Metal Contamination

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

In the event of an A/C Compressor failure, metal will be released throughout the system resulting in contamination of the refrigerant and all system components.

Only install a designated machine for contaminated refrigerant (GE-50957 Machine R-1234yf Contaminated Refrigerant or equivalent service machine designated for contaminated refrigerant). This is critical to meet the requirements of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2851, and so the standard refrigerant service machine is not contaminated thus introducing contamination into other vehicles.

For more information on recovery and recharging when system contamination is present, as well as proper disposal, refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging (R-1234yf)

Components that are to be REPLACED due to metal contamination are as follows:

Air conditioning compressor
Metal lines that contain mufflers
Thermal expansion valve (TXV)
Receiver/Drier bottle with desiccant bag
All rubber O-rings and seals
Schrader valves on service ports

Components that are to be FLUSHED due to metal contamination, and are considered reusable are as follows:

Basic metal lines that contain no mufflers
Condenser
Evaporator