General Information
File In Section: 01 - HVACBulletin No.: 01-01-38-006A
Date: July, 2001
INFORMATION
Subject:
Contaminated R-134a A/C Systems - Air Conditioning System Flushing Procedures and Guidelines
Models:
1993-2002 Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks With Air Conditioning
This bulletin cancels and supersedes Corporate Bulletin Number 83-12-21 and revises Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-38-006 to add additional information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Numbers 83-12-21 and 01-01-38-006 (Section 01 - HVAC).
GM Service Operations and Delphi Thermal Systems have worked with GM dealers over the last three years developing tools and procedures to properly flush A/C Systems. The recommended flushing procedure uses liquid R-134a refrigerant to perform the system flush and is the only GM-approved method for system flushing. The use of alternate methods that utilize solvents has proven to be detrimental to A/C system performance and durability.
Every General Motors dealer has received a J 43600 ACR 2000 which has built-in A/C system flushing capabilities. Every General Motors dealer will be shipped a J 45268 Flush Adapter Kit to utilize the flushing capability of the J 43600 ACR 2000.
This bulletin contains a general outline of the procedure and when to perform A/C system flushing. Car and truck specific flushing information is contained in the appropriate Service Information (SI2000).
A/C system flushing should NOT be routinely performed when a system failure is encountered. System flushing takes a considerable amount of time to perform and is NOT necessary on most system failures. System flushing requires prior authorization by the GM Area Service Manager (in Canada, the District Service Manager) and should be performed only when any one of the following conditions is found.
^ Desiccant bag failure
^ Gross overcharge of PAG oil
^ Refrigerant contamination
^ Contaminated PAG oil
^ Catastrophic compressor failure causing oil contamination
A/C system flushing will remove some of the metal particles during a flush, but flushing is not completely effective in removing all metallic debris. System flushing should not be considered if removal of metallic debris is the only objective. GM Service Operations continues to recommend the use of LIQUID LINE FILTERS and SUCTION SCREENS to control this type of system contamination and avoid repeat failures.
Parts Information
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
GM has not established a specific labor operation for system flushing. When system flushing is necessary during the warranty period, submit additional labor hours with the labor operation used for the system repair.
Disclaimer