Recall - Replace Refrigerant R1234yf With Refrigerant R134A: Overview
Campaign No. 2012100001, October 2012TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT: Model 231, Model Year 2013
Replace Refrigerant R1234yf with Refrigerant R134a
Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that the climate control refrigerant R1234yf used in Model Year 2013, Model 231 (SL) vehicles, must be replaced. Due to the findings of a recent DAG test program that replicated demanding operating conditions and corresponding engine temperatures, DAG has determined that the refrigerant R1234yf used in the climate control system may ignite in the engine compartment in the event of a severe frontal impact that would also cause a rupture to the refrigerant line. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) has initiated a recall of these vehicles. An authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will remove the refrigerant R1234yf, change the required hoses and replace the refrigerant in subject vehicles with non-flammable R134a.
Attached is a sample copy of a letter which owners of the affected vehicles will receive.
Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:
^ Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired.
^ Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.
Please note that Recall and Service Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Approximately 432 vehicles are involved.
Procedure
Danger!
Risk of explosion caused by welding or soldering work on closed air conditioning system. Risk of poisoning caused by inhaling overheated refrigerant vapors. Risk of injury to skin and eyes caused by contact with liquid refrigerants. Never perform welding work on or near a closed air conditioning system. No smoking or open flames. Wear safety glasses and protective gloves. Work only in well ventilated areas. Carry out repair work on the air conditioning system circuit only after the system has been emptied.
Refer to WIS: AS83.00-Z-0001-01A
Note:
^ Procedure for a damaged or leaky air conditioning system. Refer to WIS: AH83.30-P-0005-01A. It is not necessary to replace the receiver dryer for this procedure
^ Notes for handling refrigerant R1234yf: Refer to WIS: AH83.30-P-0003-02A
^ Notes for handling refrigerant R134a: Refer to WIS: AH83.30-N-0003-01A
^ Protect air conditioning circuit and components from moisture when carrying out repair work: Refer to WIS: AH83.30-P-0005-01A
A. Evacuate A/C System and Install New Owners Literature
1. Evacuate refrigerant R1234yf, refer WIS: AR83.30-P-1760YF.
Note:
^ Do not remove refrigerant oil from A/C system.
^ If you are notified during the evacuation phase that the R1234yf Service Unit storage bottle is full, please contact Mike Roth at mbtoolsandequipment@mbusa.com to schedule a service unit refrigerant evacuation.
2. Install new operators manuals:
Note:
Install new operators manuals while refrigerant is being evacuated.
^ Connect battery charger.
^ Replace printed operators manual in vehicles portfolio with new (printed) operators manual
^ Load new digital operators manual into COMAND.
^ Replace operators manual CD in vehicles portfolio with new (operators manual) CD.
^ Disconnect battery charger.
B. Replace Refrigerant Lines for Condenser and Compressor Between Connection Point
1. Remove nut (41, Figure 1).
> Torque nut (41) to 8 Nm when installing.
2. Disconnect refrigerant line (4, Figure 1) from refrigerant line (3).
3. Remove nut (22, Figure 1).
> Torque nut (22) to 8 Nm when installing
4. Disconnect condenser refrigerant line (2, Figure 1) from mounting clip (23).
5. Disconnect condenser refrigerant line (2, Figure 1) from refrigerant line (3).
6. Remove lower front engine cover, refer to WIS AR61.20-P-1105RK.
7. Remove compressor refrigerant line bolt (42, Figure 2).
> Torque bolt (42) to 20 Nm when installing.
8. Disconnect compressor refrigerant line (4, Figure 2) from compressor (A9, A9/7).
9. Remove compressor refrigerant line (4, Figure 2).
10. Install new compressor refrigerant line (4, Figure 2) in reverse order.
Note:
New refrigerant line should be provided with new O-rings already installed. Be careful not to damage O-rings when routing refrigerant line during installation. Lubricate O-rings with refrigerant oil prior to installing refrigerant line.
11. Remove radiator support/cover:
^ Unclip coolant line (A, Figure 3) from air intake duct (B).
^ Remove engine compartment seal (C, Figure 3) from radiator support/cover (D).
^ Remove 2 radiator fasteners (E, Figure 3)
^ Disconnect air intake ducts (B, F Figure 3) from radiator support/cover (D).
^ Unclip hood release cable (G, Figure 3) from radiator (D).
^ Remove radiator support/cover screws (arrows, Figure 3).
^ Remove radiator support/cover (D, Figure 3).
12. Insert extension (A, Figure 4) with socket through radiator grill (arrow) and loosen condenser refrigerant line bolt (B, Figure 6).
> Torque bolt (B, Figure 6) to 8 Nm when installing.
Note:
Be careful not to damage bumper or grill when loosening bolt.
13. Open clip (arrow, Figure 5) on top of radiator side shroud (A) and separate side shroud (A) from radiator assembly (B).
14. Carefully pull radiator assembly (A, Figure 6) in direction of arrows (Figure 6) then remove condenser refrigerant line bolt (B)
15. Route condenser refrigerant line (C, Figure 6) out through opening (arrow, Figure 7) in radiator side shroud (24, Figure 7) and remove from engine compartment.
Note:
Refer also to Figures 1 and 7 for more views of condenser components and refrigerant lines.
16. Install new condenser refrigerant line (C, Figure 6) in reverse order.
Note:
New condenser refrigerant line should be provided with new O-rings already installed. Be careful not to damage O-rings when routing refrigerant line during installation. Lubricate O-rings with refrigerant oil prior to installing refrigerant line.
17. Assemble in reverse order.
18. Recharge air conditioning with R134a refrigerant ONLY and include 40 cc of refrigerant oil. Refer to WIS: AR83.30-P-1760NKB.
19. Replace information label for R-1234yf air conditioning filling capacity on radiator cross-member with new R-134a label (H, Figure 3).
20. Install new caps on A/C service valves of new refrigerant lines (2, 4, Figure 1).
Special Tools
Primary Parts Information
Note:
^ Please be aware that only the part number(s) referenced in the Campaign Bulletin is approved for use to repair the vehicle. Repairs performed using any other part(s) will not have been performed in accordance with the campaign. Accordingly, warranty claims submitted with reference to an improper part number(s) will be denied.
^ The following allowable labor operation should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair:
Warranty Information