Vehicle Damage Warnings

A/C Refrigerant System, Safety Measures

- The subassemblies and lines of the air conditioner are filled with tetrafluoroethane, also known as refrigerant R-134a.
- Refrigerant R-134a replaces the refrigerant R-12 which is reported to have harmful effects on the earth's ozone layer.
- R-134a and R-12 systems are similar in design but there are very important differences in the refrigerants, lubricating oils, service equipment and A/C system components.

WARNING:
- Always use an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging unit such as Kent-Moore ACR4, or equivalent, whenever discharging an R-134a A/C system.
- As of January 1, 1992 any person who services a motor vehicle air conditioner MUST, by law, be properly trained and certified and use approved refrigerant recycling equipment. Technicians must complete an EPA approved recycling course to be certified.
- State and Provincial governments may have additional requirements regarding air conditioning servicing. Always comply with state and local laws.

- The A/C system is filled with refrigerant which is under pressure.
- The refrigerant must not come in contact with your skin.

If liquid refrigerant has come in contact with your skin or eyes:
- Do not rub skin or eyes.
- Immediately flush with cool water for 15 minutes.
- Rush to a doctor or hospital.
- Do not attempt to treat yourself.

- Switch on existing exhaust/ventilation systems when working on the refrigerant system.
- Work in a well ventilated area because refrigerants are heavier than air, displace oxygen and may cause suffocation in areas of poor air circulation, like under the car.
- Avoid breathing refrigerant vapors. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat.
- Always wear hand and eye protection (gloves and goggles) when working around the A/C refrigerant system.
- Do not expose any component of the A/C system to high temperatures (above 80 degree C/176 degree F) or open flames. Excessive heat will cause a pressure increase which could burst the system.

- Keep refrigerant containers stored below 50 degree C (122 degree F) and never drop from high places. DO NOT warm refrigerant containers with an open flame. If refrigerant needs to be warmed, place the bottom of the tank in warm water.
- Keep refrigerant away from open flames because poisonous gas will be produced if it burns. Do not smoke when refrigerants are present for the same reason.
- Electric welding near refrigerant hoses causes R-134a to decompose from ultraviolet light. Discharge system before electric welding.
- Pressurized R-134a refrigerant in the presence of oxygen may form a combustible mixture. Never introduce compressed air into any closed R-134a container (full or empty), A/C component or piece of service equipment.
- DO NOT exceed the maximum rated capacity of refrigerant containers. Never fill a container to more than 60% of its gross weight rating (for example, 18 lb. in a 30 lb. container.) Without sufficient room for expansion of R-134a (gas cushion), the container could explode when the temperature rises causing serious injury.
- Do not steam clean Condensers or evaporators. Use only cold water or compressed air.

CAUTION:
- R-12 and R-134a refrigerants are NOT compatible. Never add R-12 refrigerant to an R-134a system or R-134a refrigerant to an R-12 system. If the refrigerants are mixed, total system contamination will occur and compressor failure may result.
- Refrigerant oils used for the R-134a system and R-12 system are NOT compatible. Use only the specified synthetic oil (Polyalkylene Glycol/PAG) for the R-134a refrigerant system. DO NOT use R-12 system oil in an R-134a system or R-134a system oil in an R-12 system. If the refrigerant oils are mixed, system contamination will occur and compressor failure may result.
- R-134a refrigerant system oil (PAG oil) absorbs moisture very rapidly. Moisture combines with the refrigerant to form acids which will damage the system. Use only the specified oil from a sealed container and ALWAYS reseal the oil container immediately after use. DO NOT use oil if it has become contaminated with moisture or if container has been left open.
- Immediately plug open connections on A/C components to prevent dirt and moisture contamination. Likewise, DO NOT remove new component from packaging until ready to install. Immediately tighten component connections after installation.

- Always use separate refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging servicing equipment for R-12 and R-134a systems. DO NOT use one piece of equipment for both R-12 and R-134a systems. The residual traces of refrigerant will contaminate and damage the equipment. Servicing equipment includes recovery/recycling/recharging unit, charging station, vacuum pump, manifold gauges, etc.
- DO NOT use R-12 servicing equipment on R-134a systems or R-134a equipment on R-12 systems or damage to both the vehicle A/C system and servicing equipment may result. Use only equipment designed to meet Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards.
- R-134a and R-12 systems use different size service fittings. NEVER use adapters to convert an R-12 fitting to R-134a size or R- 134a fitting to R-12 size.
- R-134a and R-12 A/C components including compressor, hoses, O-rings, evaporator, Condenser, receiver-drier, etc. are NOT interchangeable. Components of the R-134a system are identified by lettering "R-134a" or by a green label (or stripe). In addition, a label on the evaporator housing (below plenum chamber) identifies which type of refrigerant is used. Use only the correct system component for each refrigerant type.

- Always replace damaged and/or leaking A/C system components. Do not attempt repair by soldering, brazing or welding.
- Work area must be extremely clean when working on A/C system components.
- Use only tools, equipment and parts specified for use with R-134a.
- Switch on existing exhaust/ventilation systems when working on the refrigerant system.
- Discharge A/C system using refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging unit Kent-Moore ACR4, or equivalent, before removing any A/C system component.
- After emptying A/C refrigerant, disconnect power supply from A/C clutch -N25- (as well as disconnecting harness connector from A/C pressure switch -F129- or high pressure sensor -G65-) to prevent accidental compressor operation with A/C system discharged.
- Always replace O-rings, DO NOT reuse. Use only the correct size and type of O-rings specified for use with R-134a refrigerant. Lubricate O-ring with refrigerant oil before installing.
- Always reinstall sealing cap(s) over A/C service valve(s).