GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: Avoid breathing the A/C Refrigerant 134a (R-134a) and the lubricant vapor or the mist. Exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Work in a well ventilated area. In order to remove R-134a from the A/C system, use service equipment that is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J 2210 (R-134a recycling equipment). If an accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before continuing service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

Important: 

   • Do not mix R-12 refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant, even in the smallest amounts. R12 and R-134a are incompatible with each other. If the refrigerants are mixed, compressor failure is likely to occur.
   • Use only the specified lubricant (PAG) for the R-134a A/C system and R-134a components. If you use lubricants other than those specified, compressor failure is likely to occur. Coat all the fittings and the O-ring seals with clean 525 viscosity refrigerant oil in order to provide a leak-proof seal and in order to aid in assembly and disassembly.
   • Do not store or heat the refrigerant containers above 52°C (125°F).
   • Do not heat a refrigerant container with an open flame. Place the bottom of the container in a pail of warm water If the container must be warmed.
   • Do not intentionally do the following to the refrigerant containers:
      - Drop
      - Puncture
      - Incinerate
   • Refrigerant will displace oxygen. Work in well ventilated areas in order to prevent suffocation.
   • Do not introduce compressed air to any refrigerant container or refrigerant component. Contamination will occur.
   • If you must carry a container of Dot CFR Refrigerant-134a in a vehicle, do not carry the refrigerant in the passenger compartment.
All of the Refrigerant-134a disposable, blue containers are shipped with a heavy metal screw cap in order to protect the valve and the safety plug of the container from damage. Replace the cap after each use of the container in order to continue the protection.