Heating and Air Conditioning: Service Precautions
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE WARNINGSUsing/Handling Unapproved Refrigerant
- Using a flammable refrigerant, such as OZ-12, in this vehicle is dangerous. In an accident, the refrigerant may catch fire, resulting in serious injury or death. When servicing this vehicle, use only R-134a.
- Checking for system leakage on a vehicle that has been serviced with flammable refrigerant, such as OZ-12, is dangerous. Conventional leak detectors use an electronically generated arc which can ignite the refrigerant, causing serious injury or death. If a flammable refrigerant may have been used to service the system, or if you suspect a flammable refrigerant has been used, contact the local fire marshal or EPA office for information on handling the refrigerant.
Handling Refrigerant
- Avoid breathing air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. Also, due to environmental concerns, use service equipment certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 (R-134a recycling equipment) when draining R-134a from the air conditioning system. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
- Do not pressure test or leak test R-134a service equipment and/or vehicle air conditioning system with compressed air. Some mixtures of air and R-134a have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures, if ignited, may cause injury or property damage. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant manufacturers.
- Do not allow the refrigerant to leak near fire or any kind of heat. A poisonous gas may be generated if the refrigerant gas contacts fire or heat such as from cigarettes and heaters. When carrying out any operation that can cause refrigerant leakage, extinguish or remove the above-mentioned heat sources and maintain adequate ventilation.
- Handling liquid refrigerant is dangerous. A drop of it on the skin can result in localized frostbite. When handling the refrigerant, wear gloves and safety goggles. If refrigerant splashes into the eyes, immediately wash them with clean water and consult a doctor.
Storing Refrigerant
- The refrigerant container is highly pressurized. If it is subjected to high heat, it could explode, scattering metal fragments and liquid refrigerant that can seriously injure you. Store the refrigerant at temperatures below 40 °C {104 °F}.
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM SERVICE CAUTIONS
Handling Compressor Oil
- Use only DENSO OILS compressor oil for this vehicle. Using PAG oil other than DENSO OILS compressor oil can damage the A/C compressor.
- Do not spill DENSO OILS compressor oil on the vehicle. A drop of compressor oil on the vehicle surface can eat away at the paint. If oil gets on the vehicle, wipe it off immediately.
- DENSO OILS compressor oil (PAG oil) has a higher moisture absorption efficiency than the previously used mineral oil. If moisture mixes with the compressor oil, the refrigerant system could be damaged. Therefore, install caps immediately after using the compressor oil or removing refrigerant system parts to prevent moisture absorption.