Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

General Safety Information and Caution

16steps
~96min
4/5difficulty
Done 0 of 16

PRECAUTIONS

HANDLING REFRIGERANT
  1. Liquid refrigerant R-134a, R-1234yf is very volatile. A drop on the skin may cause frostbite. Wear gloves when working with refrigerant.
  2. Standard practice is to wear eye protection and hand protection gloves. If refrigerant splashes into the eyes, immediately flush them with clean water.
  3. The R-134a, R-1234yf container is under pressure. Never leave it in a warm place and make sure the ambient temperature does not exceed 52 °C
  4. An electronic leak detector can be used to check whether there are refrigerant leaks in the system. Remember that R-134a, R-1234yf produces phosgene, a very toxic gas, when in contact with flame.
  5. Use only lubricant recommended for R-134a, R-1234yf systems. If different lubricants are used, the system may fail.
  6. PAG lubricant absorbs moisture from the atmosphere quickly. The following precautions must be observed:
    • When removing refrigerant components from the vehicle, immediately plug them to prevent moisture ingress.
    • When installing these components in the vehicle, remove the plug immediately before connecting the components.
    • Connect all refrigerant pipes and hoses without delay to prevent moisture from entering the air conditioning system.
    • Use only recommended lubricant stored in a closed, airtight container.
  7. In case of accidental entry of drops into the system, ventilate the area and wait before continuing work.
  8. Never open or loosen a connection until the system has been discharged.
  9. Immediately and tightly close open connections of components with a cap or plug to prevent moisture or dust from entering.
  10. Do not remove the sealed caps from a spare component until the component is ready for installation.
  11. Before connecting an open joint, always install a new watertight seal. Apply a layer of refrigerant lubricant to the fitting and the joint before connecting.
  12. If it is necessary to open the refrigeration system, prepare every component needed for service so that the system is not left open longer than necessary.
  13. Plug or seal all pipes and fittings as soon as they are opened to prevent dust or moisture from entering.
  14. It is advisable to plug or hermetically seal all pipes and fittings when they are not in use.
  15. Never attempt to re-bend pipes to make them fit. Use the correct pipeline for the installation you are servicing.
  16. All tools, including the lubricant supply system, manifold gauge set and charging hoses, must be clean and dry.
WHEN REPLACING AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM PARTS WHEN INSTALLING CONNECTING PARTS CONNECTION WITH GUIDE PIPE: Check that the new O-ring is not damaged (use only the specified O-ring) and lubricate it with compressor oil. Tighten the nut to the specified torque. HANDLING PIPES AND FITTINGS: The internal parts of the refrigeration system remain chemically stable because the refrigerant and refrigerant oil used are pure and free of any moisture. The presence of foreign matter, moisture or air in abnormal amounts may disrupt chemical stability and lead to problems or serious malfunctions. TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS

Test yourself

A quick Hyundai i20 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.