Vehicle Damage Warnings
General
The air conditioning system contains fluids and components which could be potentially hazardous to the service engineer or the environment if not serviced and handled correctly. The following guidelines are intended to alert the service engineer to potential sources of danger and emphasize the importance of ensuring the integrity of the Air Conditioning operating conditions and components fitted to the vehicle.
Where necessary, additional specific precautions are detailed in the relevant sections of this Manual which should be referred to prior to commencing repair operations.
The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system is HFC-134a (Hydrofluorocarbon) R134a.
WARNING: Servicing must only be carried out by personnel familiar with both the vehicle system and the charging and testing equipment All operations must be carried out in a well ventilated area away from open flame and heat sources.
WARNING: R134a is a hazardous liquid and when handled incorrectly can cause serious injury. Suitable protective clothing, consisting of face protection, heat proof cloves, rubber boots and rubber apron or waterproof overalls, must be worn when carrying out operations on the air conditioning system.
Remedial Actions
If an accident involving R134a should occur, conduct the following remedial actions:
^ If liquid R134a enters the eye, do not rub it. Gently run large quantities of eye wash over affected eye to raise the temperature. If an eye wash is not available, cool, clean water may be used to flush the eye. After rinsing, cover the eye with a clean pad and seek immediate medical attention.
^ If liquid R134a is splashed onto the skin, run large quantities of water over the affected area to raise the temperature. Implement the same action if the skin comes in contact with discharging cylinders. Wrap the contaminated body parts in blankets (or similar materials) and seek immediate medical attention.
^ If the debilitating effects of inhalation of R134a vapor is suspected, seek fresh air. If the affected person is unconscious, move them away from the contaminated area to fresh air and apply artificial respiration and/or oxygen and seek immediate medical attention.
WARNING: Due to its low evaporating temperature, R134a must be handled with care R134a splashed on any part of the body will cause immediate freezing of that area. Also, refrigerant cylinders and replenishment trolleys when discharging will freeze skin to them if contact is made.
Service Precaution
Observe the following precautions when handling components used in the air conditioning system:
^ Air conditioning units must not be lifted by their hoses, pipes or capillary lines.
^ Hoses and lines must not be subjected to any twist or stress; the efficiency of the system will be impaired by kinks or restrictions. Ensure that hoses are correctly positioned before tightening couplings, and ensure that all clips and supports are utilized.
^ Flexible hoses should not be positioned close to the exhaust manifold (less than 100 mm) unless protected by heat shielding.
^ Completed assemblies must be checked for refrigeration lines touching metal panels. Any direct contact of components and panels may transmit noise and so must be eliminated.
^ The appropriate torque wrench must be used when tightening refrigerant connections to the stipulated value. An additional spanner must be used to hold the union to prevent twisting of the pipe when tightening connections.
^ Before connecting any hose or pipe, ensure that refrigerant oil is applied to the seat of the new 'O' rings, BUT NOT to the threads of the connection.
^ All protective plugs must remain in place to seal the component until immediately prior to connection.
^ Ensure components are at room temperature before uncapping, to prevent condensation of moisture from the air that enters it.
^ Components must not remain uncapped for longer than 15 minutes. In the event of a delay, the caps must be fitted.
^ When disconnecting, immediately cap all air conditioning pipes to prevent ingress of dirt and moisture into the system.
^ The receiver/drier contains desiccant which absorbs moisture. It must be positively sealed at all times. A receiver/drier that has been left uncapped must not be used, fit a new unit.
^ The receiver/drier should be the last component connected to the system to ensure optimum dehydration and maximum moisture protection of the system.
^ Whenever the refrigerant system is opened, the receiver/drier must be renewed immediately before evacuating and recharging the system.
^ Use alcohol and a clean lint-free cloth to clean dirty connections.
^ Ensure that all new parts fitted are marked for use with R134a.
When a major repair has been completed, a leak test should be conducted; refer to the Air Conditioning section of this manual for the correct procedure.
Refrigerant Oil
Refrigerant oil easily absorbs water and must not be stored for long periods. Do not pour unused refrigerant oil back into the container. Always use an approved refrigerant oil.
CAUTION: Do not use any other type of refrigerant oil.
Compressor
A new compressor is sealed and pressurized with Nitrogen gas. When fitting a new compressor, slowly release the sealing cap; gas pressure should be heard to vent as the seal is broken.
CAUTION: A new compressor should always be sealed and could be pressurized with nitrogen gas. To avoid possible oil loss, release the sealing cap(s) slowly. Do not remove the cap(s) until immediately prior to connecting the air conditioning pipes to the compressor.
Rapid Refrigerant Discharge
If the air conditioning system is involved in accident damage and the system is punctured, the refrigerant will discharge rapidly. The rapid discharge of refrigerant will also result in the loss of most of the oil from the system. The compressor must be removed and all the remaining oil in the compressor drained and refilled as instructed in the air conditioning section of this manual.
Precautions For Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and Recharging
When the air conditioning system is recharged, any existing refrigerant is first recovered from the system and recycled. The system is then charged with the required weight of refrigerant and volume of refrigerant oil.
WARNING: Refrigerant must always be recycled before re-use to ensure that the purity of the refrigerant is high enough for safe use in the air conditioning system.
Recycling should always be carried out with equipment which is design certified by Underwriter Laboratory Inc. for compliance with SAE J1991, Other equipment may not recycle refrigerant to the required level of purity.
A R134a Refrigerant Recovery Recycling Recharging Station must not be used with any other type of refrigerant
Refrigerant R134a from domestic and commercial sources must not be used in motor vehicle air conditioning systems
CAUTION: The system must be evacuated immediately before recharging commences. Delay between evacuation and recharging is not permitted.