DENSO ND-OIL 12 represents the evolution of automotive A/C compressor lubrication technology, specifically engineered for the modern R1234yf eco-friendly refrigerant while maintaining full backward compatibility with traditional R134a systems. Built on a proven PAG 46 (Polyalkylene Glycol) base and fortified with advanced chemical additives, ND-OIL 12 bridges the gap between legacy R134a vehicles and the latest low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) R1234yf standards mandated in Europe, Japan, and increasingly worldwide.
R1234yf Optimized: Specifically formulated additive package ensures stable chemical behaviour and lubrication performance with R1234yf refrigerant across the manufacturer’s published -40°C to 182°C range (pour point to flash point), addressing R1234yf's distinct chemical properties compared to R134a.
Regulatory Compliance: Meets EPA SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) requirements for R1234yf refrigerant systems, EU MAC Directive low-GWP mandates, ensuring legal compliance across North American, European, and Japanese markets.
Backward Compatible: ND-OIL 12 can serve older R134a systems where the compressor is belt-driven and PAG 46 is the specified grade, so one grade covers both R1234yf and R134a belt-driven vehicles. Use one grade per system — the can carries the instruction “Do not mix with other oils”. Where a vehicle is specified for R134a only, ND-OIL 8 remains the dedicated grade.
Mechanical Compressor Design: Engineered for traditional belt-driven compressor types including piston, sliding vane, rotary, and scroll compressors found in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Post-2017 European vehicles, 2021+ Japanese vehicles, and newer North American models equipped with R1234yf refrigerant and mechanical belt-driven A/C compressors.
Retrofitting older R134a systems to R1234yf standards, or simply upgrading from ND-OIL 8 to a more advanced formulation for better thermal protection and additive performance.
Piston, sliding vane, rotary, and scroll compressors driven by engine belts. Not suitable for electric compressors in hybrid/EV applications (use ND-OIL 11 POE for those).
Ideal for professional technicians handling mixed fleets with both R134a and R1234yf vehicles, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining OEM-level performance.
Before you order: confirm the compressor is belt-driven and the refrigerant is R1234yf or R134a. Electric compressors (EV/hybrid) require POE oil, not PAG. Through Vane and TVS compressors may require PAG 100 (ND-OIL 9) instead of PAG 46. See the ND-OIL selection table below.
| Property | Specification | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Official product name | ND-oil 12 — DENSO part number DND12250 | The designation and part number the manufacturer publishes for this grade |
| Base Oil Type | PAG (Polyalkylene Glycol) + Special Additives | Ensures refrigerant miscibility and enhanced chemical stability with R1234yf |
| Viscosity Grade | PAG 46 (DENSO designation) — no ISO VG class | Measured 39.45 mm²/s at 40 °C in the manufacturer’s published data, which falls between the ISO VG 32 band (28.8–35.2) and the ISO VG 46 band (41.4–50.6) |
| Viscosity Index | Not published by the manufacturer for this grade | DENSO does not publish a viscosity index for ND-oil 12 in its product data or its safety data sheet |
| Operating Range | -40°C to 182°C (pour point to flash point) | Maintains fluidity at cold start, resists thermal breakdown at peak load — both figures as published by the manufacturer |
| Oxidation Stability | Not published by the manufacturer for this grade | DENSO specifies ND-oil 12 by its designation and refrigerant compatibility rather than by a published oxidation test result |
| Corrosion Protection | Not published by the manufacturer for this grade | DENSO does not publish corrosion test results for ND-oil 12 |
| Refrigerant Compatibility | R1234yf (primary), R134a (backward compatible) | Dual compatibility for modern and legacy automotive A/C systems |
| Compressor Type | Mechanical Belt-Driven (Piston, Vane, Scroll) | Not for electric compressors—conductive PAG is unsuitable for high-voltage EV systems |
| Volume | 250ml (8.4 fl oz) | Standard size for system fills, top-ups, and component replacements |
| Country of Origin | Japan (original manufacturer’s pack) or China (equivalent grade produced to the same published specification) | Both are supplied — the original pack carries DENSO OEM quality assurance; the equivalent grade is produced to the same published specification at our plant in Foshan, China |
DENSO offers a complete range of automotive A/C compressor oils. The table below helps you select the correct ND-OIL grade based on your vehicle's refrigerant type, compressor design, and drive system:
| Product | Oil Type | Viscosity | Refrigerant | Compressor Drive | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND-OIL 8 | PAG | PAG 46 | R134a | Mechanical Belt-Driven | Pre-2017 vehicles with R134a and conventional mechanical compressors |
| ND-OIL 9 | PAG | PAG 100 | R134a | Mechanical Belt-Driven | Higher-viscosity requirement for specific DENSO compressor models (TVS) |
| ND-OIL 11 | POE | Not published | R134a, R1234yf | Electric (High-Voltage) | Hybrid and full-electric vehicles with electrically driven A/C compressors |
| ND-OIL 12 (this product) | PAG + Additives | PAG 46 | R1234yf, R134a | Mechanical Belt-Driven | R1234yf new vehicles + R134a retrofit/upgrade |
| ND-OIL 14 | PAG | PAG 46 | R1234yf | Mechanical Belt-Driven | R1234yf-only formulation for specific OEM requirements (not backward compatible) |
DENSO ND-OIL 12 is supplied under multiple OEM part numbers depending on the vehicle manufacturer and packaging:
Always verify the correct oil specification in your vehicle's service manual or compressor label. Using the wrong oil type (e.g., POE instead of PAG, or incorrect viscosity grade) can lead to compressor damage and system failure.
DENSO ND-OIL 12 is distributed through DENSO's global automotive aftermarket network, including authorized service centers in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions. The product is available through professional automotive parts distributors, DENSO dealers, and OEM-authorized service networks.
For bulk orders, fleet service contracts, or regional availability inquiries, contact your local DENSO distributor or authorized aftermarket supplier. Qi Shan Refrigerants supplies DENSO ND-OIL products to B2B customers across multiple markets—request a quote through the button below.
A: Do not blend the two grades and do not top one up with the other — the instruction printed on the can is “Do not mix with other oils”. Match the fill to the system instead: ND-OIL 12 for R1234yf systems and for R134a systems where the compressor is belt-driven and PAG 46 is specified; ND-OIL 8 for R134a systems that call for it. Where a converted system is being recharged, use the grade named in that vehicle’s service data.
A: Both are PAG 46 oils formulated for R1234yf systems, but ND-OIL 12 includes a special additive package that provides full backward compatibility with R134a systems, so it can serve a belt-driven R134a system where ND-OIL 8 is specified. ND-OIL 14 is an R1234yf-only formulation without backward compatibility, intended for specific OEM applications where R134a service is not required.
A: No. ND-OIL 12 is a PAG oil, which is electrically conductive and unsuitable for high-voltage electric compressors found in hybrid and full-electric vehicles. For those applications, use ND-OIL 11 POE, which is a dielectric (non-conductive) Polyolester oil specifically designed for electric A/C compressors.
A: Oil capacity varies by vehicle and compressor model, typically ranging from 120ml to 250ml. Always consult your vehicle's service manual or the compressor manufacturer's specifications. Over-filling or under-filling can cause compressor damage or reduced cooling efficiency.
A: No. ND-OIL 12 is specifically formulated for automotive A/C systems using R134a or R1234yf refrigerants. For R22 systems, use mineral oil (MO) or alkylbenzene (AB) oils. For ammonia systems, use POE or mineral oils rated for NH3 compatibility. Using automotive A/C oil in industrial refrigeration systems will cause system failure.
A: While both R134a and R1234yf are HFC-type refrigerants compatible with PAG oils, R1234yf has slightly different chemical reactivity and moisture handling characteristics. ND-OIL 12's specialized additive package ensures optimal chemical stability, prevents acid formation, and maintains lubrication performance specifically with R1234yf, while standard ND-OIL 8 was optimized only for R134a.
The grade designations, part numbers and application notes on this page are taken from the manufacturer documents below.
Explore the complete range of DENSO compressor oils for R134a, R1234yf, and electric vehicle applications. Compare specifications, compatibility, and find the right oil for your compressor type.
View DENSO ND-OIL SeriesThis oil is manufactured and supplied by Guangzhou Qishanr Technologies Co., Ltd., trading as the brand QISHANR. The company is based in Foshan, Guangdong, adjacent to Guangzhou Port, and has been producing lubricants for more than 10 years from its own blending plant. That plant runs at an annual capacity of 6,000 tonnes, which is what allows us to hold stock on the grades we list and quote firm lead times rather than promising on behalf of a third party.
Refrigeration oils are the core of the business, but they are not the whole plant. The same lines produce general industrial lubricants, so a mixed enquiry that covers both refrigeration oils and ordinary industrial grades can be quoted, packed and shipped together instead of being split across suppliers.
This is not the full range. Specialised ester base oils and lubricant additives are produced in-house as well, which is the reason the synthetic ester grades can be specified to a target rather than bought off a shelf. If the grade you need is not listed above, send the specification or the product you are replacing and we will confirm whether we produce it.
Long-term partners get pricing that reflects a stable manufacturing base rather than a trading margin, and the same technical contact stays with the account from grade selection through to repeat orders.
Original publication. The product data, specifications and compatibility charts published on this page for DENSO ND-OIL 12 compressor oil were originally published by QishanrLubricants on 2026-08-05 at qishanrlubricants.com. © 2026 QishanrLubricants. All rights reserved.
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