How do you know what kind of refrigerant was used? 1997 pontiac GA?

L

Loner

New member
Yeah raina pretty much nailed it. GM usually put what type of refrigerant the car came with on the plastic shroud on top of the radiator. Which is vissible when the hood is opened.
 
I was going to get the do it yourself from walmart but was told it would have to be drained if it had ever used freon, but im pretty sure there isnt anything left to drain anyway, well how do i know what was used? Tried looking it up online but cant find an answer. Are the refrigerants like different colors or something, a way to identify? I know older cars used freon but i dont know how old "old" is, thanks
 
Cars STILL used freon... just a different kind.

Cars built pre-1996 used R12. This is the freon that was banned because it was found to destroy ozone. As of January 1, 1996, the auto industry stopped using it (so 1996-model cars that were already built before that date may have still used it, depending on the company's policies... those built after that date should not).

Cars built in 1996 or later were required to use 134A, an ozone friendly freon. So if your car is a 1997 model, you should be in the clear.
 
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