A/C refrigerant system, flushing with compressed air and nitrogen
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 27 other vehicles, including the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio, 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio, 2000 Volkswagen Cabrio, 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, and 1999 Volkswagen Golf. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
- When using compressed nitrogen always use a pressure regulator and the proper adaptor hoses and fittings (available locally). During flushing, use existing exhaust/ventilation systems to draw off the gas mixture escaping from the A/C system.
- DO NOT flush R-134a refrigerant system with R-11. R-11 is not compatible with R-134a refrigerant and PAG oil and will cause total system contamination.
- Use compressed air and nitrogen (available locally) to remove moisture, impurities and old refrigerant oil from A/C refrigerant system.
- First blow out old refrigerant oil and dirt with compressed air, then dry components with nitrogen.
- DO NOT blow compressed air and nitrogen through the compressor or expansion valve. Only blow compressed air and nitrogen through disconnected, free flowing components (i.e. disconnected hose, condenser, evaporator, etc.)
- DO NOT blow compressed air and nitrogen into a capped off A/C component. Pressurized R-134a refrigerant in the presence of oxygen may form a combustible mixture.
- Always flush components in opposite direction of refrigerant flow.
- Flush evaporator through the low -pressure line with the high-pressure line removed.
- If any component has dark thick deposits that cannot be removed with compressed air, replace component.
- Thin light gray deposits in refrigerant lines and hoses are normal and do not impair the function of the system.
- Always replace receiver drier and expansion valve after flushing.
- Dispose of contaminated refrigerant (PAG) oil following laws governing hazardous waste disposal. Do not combine PAG oil with any other old oils such as engine oil or transmission fluid.
Flush refrigerant system with compressed air and nitrogen if:
- Refrigerant oil is dark and viscous (thick)
- Too much refrigerant oil is in the system following compressor replacement
- Unclear or do not know how much refrigerant oil is in the system
- Moisture, dirt or other impurities have entered the refrigerant system (i.e. following an accident)
- Unable to pull a constant vacuum during evacuation of a leak-free system due to excessive moisture in the system
- Refrigerant system has been open longer than the time required for normal repairs (i.e. following an accident)
- Based on temperature and pressure measurements, system is diagnosed with moisture contamination
- Compressor is replaced due to noises or internal damage
- Flushing is required after replacing certain components in certain situations, refer to A/C refrigerant system, replacing components