I was reviewing my F150's vehicles specs located in my online repair manual copy when I ran across what is allegedly, the type of Freon used for the A/C in my truck. It says it's the newest version with the lazy acronym that was attached to it. HF01234YF. Did you know this stuff is flammable? But, it's not harmful to the planet. It can just help burn down you truck in an accident and maybe a subject for another thread. Anyway, the reason I bring this up is because the label attached to the underside of the hood on my truck claims that R 134 is installed.

At the moment, the truck is in no need of a A/C service but, the fact that there seems to be some confusion as to what refrigerant is being used in my truck could cause a situation. I suppose I could take a Bic out to the truck and push a schrader and try to light what escapes. I have a head set with adapters for R134 and I could try to hook that up but, I don't know if the connections are different between the two gasses. Has anybody else run across this situation in your truck?

 

I think I have the answer to my own question. My R134 adapters will not fit on the A/C lines because they have 'quick connects'. Maybe this means the truck uses the 'Hindenburg' style of refrigerant. It's odd that there seems to be no distinction between the two connections as they appear to use the same dimensions. Better know your 'hi and low' stuff.

As for the label on the hood of my truck stating that R134 is used, maybe, it is a leftover hood from a previous year. Or, they just ran out of labels.

 

Just FYI, R134 and 1234YF are NOT compatible. They have different charging adapters and require different and separate equipment. Do Not try to mix the two. And yes it is flamable. Check out the MSDS sheets. Thank your Government.

 

Just another FYI, if you dont want flammable refrigerant near you, better change out your home ac now before the new stuff comes out.

 

Freon itself is Nonflammable. But it can explode.

 

Hold on a bit.
If your truck has a sticker that says 134 believe it.
.
Here is my research:
I believe your truck was built in 2016 and Titled 2017.
If you look at your 2017 Owner manual, it does say 1234YF. Make a note in your manual about the following.
Looking at a 2016 Owner manual page 390 specs R134.
The build just got caught in the change over time frame.
The assembly line had to put the sticker on, and you saw it.
Supposes they did not put the sticker on. Then what!
Every time an official change is made, even a PCM change/update version pgm, a sticker normally is put some place on the front of the vehicle and noted in the records or the next time a need to know arises, the tech sees the info/sticker and not cause a new issue.
It's standard procedure.
Happens often.
Good luck.

 

The OP has a 17 and apparently verified his R134 adapters do not fit.

 

Thanks for the info but, my truck has a build date of Feb 11, 2017. However, if the change over to the new Freon was between '16 and '17 then the hood maybe a leftover from '16...wait...isn't '17 the first year of the Aluminum body or was it '15? At any rate, the hood is aluminum. It's all so confusing. I'm now fairly sure the refrigerant in mine is the R01234YF variant as noted by the quick connect design on the A/C lines. Getting the adapters for that would make for an interesting connection set up using my R 12 designed head set and the R134 adapters. Having done a little more research into the subject of this refrigerant, it ain't cheap either.

 

F150 models, except Raptor, should be R1234yf starting with the 2017 MY.

 

Go with the Hi and Lo fittings on your truck and not use adapters.
I gave info and now offer a second and third real time experience.
.
I had an experience once back in 1988 with a Ranger rear brake cylinder.
(Every source) kept coming up with the wrong part I had in my hand, off the truck.
After the third vendor, I asked them to look up an 89 for the same part and bring it out to compare. The issue was a simple brake line fitting change size.
Bingo! Later rear spec cylinder used a bit too early on the last Rangers off the 88 line.
The books and specs can say one thing but what happens on the production line ..,.sometimes, is another.
They do this to use up parts where it can be done without re-engineering.
As far as the year date applied to a vehicle, it can be the previous year or the next year as the line stops for or begins the next model year.
Saw it many times over the years.
Matter of fact, sometimes if a vehicle was ordered, you did not know what engine might be installed.
That example was either a 351 Cleaveland or a 351 Windsor v8 back in the mid 70s.
The 97 to 2003 might get a Windsor or a Romeo engine.
Neither of these example engines are the same except to bolt up to the same transmission.
The engine plants are right across the river between the US and CANADA and depending on [what assembly plant] got the supply of engines, at the time the vehicle was built.
Just be awhere of these things and that there is often a 2nd and 3rd printing of the Owner manuals for corrections, additions or omissions.
Good luck.