A/C Service Tips and Precautions
- Compressed air mixed with the R-134a forms a combustible vapor.
- The vapor can burn or explode causing serious injury.
- Never use compressed air to pressure test R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioning systems.
- Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
- Be careful when connecting service equipment.
- Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.
The air conditioning system uses HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and polyalkyleneglycol (PAG) refrigerant oil, which are not compatible with CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and mineral oil. Do not use R-12 refrigerant or mineral oil in this system, and do not attempt to use R-12 servicing equipment; damage to the air conditioning system or your servicing equipment will result.
Separate the manifold gauge sets (pressure gauges, hoses, joints) for refrigerants R-12 and R-134a. Do not confuse them.
If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioning systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
- Always disconnect the negative cable from the 12 volt battery (see 12 VOLT BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION ) whenever replacing air conditioning parts.
- keep moisture and dirt out of the system. When disconnecting any lines, plug or cap the fittings immediately; don't remove the caps or plugs until just before you reconnect each line.
- Before connecting any hose or line, apply a few drops of refrigerant oil to the O-ring.
- When tightening or loosening a fitting, use a second wrench to support the matching fitting.
- When discharging the system, don't let refrigerant escape too fast; it will draw the A/C compressor oil out of the system.