Important: Before opening the refrigeration system, ensure that the work area is
well ventilated. Do not conduct welding or steam-cleaning operations on or
near the following areas:
| • | The refrigeration system lines |
| • | Other air conditioning (A/C) parts on the vehicle |
| • | Ensure that all of the metal tubing lines are free of dents or
kinks that may cause line restriction. Line restriction may cause the loss
of system capacity. |
| • | Do not bend the flexible hose lines to a radius of less than 4 times
the diameter of the hose. |
| • | Do not allow the flexible hose lines to come within 6.5 mm
(2.5 in) of the exhaust manifold. |
| • | Regularly inspect the flexible hose lines for leaks or brittleness.
Replace the lines if any deterioration or leaking is found. |
| • | When disconnecting any fitting in the refrigerant system, recover
all of the R-134a refrigerant using the following procedure: |
| 1. | Proceed very cautiously regardless of the gage readings. |
| 2. | Open the fitting very slowly. |
| 3. | Keep your hands and face away from the fitting in order to prevent
injury. |
| 4. | If pressure is noticed when a fitting is loosened, allow the pressure
to bleed off slowly. |
Notice: Never use alcohol to remove moisture from the refrigeration system.
Damage to the system components could occur.
| • | Immediately cap refrigerant lines that are opened to the atmosphere.
This action prevents the entrance of moisture and dirt which may cause internal
A/C compressor wear or plugged lines in the following areas: |
| - | The A/C evaporator core |
| - | The A/C expansion (orifice) tubes |
| - | The A/C compressor inlet screens |
| • | Remove the sealing caps from the subassemblies just before making
the connections for final assembly. Apply a small amount of clean 525 viscosity
refrigerant oil on all of the tube and hose joints. |
| • | Use new O-ring seals dipped in 525 viscosity oil when assembling
joints. The oil aids in assembly and helps provide a leakproof joint. The
O-ring seals and seats must be in perfect condition. A burr or dirt may
cause a refrigerant leak. |
| • | Use the proper wrenches in order to make the connections on the
O-ring seal fittings. |
| • | Use 3 different wrenches in order to simultaneously hold the following
parts when connecting the flexible hose connections: |
| - | The coupling that is attached to the flare nut |
| - | This action prevents turning in the fitting and damage to the seat. |
