Refrigerant System Service Equipment

This vehicle uses R-134a refrigerant. It is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear colorless liquefied gas. R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12 refrigerant. Even a small amount of R-12 in a R-134a system could cause refrigerant oil sludging and poor performance.

Service ports for the air conditioning system are located on the hoses. Service ports have been designed to ensure that the system is not accidentally filled with the wrong refrigerant (R-12).

CAUTION: Never add R-12 to a system designed to use R-134a. System failure will occur. Only use gauges that have not been used for R-12.

Fig.1 Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Station - Typical:

When servicing a system, the air conditioning charging/recovery/recycling machine must be used. Contact an automotive service equipment supplier for proper equipment. Refer to the operating instructions provided with the equipment for proper operation.

Fig.2 Manifold Gauge Set - Typical:

A R-134a gauge set must be used in conjunction with the charging/recovery/recycling device. The service hoses on the gauge set should have automatic back flow valves at the service port connector ends. This will prevent refrigerant R-134a from being released into the atmosphere.

Fig.3 Underhood Label:

R-134a refrigerant requires a special type of compressor oil. When adding oil, make sure that it is designed to be used in a R-134a system. Refer to the label under the hood for proper oil and refrigerant charge levels.

The use of R- 134a will have a positive environmental impact due to it's zero ozone depletion and low global warming impact.