R-12 refrigerant... do they even sell it anymore? Any good alternates?

Question

I have a 1993 Pontiac Grand Am that requires R-12 refrigerant. My mechanic says that he can't recharge it there, and to look for stuff called AutoFrost. I read on the internet that you need some type of certification for it. But, he said I could find it at Walmart, or some type of store like that. Which is true? Do they even make R-12 available to the public anymore? Has anyone had this problem? I don't want to have to change my A/C system to the R-134, or whatever it is, that could be expensive... any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer 1

Wow terrible answers all around lol, look this can happen in relationships I know I've been with my husband for 8 long (but wonderful) yrs around yr 3 we went through the same thing no he wasn't cheating neither was I, it didn't mean he didn't love me or was bored or unattracted to me but it was just a sexual slump. Don't put pressure on him and stop initiating sex with him make him work for it. He is a man and will most definitely come around they have needs lol. I would also not focus so much on sex but get to the route of why you are arguing so much, is it because of you wanting sex from him, over work or money etc. And remember all relationships change over time if its ever going to work both you and him have to be open to change and communication over both your wants and needs.





Please dont take the advice of the woman below me, "saying something rude" like bringing up cheating will get you nowhere but into another fight and driving him further away. Having a honest open discussion where you talk not argue is what you need. There is no need to act immaturely like she suggests.

Answer 2

134a is 1/3 R12 but that is besides the point. Cars produced after 1994 are mostly 134A. \



Now, converting to 134a would be the best choice. the tech. will

install a universal oil and a label to indicate that it has been converted. The temp. difference is minimal on most cars. There should be no hard parts to change unless some thing is faulty.

some cars require a different cycling or high pressure cut off switch as not to damage the compressor with the 134a gas.



I do not recommend any other refrigerant substitutes as some of these contain Propane and other combustibles.



If the repair shop does it's job correctly, a 134A conversion should give you many years of comfy driving....

Answer 3

R12 is pretty much gone. Not sure if any stores even sell it & yes you do have to have a license to buy it.



Do like most people & just switch out the fittings & replace with R134a. GM use to have a long detailed list of what to replace when converting from R12 to R134a. Over the years, the list pretty much has shrank down to just swap out fittings & figure out what ratio of R134a your suppose to use. Flush out lines & install correct PAG oil

Answer 4

In the long run having a licenced HVAC technician convert your grand AM s A/C from R12 over to R134A as many of the dura-cool and redtek products are made for R12 systems as they are compatible with R134A.

Answer 5

they don't make R12 anymore but a lot of the aftermarket stuff is compatible, Read the label and it should say if it works with R12