Air Conditioning System General Information and Cautions

Precautions (R-134a)

When Handling Refrigerant

1. 1
   Liquid R-134a refrigerant is very volatile. A drop on the skin may cause local frostbite. Always wear gloves when handling refrigerant.
2. 2
   It is standard practice to wear safety glasses or goggles to protect the eyes and gloves to protect the hands. If refrigerant gets into the eyes, flush them immediately with clean water.
3. 3
   The 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. Note that R-134a, when in contact with flame, produces phosgene, a highly toxic gas.
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, cap the components immediately 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 lines and hoses without delay 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. Lubricate and seal the fitting with refrigerant oil before connecting.

    

12. 12
    When it is necessary to open the refrigerant system, prepare all the items you will need to service the system so that it is not left open longer than necessary.
13. 13
    Close or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.
14. 14
    All lines and components in parts storage must remain capped or sealed until they are ready for use.
15. 15
    Never attempt to bend formed lines to make them fit. Use the correct line for the system 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 components: When installing connecting parts, flange with guide pin: Check the new O-ring for damage (use only the specified type) and apply compressor oil to it. Tighten the nut to the specified torque. Handling pipes and fittings: The internal parts of the refrigerant system will remain chemically stable as long as only clean, moisture-free refrigerant and refrigerant oil are used. Abnormal amounts of dirt, moisture or air can disrupt chemical stability and lead to malfunctions or serious damage. The following precautions must be observed.

Precautions (R-1234yf)

When Handling Refrigerant

1. 1
   Liquid R-1234yf refrigerant evaporates very quickly. A drop on your skin may cause localized frostbite. Always wear gloves when handling refrigerant.
2. 2
   It is standard practice to wear safety glasses or goggles to protect the eyes and gloves to protect the hands. If refrigerant gets into the eyes, flush them immediately with clean water.
3. 3
   The R-1234yf 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-1234yf, when in contact with flame, produces phosgene, a highly toxic gas.
5. 5
   Use only the lubricant recommended for R-1234yf 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, cap the components immediately 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 lines and hoses without delay 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
   Clean all dirt, grease and debris from and around refrigerant connections before servicing and disconnecting the connections.