Precautions on Servicing A/C System
Precautions on Servicing A/C System
Handling HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and specified compressor oil
WARNING:
- If HFC-134a (R-134a) is exposed to high temperatures, it turns into a poisonous gas.
Be sure to take the following precautions to prevent health problems caused by HFC-134a (R-134a) gas.
- Do not handle refrigerant in or near any area where welding or steam cleaning is performed.
- Keep refrigerant in a cold and dark place. Avoid storing it under direct sunlight, in a place close to fire or inside a vehicle.
- If HFC-134a (R-134a) is burned, avoid breathing fumes.
- Contact of liquid HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant with skin and eyes will cause frostbite. The refrigerant cools the surface coming in contact with it to a temperature much lower than the freezing point of water.
Avoid contact with HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and wear goggles and gloves whenever handling the refrigerant. Should the refrigerant happen to contact your eyes or skin, immediately take action as described below to prevent aggravating the condition:
- In the event of eye contact, do not touch the eye with your hand. Instead, pour fresh cold water over the eye to gradually raise the temperature. After washing the eye thoroughly with water, receive medical attention as soon as possible.
- If liquid HFC-134a (R-134a) contacts your skin, wash the affected area thoroughly with water. Since the skin may have been frostbitten, receive medical attention.
NOTE:
- Do not discharge HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant into atmosphere.
- The specified compressor oil of HFC-134a (R-134a) is highly hygroscopic.
Keep internal parts of air conditioning free from moisture and dirt. When disconnecting any line from system, install a blind plug or cap to the fitting immediately.
- If pipes or hoses are replaced, replenish A/C compressor with specified amount of compressor oil from suction side referring to "When Replacing Compressor" in Precautions on Replenishing Compressor Oil Precautions on Replenishing Compressor Oil.
Handling A/C cycle part and tooling
NOTE:
- When connecting hoses and pipes, apply a few drops of compressor oil (refrigerant oil) to O-ring.
- Replace O-rings with new ones once hoses, pipes and parts are disconnected.
- Route drain hose so that drained water does not adhere to vehicle components.
- If pipes or hoses are replaced, replenish compressor with specified amount of compressor oil from suction side referring to "When Replacing Compressor" in Precautions on Replenishing Compressor Oil Precautions on Replenishing Compressor Oil.
- When handling recovery and recycling equipment, be sure to follow the instruction manual for the equipment.
- Check local governmental regulations regarding working with refrigerator systems and its tooling.