Subject: | Alternative Refrigerants for R-12 Air Conditioning Systems |
Models: | 1991-1993 Saturns equipped with A/C |
Purpose:
Recently, there have been many advertisements for "Alternative Refrigerants"
as a replacement for R-12 refrigerant used in A/C systems. Regardless of any advertised
claim, the only substitute approved by Saturn, for Saturn vehicles, is retrofitting
the A/C system to R-134a refrigerant. At the present time, only new R-12, recycled
R-12, new R134a, or recycled R-134a is approved for use in Saturn air conditioning
systems.
Some of these "replacements" for R-12 contain a blend of R-22, propane,
butane, and other chemicals, which may damage the A/C system used on Saturn vehicles.
Some of these replacement refrigerant blends:
• | may possible cause a leak to occur because the blends are compatible with
sealing materials, or |
• | have higher operating temperatures. |
Since these replacement refrigerant blends are marketed as "Drop-in"
replacements for R-12, the purity of the recycled refrigerant is at risk. To address
this concern and protect the integrity of the recycled refrigerant, the RI-2002DS
Refrigerant Identifier was released as essential equipment in July, 1995. If you would
like more information on the refrigerant identifier or information on disposing of
contaminated refrigerant, please refer to Service Information Bulletin 95-I-12