A/C - R134A System Troubleshooting: Overview

9230bmw01

Group 64
Heating and Air Conditioning


Bulletin Number
64 10 92 (3536)


Woodcliff Lake, NJ
April 1992
Product Engineering


SUBJECT:
BMW HFC-134a Air Conditioning System Troubleshooting

MODELS:
All (so equipped)

NOTE:
This Service Information summarizes some important diagnostic and service procedures. Additional Information will be released as soon as it becomes available. Also refer to TRI 64 01 92 (2121) for important general information concerning HFC-134a (also known as R-134a).

Safety:
Several precautions need to be observed when working on automotive air conditioning systems:

* Always wear eye protection and gloves while handling refrigerant and servicing air conditioning systems.

* Avoid breathing R-134a and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Use only approved service equipment discharge A/C systems. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.

* If refrigerant or compressor oil contacts the skin or eyes, large quantities of cool water should be used to flush the affected area.

* Never heat a refrigerant container with an open flame. Keep all refrigerant away from open flames since burning refrigerant can produce poisonous gas.

* Under no circumstances should R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems be pressure tested or leak tested with air/R-134a mixtures. Some mixtures of air/R-134a have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. The use of compressed air (shop air) for leak detection in R-134a systems could result in fire or explosion causing injury or property damage. In addition, introducing compressed air into A/C systems or components contaminates the system and/or refrigerant with moisture.

* Obtain and use the correct type of refrigerant recovery/recycling machine. Follow the directions included in the machine's instruction manual.