level of R-134a or R-12 is 98% or greater by weight, the green "PASS" light
emitting diode (LED) will light. The weight concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22,
hydrocarbons, and air will be displayed on the digital display.
If refrigerants R-134a or R-12 do not meet the 98% purity levels, the red "FAIL" LED will
light and a horn will sound alerting the user of potential hazards. The weight
concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22, and hydrocarbons will be displayed on the digital
display.
If hydrocarbon concentrations are 2% or greater by weight, the red "FAIL" LED will light,
"Hydrocarbon High" will be displayed on the digital display, and a horn will sound alerting
the user of potential hazards. The weight concentrations of R-134a, R-12, R-22, and
hydrocarbons will also be displayed on the digital display.
3. The percentage of air contained in the sample will be displayed if the R-134a or R-12 content is
98% or greater. The diagnostic tool eliminates the effect of air when determining the refrigerant
sample content because air is not considered a contaminant, although air can affect A/C system
performance. When the diagnostic tool has determined that a refrigerant source is pure (R-134a
or R-12 is 98% or greater by weight) and air concentration levels are 2% or greater by weight,
the diagnostic tool will prompt the user if an air purge is desired.
4. If contaminated refrigerant is detected, repeat the refrigerant identification test to verify that the
refrigerant is indeed contaminated.
5. CAUTION: If contaminated refrigerant is detected, DO NOT recover the refrigerant
into R-134a or R-12 recovery/recycling equipment.
Recover any contaminated refrigerant using suitable recovery-only equipment designed for
capturing and storing contaminated refrigerant. For additional information, refer to
Contaminated Refrigerant Handling in this section.
2003 Mustang Workshop Manual