A/C System - R134A Conversion: Overview
REF. NO. 83/83TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
DATE: October 1996
(Supersedes S.I. 83/81B, September 1994)
Revision:
Additional information on A/C systems (York and Delco compressors) for conversion of R12 to R134a refrigerant. New retrofit label.
SUBJECT:
ALL MODELS USING R12 REFRIGERANT IN VEHICLES USING NIPPONDENSO, YORK AND DELCO COMPRESSORS CONVERSION OF R12 TO ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY R134A
With the introduction of model 140 in model year 1992, Mercedes-Benz started to use environmentally safe refrigerant R13Aa. Beginning in 1991, all other models (except 201) were designed to use refrigerant R134a.
Due to the increasingly scarce availability and 1995 production phased of refrigerant R12, models using Nippondenso, York and Delco compressors may be converted for use with refrigerant R134a.
Important:
Mercedes-Benz does not approve of the conversion to any other refrigerant except R134a because of durability and safety concerns.
In case of a necessary repair under the terms of the Limited New Vehicle Warranty or the Spare Parts Warranty and if R12 is no longer available, a warranty claim for the conversion can be submitted. In all other cases, any conversion to R134a is the responsibility of the vehicle owner.
In performing this conversion, the following procedures must be followed.
Note:
The procedure and label in this SI meet Federal EPA requirements per 4OCFR Part 82 at 61 FR 25585.
A. Preparation/Testing of the A/C system
B. Testing A/C System for Refrigerant Leaks
C. Removal of Mineral Oil from A/C System
D. Replacing Receiver/Drier
E. Installation of Service Valves
F. Filling A/C System with R134a Refrigerant
G. Affixing new Rl34a Retrofit Label
H. Performing Final Function Test of A/C System
Before proceeding with the conversion to refrigerant R134a, park vehicle inside workshop and allow vehicle to attain workshop temperature (approx. 70° F).
CAUTION!:
Wear protective eye-wear when working on the A/C system.
Special Tool Information
A service kit, intended to clean and refurbish damaged threads on the A/C service valve, as a part of the conversion process. An item list of the A/C service tool kit along with information on contacting Kent-Moore directly are shown.
Additional A/C Service Equipment Information
Parts Information
Time Allowance Information
Recommended labor times to convert A/C refrigerant system from R12 to R134a:
1. A/C system with R12 refrigerant Convert to R134a = 1.7 hrs. (changed).
2. A/C system with R12 refrigerant Convert to R134a 1.2 hrs (with compressor replacement).
In Case of Warranty
During warranty repairs on vehicles with R12 refrigerant A/C systems, it may become necessary to have the A/C system converted to use R134a refrigerant.
1. Please use damage code and operation number of the damage causing part.
2. Operation No. 83-1762-00 and time allowance for "A/C system refrigerant evacuate/charge".
3. Operation No. 83-0000-01, 0.2 hrs. (install service valves and affix retrofit label).
Note:
Operation numbers and time allowances are subject to change. Refer to the latest MBNA Warranty Time Guide for updates.