Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO MEMORANDUM)
The purpose is to reiterate the protocols for inspection and identification of refrigerant types in MACS, in compliance with the Revised Chemical Control Order (DENR AO No. 2004-08) and the National CFC Phase Out Plan aimed at eliminating the consumption of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs in motor vehicles.
The agencies involved are DENR-EMB, DOTC-LTO, DOLE-TESDA, DTI-BTRCP/BOI/BIS/BPS, and DOH-BFAD.
Inspectors can use any of the following options: 1) Visual identification through stickers on the compressor indicating R12 or R134a; 2) Identification of service ports where R134a has threads inside the valve and R12 has threads outside and around the valve; 3) Use of the year model - 1998 and below use R12, 1999 and above use R134a.
Starting in 2006, CFC use in MACs is prohibited in motor vehicles manufactured or initially registered from 1999 onwards. Additionally, starting 2012, the prohibition applies to all motor vehicles regardless of year.
The MVIR must include the refrigerant type and the year model of the vehicle inspected. No MVIR shall be approved without this information.
A logbook with manual recordings of all MACs inspected should be maintained for easy data capturing and report preparation.
The Revised Chemical Control Order (Revised CCO) under DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-08 provides the authority.
Year 1999 is the cut-off year distinguishing the use of refrigerants: vehicles from 1998 and earlier typically use R12, while those from 1999 and later use R134a.
No, previous orders and memoranda that conflict with this memo are deemed superseded.
R134a service ports have threads inside the valve, while R12 service ports have threads outside and around the valve.