Ford Approved Flushing Procedures For A/C System (95-8-1)

Publication date: 1995-09-11
Reference number: 95-8-1
Supersedes refnos: 95-18-4

FORD APPROVED FLUSHING PROCEDURES FOR A/C SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 95-18-4, Date of Issue: September 11, 1995
Superceded Bulletin(s): 95-8-1, Date of Issue: April 24, 1995

NOTE: This bulletin supersedes Technical Service Bulletin 95-8-1 dated April 24, 1995. This TSB is being republished in its entirety to include LABOR OPERATIONS for system flushing.

DESCRIPTION

AIR CONDITIONING - FORD APPROVED FLUSHING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP

APPLICATION

Model(s): Ford: 1985-86 LTD

1985-88 EXP

1985-94 Tempo

1985-95 Crown Victoria, Escort, Mustang, Thunderbird

1986-96 Taurus

1989-93 Festiva

1989-95 Probe

1994-95 Aspire

1995-96 Contour

Lincoln-Mercury: 1984-92 Mark VII

1985-86 Marquis

1985-87 Lynx

1985-94 Topaz

1985-95 Cougar, Grand Marquis, Town Car

1985-96 Continental

1986-96 Sable

1987-89 Tracer

1991-93 Capri

1991-95 Tracer

1993-95 Mark VIII

1995-96 Mystique

Merkur: 1985-89 XR4TI

1988-89 Scorpio

Light Truck: 1985-90 Bronco II

1985-95 Bronco, Econoline, F-150-350 Series,

1985-96 Ranger

1986-95 Aerostar

1991-96 Explorer

1993-95 Villager

1995-96 Windstar

ISSUE

Ford Motor Company has approved a procedure to provide technicians with a non-CFC method of flushing contaminated A/C system heat exchangers (evaporators and condensers). This procedure allows the A/C components to be cleaned and flushed while installed in the vehicle. The types of contamination flushed include particle matter which results from compressor or desiccant failure and the gummy residue which may form when refrigerant oil is overheated. Some Ford authorized HFC-134a retrofit kit procedures will also require A/C system flushing to remove mineral oil for capacity reasons.

ACTION

Refer to the following text for proper flushing procedures.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

The flushing procedure is a two-step process which involves the use of an A/C Flusher. The Flusher is used to do the following:

Circulate the flushing solvent through the A/C system heat exchangers in the reverse direction of normal refrigerant flow (back flushing). Particle matter is filtered from the returning solvent and the solvent is returned to the reservoir for continued circulation.
Remove the flushing solvent from the A/C system. In this step, pressurized air (90-125 psi/620-862 kPa) is used to push and evaporate any remaining flush solvent from the heat exchangers.

Only Rotunda Item No. 014-00990 A/C Flushing Kit which includes 014-00991 A/C Flusher, 014-00992 A/C Flusher Fitting Kit, and F4AZ-19579-A A/C Flushing Solvent (case of 4 gallons/15 L), is approved for use on Ford vehicles. No other flushing device or solvent is approved by Ford Motor Company for flushing A/C systems. The use of other equipment or solvent may cause damage to the A/C system and the flushing unit.

Minimum time for flushing is 15 minutes and minimum time for air flushing is 30 minutes. Failure to continue air purge for the entire 30 minutes as specified may result in residual amounts of flush solvent contaminating the A/C system. Residual flush solvent in a functioning A/C system may lead to A/C system failure.

Do not flush through orifice tubes, TXVs, accumulator/driers, receiver/driers, mufflers or hoses. Internal plumbing and material makeup of these components make it impossible to properly remove the debris and/or residual flushing solvent.

One (1) gallon (3.8 L) of Ford A/C System Flushing Solvent is used in this device and is intended for one (1) vehicle only. It may be used to flush both heat exchangers on an individual vehicle, but under no circumstances should it be used on more than one (1) vehicle. The filter used when flushing is also intended for use on one (1) vehicle only.

NOTE: During the flushing process, this material may collect residue from the A/C system, which may include CFC-12. Dispose of the solvent and filter in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

Use of A/C system filter kits as prescribed in TSB 94-15-5 is optional if the A/C system is flushed. Filter kit use is recommended after flushing if the system is highly contaminated. If the hoses are clogged with debris, hose replacement is required.

Always remember to match oil properly, replace the accumulator/drier, and orifice tube, or TV and receiver/drier when servicing an A/C system with compressor or desiccant failure.

The following list of vehicles requires A/C system flushing with retrofit kit to remove mineral oil for capacity reasons.

1993 Probe 2.0L and 2.5L
1988-90 Escort 1.9L EFI
1989-93 Thunderbird Super Coupe
1986-92 Mark VII
1991-93 Capri 1.6L and 1.6T
1988-93 Festiva 1.3L
1987-90 Tracer 1.6L
1985-89 XR4Ti
1988-89 Scorpio

WARRANTY INFORMATION

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage For 1991-95 Lincolns And All Other 1992-95 Models.

OPERATION: 951804A

DESCRIPTION: Flush Evaporator

TIME: 1.0 Hr.

OPERATION: 951804B

DESCRIPTION: Flush Condenser

TIME: 1.0 Hr.

DEALER CODING: BASIC PART NO.: 19703

CONDITION CODE: 49

OASIS CODES: 208000. 208200, 208999

Ford Approved Flushing Procedures For A/C System (95-8-1)