Technician Safety Information

WARNING:
- WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN SERVICING THE AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERANT SYSTEM. SERIOUS EYE INJURY CAN RESULT FROM EYE CONTACT WITH REFRIGERANT. IF EYE CONTACT IS MADE, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
- DO NOT EXPOSE REFRIGERANT TO OPEN FLAME. POISONOUS GAS IS CREATED WHEN REFRIGERANT IS BURNED. AN ELECTRONIC TYPE LEAK DETECTOR IS RECOMMENDED.
- LARGE AMOUNTS OF REFRIGERANT RELEASED IN A CLOSED WORK AREA WILL DISPLACE THE OXYGEN AND CAUSE SUFFOCATION.
- THE EVAPORATION RATE OF REFRIGERANT AT AVERAGE TEMPERATURE AND ALTITUDE IS EXTREMELY HIGH. AS A RESULT, ANYTHING THAT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE REFRIGERANT WILL FREEZE. ALWAYS PROTECT SKIN OR DELICATE OBJECTS FROM DIRECT CONTACT WITH REFRIGERANT. R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR.
- SOME MIXTURES OF AIR and R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
- ANTIFREEZE IS AN ETHYLENE GLYCOL BASE COOLANT AND IS HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. DO NOT STORE IN OPEN OR UNMARKED CONTAINERS. WASH SKIN AND CLOTHING THOROUGHLY AFTER COMING IN CONTACT WITH ETHYLENE GLYCOL. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.
- DO NOT OPEN A COOLING SYSTEM WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT RUNNING TEMPERATURE. PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
- R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. MIXTURE OF AIR and R-134a CAN BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
- AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRITATE EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE REQUIREMENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS, VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SERVICE.
- DO NOT REMOVE RADIATOR CAP WHEN ENGINE IS HOT, PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

CAUTION:
- The engine cooling system is designed to develop internal pressure of 97 to 123 kPa (14 to 18 psi). Allow the vehicle to cool a minimum of 15 minutes before opening the cooling system.
- Liquid refrigerant is corrosive to metal surfaces. Follow the operating instructions supplied with the service equipment being used.
- R-12 refrigerant oil must not be mixed with R-134a refrigerant oil. They are not compatible.
- Do not overcharge the refrigerant system. This will cause excessive compressor head pressure and can cause noise and system failure.
- Recover the refrigerant before opening any fitting or connection. Open the fittings with caution, even after the system has been discharged. Never open or loosen a connection before recovering the refrigerant. Do not remove the secondary retention clip from any spring-lock coupler connection while the refrigerant system is under pressure. Recover the refrigerant before removing the secondary retention clip. Open the fittings with caution, even after the system has been discharged. Never open or loosen a connection before recovering the refrigerant.
- The refrigerant system must always be evacuated before charging.
- Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a replacement component until you are ready to service the system. This will prevent contamination in the system.
- Before disconnecting a component, clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to prevent contamination from entering the refrigerant system.
- Immediately after disconnecting a component from the refrigerant system, seal the open fittings with a cap or plug.
- Before connecting an open refrigerant fitting, always install a new seal or gasket. Coat the fitting and seal with clean refrigerant oil before connecting.
- Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement component until it is to be installed.
- When disconnecting a refrigerant fitting, use a wrench on both halves of the fitting. This will prevent twisting of the refrigerant lines or tubes.
- Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmosphere if left uncapped. Do not open a container of refrigerant oil until you are ready to use it. Replace the cap on the oil container immediately after using. Store refrigerant oil only in a clean, airtight, and moisture-free container.
- Keep service tools and the work area clean. Contamination of the refrigerant system through careless work habits must be avoided.
- A leak detector designed for R-12 refrigerant (only) will not detect leaks in a R-134a refrigerant system.
- The system must be completely empty before opening any fitting or connection in the refrigeration system. Open fittings with caution even after the system has been emptied. If any pressure is noticed as a fitting is loosened, retighten fitting and evacuate the system again.
- A good rule for the flexible hose lines is to keep the radius of all bends at least 10 times the diameter of the hose. Sharper bends will reduce the flow of refrigerant. The flexible hose lines should be routed so they are at least 3 inches (80 mm) from the exhaust manifold. Inspect all flexible hose lines to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.
- When opening a refrigeration system, have everything you will need to repair the system ready. This will minimize the amount of time the system must be opened. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened. This will help prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture. All new lines and components should be capped or sealed until they are ready to be used.
- All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing manifold, the manifold gauge set, and test hoses should be kept clean and dry.
- The refrigerant oil used in a R-134a A/C system is unique. Use only oils which were designed to work with R-134a refrigerant. The oil designated for this vehicle is ND-8-A.