Precautions for Working with HFC-134a
(R-134a)
WARNING:
lCFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant are not compatible. These refrig-
erants must never be mixed, even in the smallest amounts. If the refrigerants are mixed, com-
pressor failure is likely to occur.
lUse only specified lubricant for the HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system and HFC-134a (R-134a) com-
ponents. If lubricant other than that specified is used, compressor failure is likely to occur.
lThe specified HFC-134a (R-134a) lubricant rapidly absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. The
following handling precautions must be observed:
a: When removing refrigerant components from a vehicle, immediately cap (seal) the compo-
nent to minimize the entry of moisture from the atmosphere.
b: When installing refrigerant components to a vehicle, do not remove the caps (unseal) until
just before connecting the components. Connect all refrigerant loop components as quickly
as possible to minimize the entry of moisture into system.
c: Only use the specified lubricant from a sealed container. Immediately reseal containers of
lubricant. Without proper sealing, lubricant will become moisture saturated and should not
be used.
d: Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes,
nose and throat. Use only approved recovery/recycling equipment to discharge HFC-134a
(R-134a) refrigerant. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before
resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refriger-
ant and lubricant manufacturers.
e: Do not allow lubricant (Nissan A/C System Oil Type S) to come in contact with styrofoam
parts. Damage may result.
General Refrigerant Precautions
WARNING:
lDo not release refrigerant into the air. Use approved recovery/recycling equipment to capture the
refrigerant every time an air conditioning system is discharged.
lAlways wear eye and hand protection (goggles and gloves) when working with any refrigerant or
air conditioning system.
lDo not store or heat refrigerant containers above 52ÉC (125ÉF).
lDo not heat a refrigerant container with an open flame; if container warming is required, place
the bottom of the container in a warm pail of water.
lDo not intentionally drop, puncture, or incinerate refrigerant containers.
lKeep refrigerant away from open flames: poisonous gas will be produced if refrigerant burns.
lRefrigerant will displace oxygen, therefore be certain to work in well ventilated areas to prevent
suffocation.
lDo not introduce compressed air to any refrigerant container or refrigerant component.
Precautions for Refrigerant Connection
A new type refrigerant connection has been introduced to all refrigerant lines except the following location.
lExpansion valve to cooling unit
lCondenser to liquid tank
FEATURES OF NEW TYPE REFRIGERANT CONNECTION
lThe O-ring has been relocated. It has also been provided with a groove for proper installation. This
eliminates the chance of the O-ring being caught in, or damaged by, the mating part. The sealing direc-
tion of the O-ring is now set vertically in relation to the contacting surface of the mating part to improve
sealing characteristics.
lThe reaction force of the O-ring will not occur in the direction that causes the joint to pull out, thereby
facilitating piping connections.
PRECAUTIONS AND PREPARATION
HA-2
