General Safety Information and Precautions

Instructions

When Handling Refrigerant

1. 1
   Liquid refrigerant R-134a is highly volatile. A drop on your skin may cause local frostbite. Always wear gloves when handling refrigerant.
2. 2
   It is standard practice to wear protective goggles or eye protection and gloves to protect your hands. If refrigerant splashes into your eyes, immediately flush them with clean water.
3. 3
   R-134a container is under high pressure. Never leave it in a hot place and make sure the storage temperature is below 52 °C.
4. 4
   Use an electronic leak detector to check the system for refrigerant leaks. Be aware that R-134a produces phosgene, a highly toxic gas, when it comes into contact with flame.
5. 5
   Use only the lubricant recommended for R-134a systems. If lubricants other than the recommended type are used, system failure may occur.
6. 6
   PAG lubricant absorbs moisture from the atmosphere very quickly, so the following precautions must be observed:

   • When removing refrigerant components from the vehicle, immediately cap the components to prevent moisture from entering.
   • When installing refrigerant components on the vehicle, do not remove the cap until immediately before connecting the components.
   • Complete the connection of all refrigerant pipes and hoses immediately to prevent moisture from entering the air conditioning system.
   • Use only recommended lubricant taken from a sealed container.
7. 7
   If an accidental discharge into the system occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
8. 8
   Never open or loosen a connection until the system has been discharged.
9. 9
   Immediately cover open component fittings with caps or plugs to prevent the entry of moisture or dust.
10. 10
    Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement component until it is ready for installation.
11. 11
    Always install a new O-ring before connecting an open fitting. Coat the fitting with refrigerant oil and seal it before connecting.

    

12. 12
    When it is necessary to open the refrigerant system, prepare all the items needed to service the system so that it remains open no longer than necessary.
13. 13
    Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture.
14. 14
    All lines and components in the parts stock must remain capped or sealed until they are ready for use.
15. 15
    Never attempt to bend preformed lines to make them fit. Use the correct line for the installation you are servicing.
16. 16
    All tools, including the refrigerant distribution manifold, gauge set manifold and charging hoses, must be kept clean and dry.

When replacing air conditioning system parts, when installing connection parts: Flange with guide pin. Check the new O-ring for damage (use only the specified one) and lubricate it with compressor oil. Tighten the nut to the specified torque. Handling of pipes and fittings: The internal parts of the refrigerant system remain chemically stable as long as clean refrigerant free of moisture and refrigerant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of dirt, moisture or air can upset chemical stability and cause malfunctions or serious damage. The following precautions must be observed.