Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

compressor oil

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repair procedures

oil specification

  1. The HFC-134a system requires synthetic compressor oil (PAG), while the R12 system uses mineral compressor oil. The two oils are not interchangeable and must never be mixed.

  2. The compressor oil (PAG) depends on the compressor model. Make sure that the compressor oil specified for the corresponding compressor model is used.

Handling compressor oil

  1. The oil must not contain moisture or contaminants (dust, metal debris, etc.).

  2. Do not mix different oils.

  3. The oil is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). With constant contact with ambient air, its moisture content increases. Close the container immediately after use.

  4. Compressor oil must be stored in metal containers. Never fill compressor oil into plastic containers.

Check the compressor oil

Compressor oil circulates through the refrigerant system during operation.

When replacing system components and after a significant refrigerant loss, add compressor oil to replace the amount lost to maintain the specified oil quantity in the system (refer to Specifications).

Total oil quantity in the system PAG 30 OIL: 120 ± 10 cm3

"Oil Return" Procedure

Compressor oil and refrigerant are closely related.

During normal operation, a portion of the oil circulates with the refrigerant in the system. When checking the oil quantity in the system and before replacing components, the compressor must be operated first to return the oil. Proceed as follows:

  1. Open all doors and the hood.

  2. Start the engine, turn on the air conditioner, and set the blower to maximum speed.

  3. Let the compressor run for more than 20 minutes at an engine speed of 800 – 1000 rpm.

  4. Stop the engine.

Test yourself

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