Hose/Line HVAC: Description and Operation
The air conditioning lines used on this vehicle are made from reinforced rubber with a nylon liner on the inner walls. The ends of the A/C lines are made with light weight aluminum fittings or quick connects.The A/C lines use special connectors called quick connects. There are four quick connects in the system. Two are located at the condenser and the other two are located at the expansion valve. Each quick connector has a clip installed on it.
All quick connects use two O-rings to seal the connection. The O-rings are made from a special type of rubber that is not affected by R-134a refrigerant. O-ring replacement is required whenever lines are removed and installed. Use only O-rings specified for this vehicle. Failure to use the correct type of O-ring will cause the connection to leak within a short period of time.
CAUTION: Never attempt to remove a clip or disconnect a quick connect without reclaiming all refrigerant from the air conditioning system. The system must be empty.
When it is necessary to open the refrigeration system, have everything needed to service the system ready. The system should not be left open any longer than necessary. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened. This will prevent the entrance of dirt and moisture into the system. All new lines and components should be capped or sealed until they are ready to be used.
WARNING:
- AVOID BREATHING A/C REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT VAPOR OR MIST. EXPOSURE MAY IRRITATE EYES, NOSE AND THROAT. USE ONLY APPROVED SERVICE EQUIPMENT MEETING SAE REQUIREMENTS TO DISCHARGE R-134a SYSTEM. IF ACCIDENTAL SYSTEM DISCHARGE OCCURS, VENTILATE WORK AREA BEFORE RESUMING SERVICE.
- R-134a SERVICE EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLE A/C SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE PRESSURE TESTED OR LEAK TESTED WITH COMPRESSED AIR. SOME MIXTURES OF AIR/R-134a HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE COMBUSTIBLE AT ELEVATED PRESSURES. THESE MIXTURES ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR EXPLOSION CAUSING INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.