what kind of air conditioner does my car have??

[im2bad4ya]

So I have a 1992 model, which would suggest that my car takes R12. But there is a Mazda dealer sticker on the inside of my driver side door that says the air conditioner was installed after the fact in 1999. So would this mean I have an air conditioner that takes R134a?? I can take pics under the hood, and post them.

[Daninski]

Definitely R134a. No R12 after 1994. Your compressor will have a silver plaquard on it with the refridgerant type indicated.

[Demonic1]

The refill connectors were made so that you cannot charge an R12 with R134 and vice versa. The fill plugs on them are incompatible.
If there are no placards with the information, or you think they might be wrong... Look at the plugs.

[Daninski]

Thats good info right there. I have a R12 system in my 92 and I was gong to install a R134a compressor. Any issues with that Demonic1. Thanks

[umcamara]

Thats good info right there. I have a R12 system in my 92 and I was gong to install a R134a compressor. Any issues with that Demonic1. Thanks

The oil in the R-12 system isn't compatible with the oil used in an R-134a system, so all traces of the other oil need to be removed first. Also, the o-rings used in the R-12 system are apparently broken down easier by the oil and refrigerant in an R-134a system.

Also, some of the other components have different part #'s for the two generations:
Part Number Catalogue

You can just get schraeder valve adaptors so that your R-12 lines can accept R-134a

[Daninski]

Hey thanks. Ya I knew about the oil and O rings. Garage said $350 to swap out compressors (I got a 134A compressor for my 92) , new dryer, fittings and service the system. I may still try the R12a (RedTek) first, I heard it works well in the R12 systems.

Oh and sorry for hi jacking your thread. lol