Program
September, 1994To: Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers
Subject:
Conversion of 1994 MY Lincoln Continentals with a R12 Air Conditioning System to a R134a System.
PROGRAM TIMING
1994 Lincoln Continentals are eligible for this program through December 31, 1996, regardless of mileage.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
All 1994 Lincoln Continentals equipped with R12 air conditioning systems.
REASON FOR THIS PROGRAM
To complete conversion of 1994 MY vehicles to non-ozone depleting air conditioning systems. R12 is believed to be harmful to the earth's ozone layer. Ford has developed an aggressive program that eliminated the use of CFCs. This action is part of an ongoing effort to increase customer satisfaction.
BACKGROUND
With exception of Tempo, Topaz and Continental, all 1994 MY passenger cars and light trucks equipped with air conditioning utilize a non-ozone depleting refrigerant. In April 1994, we advised you of the program to convert 1994 MY vehicles produced with R12 air conditioning systems to R134a. The first phase of the program was to convert all 1994 Tempo, Topaz, and Lincoln Continentals placed in rental service. The second phase is to convert all Lincoln Continental dealer stock and retail units to R134a systems. All 1994 Tempo and Topaz vehicles were contained in rental service, therefore, only Continentals need to be converted by dealers.
THE RETROFIT PROCESS
Retrofit kits have been developed to facilitate conversion of R12 systems to R134a systems. The cooling performance of the converted R134a air conditioning system will match that of the original system.
CONTINENTAL CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
The customer will receive a letter (copy attached) advising them to return their vehicle to their dealership for the installation of the retrofit kit.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REMINDER
1993 MY and earlier vehicles within the warranty period are not eligible for a Company paid retrofit and will continue to be serviced with R12 as long as supplies remain available. The Company has communicated this policy in its dealer information package and in the 1993 MY Warranty Information Booklet. We have taken steps to maintain continuing R12 availability for the next several years, to assure the least disruptive transition for our owners.
Dealers should use only Ford designed R134a retrofit kits and Ford refrigerant to service Ford air conditioning systems.
There are no Ford Motor Company approved "CFC Free Blends;" some blends are known to be combustible under certain circumstances.
WARRANTY
Parts and labor of a properly installed Ford retrofit kit will be covered against defects for whichever gives the greater benefit:
- 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever occurs first) or
- The remainder of the new vehicle limited warranty.
QUESTIONS
Please contact your FCSD Zone Manager if you have questions regarding this initiative.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I
- Labor Allowances
- Parts Requirements
- Claims Preparation
- OASIS
- Other