Section 23 (HVAC System (Heater, Ventilator And A/C)): General Description: Preparation Tool

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: When working on vehicles with a HFC-134a system, only use HFC-134a specified tools and parts. Do not mix CFC-12 tools and parts. If HFC-134a and CFC-12 refrigerant or compressor oil is mixed, it will result in poor lubrication and the compressor itself may be damaged.
In order to prevent the mixture of HFC-134a and CFC-12 parts and liquid, the type of tool and screw, and the replacement valves used are different. The gas leak detectors for the HFC-134a and CFC-12 systems must also not be interchanged.

	HFC-134a	CFC-12
Tool & screw type	Millimeter size	Inch size
Valve type	Quick joint type	Screw-in type

Illustration	Tools and Equipment
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Wrench Various WRENCHES will be required to service any A/C system. 7 - 40 N.m (0.7 to 4.1 kgf-m, 5 to 30 ft-lb) torque wrench and various crowfoot wrenches will be needed. Open end or flare nut wrenches will be needed to affix the pipe and hose fittings.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Applicator bottle A small APPLICATOR BOTTLE is recommended to apply compressor oil to the various parts. It can be available at a hardware store.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Manifold gauge set A MANIFOLD GAUGE SET (with hoses) is available at either a refrigerant supplier or an automotive equipment supplier.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Refrigerant recovery system A REFRIGERANT RECOVERY SYSTEM is used for the recovery and recycling of A/C system refrigerant after contaminants and moisture have been removed from the refrigerant.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Syringe A graduated plastic SYRINGE will be needed to add oil into the system again. A syringe can be available at a pharmacy or drug store.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Vacuum pump A VACUUM PUMP is necessary (for a good working condition), and may be available at either a refrigerant supplier or an automotive equipment supplier.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Can tap A CAN TAP for the 397 g (14 oz) can is available at an automotive equipment supplier.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Thermometer A Pocket THERMOMETER is available at either a industrial hardware store or a refrigerant supplier.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Electronic leak detector An ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTOR can be available at either a specialty tool supplier or an A/C equipment supplier.
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.	Weight scale A WEIGHT SCALE such as an electronic charging scale or a bathroom scale with digital display will be needed, if a 13.6 kg (30 lb) refrigerant container is used.