What type of freon does a 2016 have?

Most 2016 passenger vehicles use either R‑134a or the newer R‑1234yf refrigerant; the exact type for your vehicle is printed on the under‑hood A/C label and in the owner’s manual. Note that “Freon” is a brand name historically tied to older R‑12 refrigerant, which has not been used in new cars for decades.

Why it depends on the specific 2016 vehicle

The 2016 model year falls in the middle of the industry’s changeover from R‑134a to lower‑GWP R‑1234yf. Automakers phased in R‑1234yf at different times, often starting with new or redesigned models first. As a result, two 2016 vehicles parked side by side could use different refrigerants. The only reliable answer is what the vehicle’s compliance label and service documentation specify.

How to confirm your refrigerant type

You can verify the refrigerant quickly with labels and basic checks. Follow the steps below to ensure you identify the correct type before any service.

1. Check the under‑hood A/C label: Look on the radiator support, underside of the hood, or near the condenser. It will explicitly say “R‑134a” or “R‑1234yf” and list the charge amount.
2. Read the owner’s manual: The Heating/Air Conditioning or Specifications section typically states the refrigerant and oil type.
3. Inspect the service ports: R‑1234yf uses unique, incompatible fittings per SAE J639; standard R‑134a couplers will not latch onto R‑1234yf ports.
4. Use OEM parts catalogs or a VIN lookup: Dealer parts systems and many OEM service sites will display the refrigerant type for your exact VIN.
5. Check the A/C service machine tag at a trusted shop: Shops label machines for R‑134a or R‑1234yf; a reputable technician can confirm what your system uses before connecting anything.

Completing these checks prevents misidentification and protects the system from costly cross‑contamination or component damage.

2016 brand and model trends (general guidance)

While you must verify for your specific vehicle, these broad patterns can help set expectations for 2016 models sold in North America.

• FCA (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram): Many cars and crossovers had already moved to R‑1234yf by 2014–2016; some trucks/SUVs remained R‑134a.
• GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac): A number of 2015–2016 redesigns adopted R‑1234yf, but several 2016 carryovers still used R‑134a.
• Ford/Lincoln: Largely R‑134a in 2016, with broader R‑1234yf adoption arriving for 2017+ launches.
• Toyota/Lexus: Mostly R‑134a in 2016; select premium models began transitioning to R‑1234yf.
• Honda/Acura: Predominantly R‑134a in 2016, with gradual R‑1234yf rollout afterward.
• Hyundai/Kia: Mostly R‑134a in 2016; wider R‑1234yf adoption in later model years.
• Nissan/Infiniti: Mixed; some platforms switched around 2016–2017.
• German brands (BMW/MINI, Mercedes‑Benz, VW/Audi, Porsche): EU rules pushed a full switch by 2017; U.S. 2016 models were mixed—some R‑134a, some R‑1234yf depending on platform and market.
• Subaru, Mazda: Generally R‑134a in 2016, with changeovers happening mostly in 2017–2019.

These are not definitive for any single vehicle; always rely on the under‑hood label and official documentation for the final word.

Service and safety cautions

Working with automotive refrigerants is regulated and requires care. Keep the following points in mind before attempting any service.

• Never mix refrigerants: R‑134a and R‑1234yf are incompatible. Cross‑contamination can damage components and is costly to remediate.
• Use the correct oil: Follow the manufacturer’s specified oil type and viscosity; R‑1234yf systems often require specific PAG oils or additives.
• Observe charge accuracy: Modern systems have tight charge tolerances. Over/under‑charging can degrade performance and reliability.
• Mind flammability: R‑1234yf is an A2L (mildly flammable). Only use certified equipment and trained technicians.
• Follow the law: Venting refrigerant is illegal. In the U.S., MVAC work requires EPA Section 609 certification and approved recovery equipment.

Adhering to these practices protects you, the vehicle, and the environment—while keeping A/C performance within design specifications.

Why “Freon” isn’t accurate for 2016 vehicles

“Freon” is a DuPont/Chemours trademark historically associated with R‑12, which was phased out of new vehicles in the 1990s due to ozone depletion. By 2016, no mainstream passenger vehicle uses R‑12; the only realistic options are R‑134a or R‑1234yf, as specified by the automaker.

If you want a definitive answer here

Share your vehicle’s make, model, trim, engine, and VIN (last 8 characters). With that, the refrigerant and charge specification can be confirmed precisely from OEM sources.

Summary

A 2016 vehicle will use either R‑134a or R‑1234yf, and the exact type is printed on the A/C label under the hood and in the owner’s manual. Because 2016 was a transition year, both refrigerants are common across different brands and models. Verify before servicing, never mix refrigerants, and follow legal and safety guidelines—or provide your VIN details for a specific, confirmed answer.

What year did they start using 1234yf Freon?

R-1234yf refrigerant, a replacement for R-134a, was first introduced into the market starting in 2013 in some General Motors and Chrysler models, such as the Cadillac XTS and Jeep Cherokee. The transition accelerated with the European Union mandating its use for new vehicles starting in January 2017, followed by the U.S. EPA mandating it for all new light-duty vehicles by 2021.
 
Key milestones for R-1234yf introduction:

• 2010: . Opens in new tabGeneral Motors announced plans to introduce R-1234yf in its 2013 vehicles. 
• 2013: . Opens in new tabThe first vehicles, such as the 2013/14 Cadillac XTS and the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, started using R-1234yf in the U.S. market. 
• 2017: . Opens in new tabHonda and Subaru began introducing R-1234yf in their 2017 models, and the European Union mandated its use for all new vehicles. 
• 2018: . Opens in new tabGeneral Motors completed the transition to R-1234yf for all its new vehicles, and the EPA set 2021 as the deadline for all new vehicles in the U.S. to use the refrigerant. 
• 2021: . Opens in new tabThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that all passenger cars and light-duty trucks manufactured after this date must use R-1234yf. 

What year did Freon change to 134A?

The transition from R-12 Freon to R-134a for new motor vehicle air conditioning systems in the United States officially took place around 1994-1995, with full-scale adoption by the 1995 model year. The U.S. ban on R-12 in new vehicles went into effect after the 1994 model year due to its negative environmental impact. 
Why the change?

• Environmental Protection: . Opens in new tabR-12 is an ozone-depleting substance, and its use was phased out under international agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol. 
• R-134a: . Opens in new tabR-134a was introduced as a less harmful, albeit still a greenhouse gas, alternative for vehicle AC systems. 

How it happened:

• Gradual Transition: While the official deadline was around 1995, some automakers began using R-134a in their vehicles as early as 1992. 
• Retrofitting: Systems that needed a major repair or recharge before the 1995 model year were often converted to R-134a by technicians. 
• Outdated Technology: After 1995, if you were working on an older vehicle with an R-12 system, you would typically convert it to R-134a for a recharge. 

What kind of Freon does a 2016 Chevy Silverado take?

A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado takes the R-134a refrigerant. It also uses PAG (Polyalkylene Glycol) oil as a lubricant for the AC system. 
This video demonstrates how to recharge the AC system in a 2016 Chevy Silverado, including how to locate the fill port and use the R134a refrigerant: 57sRobert CainYouTube · Aug 23, 2024
Elaboration:

• R-134a: This is the standard refrigerant used in most vehicles, including the 2016 Silverado, for their air conditioning systems. 
• PAG Oil: PAG oil is a type of lubricant specifically designed for use with R-134a systems. It helps to keep the compressor and other components of the AC system running smoothly. 
• Checking the Label: It’s always a good idea to check the label under the hood of your vehicle, as some models might have specific instructions. 
• AC Pro: A/C Pro is a brand that offers R-134a refrigerant and other AC system maintenance products, often including stop leak and dye. 
• Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about the proper way to service your AC system or if you suspect a leak, it’s always recommended to consult with a qualified technician. 

Can I use 1234yf instead of 134A?

No, you cannot use R-134a instead of R-1234yf because they are chemically different, R-1234yf systems have unique fittings to prevent contamination, and it is illegal to convert a vehicle’s air conditioning system in this manner under the Clean Air Act. Using R-134a in an R-1234yf system can damage components, reduce cooling performance, and negatively affect system efficiency due to differences in pressure, oil requirements, and other thermodynamic properties. 
Why You Cannot Substitute R-134a for R-1234yf:

• Different Chemical Composition: R-1234yf and R-134a have different chemical compounds, which means they are not compatible with each other. 
• Unique Fittings: Vehicles equipped with R-1234yf use specialized, unique service fittings that are physically different from R-134a systems to prevent accidental cross-contamination. 
• Environmental Regulations: Using any refrigerant other than the one the vehicle was designed for is illegal and may constitute emissions tampering under the U.S. Clean Air Act, especially for R-1234yf systems, which are often used for greenhouse gas compliance. 
• System Damage: Incorrectly charging an R-1234yf system with R-134a can lead to severe damage, including compressor failure, due to incompatible oils and altered pressure requirements. 
• Performance Issues: Even if an R-134a system could be modified to use R-1234yf, the system’s design is optimized for R-1234yf, meaning that changing to R-134a would negatively impact performance and efficiency. 
• Specialized Equipment Required: Because R-1234yf is newer, servicing it requires specialized, more expensive equipment and hoses, according toFJC – Air Conditioning Products.