A/C System - Retrofitting R-12 to R-134a: Overview

GROUP: 87

NUMBER: 9-3

DATE: May 31, 1995

SUBJECT:
A/C System, Retrofitting R-12 to R-134a

MODEL(s):
All (except Fox) m.y. 1985 to m.y. 1992

Please read all sections of this Bulletin thoroughly before proceeding with retrofit!

At customers request and expense, A/C systems on the following models may be retrofitted to use refrigerant R-134a.

Golf Cabriolet 1985 - 1992
Golf/Jetta 1985 - 1992
Scirocco 1985 - 1989
Corrado 1989 - 1992
Passat 1990 - 1992
Quantum 1985 - 1988
Vanagon 1985 - 1991
EuroVan (Canada only) 1992

Note
Retrofitting to refrigerant R-134a is not reimbursable under warranty.

Caution!
Part numbers are for reference only Always check with your Parts Dept. for the latest parts information.

Caution!
Always use separate refrigerant recovery, recycling and recharging service equipment for R-12 and R-134a systems. if the same piece of equipment is used for both R-12 and R-134a systems, residual traces of refrigerant will contaminate and damage the equipment.

Service equipment includes recovery, recycling, recharging station, vacuum pump, manifold gauges, etc.

Caution!
Do Not blow compressed air and nitrogen through the compressor or expansion valve. Refrigerant circuits retrofitted to use R-134a must not be rinsed with agent R11.

Replacement compressors are filled with nitrogen. if gas does not escape when removing protective caps on suction and discharge ports, assume leakage and do not install compressor.

When replacing damaged compressors, ensure existing mineral based refrigerant oil is drained and replaced with PAG oil.

Always replace receiver drier If refrigerant circuit is left open.

Due to residual amounts of mineral based refrigerant oil In systems retrofitted to use refrigerant R-134a, the newly Installed PAG refrigerant oil will discolor Immediately after use. This is normal and does not Indicate a refrigerant related fault.