Technician Safety Information
WARNING:- To avoid accidental deployment and possible injury, the air bag system backup power supply must be depleted before repairing any climate control components. To deplete the backup power supply, disconnect the battery ground cable and wait one minute. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
- Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and dangerous. If it is necessary to operate the engine with vehicle in a closed area such as a garage, always use an exhaust collector to vent the exhaust gases outside the closed area. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
- R-134a is classified as a safe refrigerant, but misuse can make it dangerous. The following precautions must be observed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
- Always wear safety goggles when repairing an air conditioning system.
- Avoid contact with liquid refrigerant R-134a. R-134a vaporizes at approximately -25°C (-13°F) under atmospheric pressure and it will freeze skin tissue.
- Never allow refrigerant R-134a gas to escape in quantity in an occupied space. R-134a is non-toxic, but it will displace the oxygen needed to support life.
- Never use a torch in an atmosphere containing R-134a gas. R-134a is non-toxic at all normal conditions, but when it is exposed to high temperatures, such as a torch flame, it decomposes. During decomposition, it releases irritating and toxic gases (as described in the MSDS sheet from the manufacturer). Decomposition products are hydrofluoric acid, carbon dioxide and water.
- Do not allow any portion of the charged air conditioning system to become too hot. The pressure in an air conditioning system rises as the temperature rises, and temperatures of approximately 85°C (185°F) can be dangerous.
- Allow the engine to cool sufficiently prior to performing maintenance or serious burns and injury can occur.
- Use extreme care and observe all safety and service precautions related to the use of refrigerants.
- Due to refrigerant hazards, always wear safety goggles and non-penetrable gloves when working on or flushing A/C systems.
- The heater core inlet hose will become too hot to handle if the system is working correctly.