A/C Service Station, Emptying
- If it is suspected that chemicals were added to the refrigerant circuit to seal leaks, do not connect the A/C service station and do not extract the refrigerant.
- Chemicals that seal leaks in the coolant circuit form deposits that affect the function of the A/C system and lead to failure of the A/C system and the A/C service station.
- Inform that customer that there are substances in the A/C system that are no approved by Volkswagen. This A/C system cannot be drained or serviced in the workshop.
The chemical materials (stop leak additive) for sealing leaks in the refrigerant circuit offered on the market are not approved by VW Audi AG. There are no permanent-, validity or material compatibility tests. Therefore damage or malfunctions in the A/C system or the A/C Service Station cannot be excluded.
The stop leak additives offered on the open market have different physical and chemical properties, which can impair the function of the A/C system and the A/C Service Station and can even shut down the system completely.
VW does not approve the use of chemicals to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit.
Chemicals used to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit often react with air and the moisture in it. They cause deposits in the refrigerant circuit and the A/C service station and malfunctions in valves and other components that they come in contact with. These deposits cannot be removed completely from the components.
Chemicals used to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit usually cannot be detected from outside. The label that should be applied to identify it is often missing. Therefore be careful when working with if you do not know its service history.
Accessories offer containers used to separate out these chemicals (used to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit). Because VW does not approve the use of these chemicals, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of these filters.
If it is necessary to evacuate the A/C service station (e.g. because contaminated refrigerant was extracted), always replace all filters and dryers. Only remove the filters and dryers from their air-tight packaging immediately before installing them to prevent moisture from entering.
Refrigerant containers filled with contaminated used refrigerant are referred to as "Recycling containers".
Always evacuate recycling cylinders before first charging with refrigerant. Refrigerant cylinders in which there is air must not be filled with refrigerant.
Different refrigerant types must not be mixed together. Refrigerant mixtures cannot be reprocessed but must be disposed of. If there is any doubt about the composition of the contents of the container, the refrigerant recycling company is to be informed accordingly.
- When filling recycling containers (compressed-gas vessels), observe applicable regulations, technical rules and laws.
- Recycling containers are never to be overfilled. Overfilled containers do not have a sufficient gas cushion to accommodate the liquid expansion caused by the effects of heat. There is a danger of rupture.
- To ensure safety, make exclusive use of recycling containers fitted with a safety valve.
- Recycling containers must be weighed on calibrated scales during the filling process. The maximum permissible capacity is 75% (charge factor 0.75) of the charge weight indicated on the recycling container (the possibility of refrigerant oil entering the recycling container along with the refrigerant cannot be ruled out).