How to Remove R12

R12 refrigerant was the common chemical in automobile AC systems before 1993. R-134A is now the refrigerant of choice since it is less damaging to the ozone layer. Recovering R-12 requires a refrigerant-recovery tool. It is illegal to vent it to the atmosphere. The EPA prefers that R-12 refrigerant be accessible only to those who have a certification to work with the chemical. If you intend to recharge the AC system with refrigerant, you must purchase a retrofit kit so that the system can handle R-134A refrigerant. The refrigerant-recovery tool is expensive, but you can usually rent one by the day.

Instructions

1

Open the engine compartment and prop the hood with the prop rod. Remove the plastic caps from the service valves on the AC lines. Connect the recovery machine lines to the valves. The lines are marked for proper connections.

2

Turn the valve levers at the ends of the hoses on the machine until they are in line with the hoses. Plug in the machine into an electrical outlet. Set the control knob on the machine to the "recovery" setting. Press the "start" button.

3

Turn the valves on the hoses 90 degrees to close them when the process is complete; the machine automatically stops when it is done. Disconnect the hoses from the AC line valves. Replace the plastic caps on the AC line valves.