Refrigerant: Description and Operation
Refrigerant-134aLike 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, past automotive air conditioning systems used a type called Refrigerant-12 (R-12).
This vehicle uses a new type of refrigerant called Refrigerant-134a (R-134a). It is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear colorless liquefied gas.
While 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.
NOTICE: R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12 refrigerant in an air conditioning system. R-12 in an R-134a system will cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil sludge or poor air conditioning system performance.
NOTICE: Refrigerant-134a carries a charge of special lubricating oil, polyalkaline glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil. GM PAG refrigerant oil will have a slight blue tint. The oil is hydroscopic (absorbs water from the atmosphere) and should be stored in closed containers.