General Information

CAUTION: Avoid breathing the A/C Refrigerant 134a (R-134a) and the lubricant vapor or the mist. Exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Work in a well ventilated area. In order to remove R-134a from the A/C system, use service equipment that is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 (R-134a recycling equipment). If an accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before continuing service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

Like the coolant in the engine cooling system, the refrigerant is the substance in the air conditioning system that absorbs, carries, and then releases heat. Although various substances are used as refrigerants in other types of refrigeration systems, some automotive air conditioning systems use a type called Refrigerant-12 (R-12)

This vehicle uses Refrigerant 134-a (R-134a). R-134a is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear colorless liquefied gas.

Because the R-134a A/C system is very similar to an R-12 A/C system, the differences in the refrigerant, lubricants, and service equipment are important.

Refrigerant -134a carries a charge of a special lubricant called Polyalkaline Glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil. GM PAG refrigerant oil has a slight blue tint. The oil is hydroscopic (absorbs water from the atmosphere). Store the oil in closed containers.