Refrigerant: Description and Operation

The refrigerant is the substance in the air conditioning system that absorbs, carries and releases heat. Although various substances are used as refrigerants in other types of refrigeration systems, past automotive air conditioning systems used Refrigerant-12 (R-12).

This vehicle uses Refrigerant-134a (R-134a), R-134a has the following features:
^ Non-toxic
^ Non-flammable
^ Clear
^ Colorless
^ Liquefied gas

Refrigerant-134a carries a charge of a special lubricant, polyalkaline glycol (PAG) refrigerant oil. GM PAG refrigerant oil has a slight blue tint. The oil is hydroscopic (absorbs water from the atmosphere). Store R-134a in closed containers.