R-134A Refrigerant

This vehicle uses a new type of refrigerant called R-134a. It is a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear colorless liquified gas.

R-134a refrigerant is not compatible with R-12 refrigerant in an air conditioning system. Even a small amount of R-12 in a R-134a system could cause compressor failure, refrigerant oil sludging or poor performance. Never add R-12 to a system designed to use R-134a. System failure Will occur.

A/C Service Ports:

Both of the service ports to charge the air conditioning system are located on the hoses. New design of service ports have been used to ensure that the system is not accidentally filled with the wrong refrigerant (R-12).

Refrigerant Recovery/Recyling Station - Typical:

When servicing a system, it is required that an air conditioning charging recovery/recycling machine be used. Contact an automotive service equipment supplier for proper equipment. Refer to the operating instructions provided with the equipment for proper operation.

Manifold Gauge Set - Typical:

A manifold gauge set must also be used in conjunction with the charging and/or recovery/recycling device. Only use gauges that have not been used for R-12. The service hoses on the gauge set should have manual (turn wheel) or automatic back flow valves at the service port connector ends. This will prevent refrigerant R-134a from being released into the atmosphere.

Underhood Label:

R-134a refrigerant requires a special type of compressor oil. When adding oil, make sure that it is designed to be used in a R-134a system. Refer to the label under the hood for proper oil and refrigerant charge levels.

Due to the different characteristics of R-134a it requires all new service procedures.

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 RECLAIM R-134a SYSTEMS. 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 and 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.

The use of R-134a will have a positive environmental impact due to it's zero ozone depletion and low global warming impact.