Working on Refrigerant Circuit

A/C and Refrigerant Safety Precautions

The assemblies and piping system of the air conditioner are filled with the following refrigerant:

1.1.1.2 Tetrafluoroethane(CF3-CH2F or CH2F-CF3)

Currently, this refrigerant is known under the following trade names R134a, H-FKW 134a, SUVA 134a and KLEA 134a (other trade names may be used in other countries).

Working on Refrigerant Circuit

Work on refrigerant system should only be performed in a ventilated rooms (workshops). Ensure that with in 5 meters circumference are no working-pits, basement staircases or shafts. Extraction systems are to be switched on.

Reason:

The refrigerant emerging is not only colorless and odorless, but also heavier than air and thus displaces oxygen. If refrigerant gas does escape even though all the safety precautions have been followed, there is a risk of suffocating in poorly ventilated areas and in workshop pits - even if it is not noticeable.

• The escaping refrigerant/air mixture should not be inhaled, but should be sucked out via an existing exhaust ventilation system.

Do not attempt repair on filled air conditioning systems by soldering, brazing or welding. This applies also for welding and soldering work on the vehicle, in the event that parts of the A/C system may heat up.

Reason:

Exposure to heat creates considerable pressure in the system, which could cause it to burst.

Corrective action:

Drain the refrigerant circuit. Refer to => [ Refrigerant Circuit, Draining ] and => Heating and Air Conditioning Heating and Air Conditioning

• Damaged or leaking parts of the air conditioner are never to be repaired by welding or soldering them; they are always to be replaced.

When servicing air conditioner, all open components and pipe connections are to be immediately resealed.

Reason:

Moisture will ingress into air conditioner components if they are left open for a lengthy period. If this is the case, air conditioners cannot be refilled without having to replace parts of the system.