Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Refrigerant: Service Precautions

CAUTION:
- Refrigerant oils used for the R-134a system and R-12 system are NOT compatible. Use only the specified synthetic oil for the R-134a refrigerant system. DO NOT use R-12 system oil in an R-134a system or R-134a system oil in an R-12 system. If the refrigerant oils are mixed, system contamination will occur and compressor failure may result.
- R-134a refrigerant system oil (PAG oil) absorbs moisture very rapidly. Moisture combines with the refrigerant to form acids that will damage the system. Use only the specified oil from a sealed container and ALWAYS reseal oil container immediately after use. DO NOT use oil if it has become contaminated with moisture or if the container has been left open.
- Do not allow refrigerant oil to come in contact with engine oil or transmission fluid (for example when disposing). Dispose of used PAG refrigerant oil separately following laws governing hazardous waste disposal.