CAUTION: The use of A/C system sealers may
result in damage to A/C refrigerant recovery/evacu-
ation/recharging
equipment
and/or A/C
system.
Many federal, state/provincial and local regulations
prohibit the recharge of A/C systems with known
leaks. DaimlerChrysler recommends the detection
of A/C system leaks through the use of approved
leak detectors and fluorescent leak detection dyes.
Vehicles found with A/C system sealers should be
treated as contaminated and replacement of the
entire A/C refrigerant system is recommended. A/C
systems found to be contaminated with A/C system
sealers, A/C stop-leak products or seal conditioners
voids the warranty for the A/C system.
CAUTION: Recover the refrigerant before opening
any fitting or connection. Open the fittings with
caution, even after the system has been dis-
charged. Never open or loosen a connection before
recovering the refrigerant.
CAUTION: If equipped, do not remove the second-
ary retention clip from any spring-lock coupler con-
nection
while
the
refrigerant
system
is
under
pressure. Recover the refrigerant before removing
the secondary retention clip. Open the fittings with
caution, even after the system has been dis-
charged. Never open or loosen a connection before
recovering the refrigerant.
CAUTION: The internal parts of the A/C system will
remain stable as long as moisture-free refrigerant
and refrigerant oil is used. Abnormal amounts of
dirt, moisture or air can upset the chemical stability.
This may cause operational troubles or even seri-
ous damage if present in more than very small
quantities.
Before
disconnecting
a
component,
clean the outside of the fittings thoroughly to pre-
vent contamination from entering the refrigerant
system. Keep service tools and the work area clean.
Do not open the refrigerant system or uncap a
replacement component until you are ready to ser-
vice the system. Immediately after disconnecting a
component from the refrigerant system, seal the
open fittings with a cap or plug. This will prevent
contamination from entering the A/C system.
CAUTION: Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from
the atmosphere if left uncapped. Do not open a
container of refrigerant oil until you are ready to
use it. Replace the cap on the oil container immedi-
ately after using. Store refrigerant oil only in a
clean, airtight, and moisture-free container.
CAUTION: Do not overcharge the refrigerant sys-
tem. Overcharging will cause excessive compressor
head pressure and can cause compressor noise
and A/C system failure.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
REFRIGERANT SYSTEM LEAKS
WARNING: R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C
system should not be pressure tested or leak tested
with compressed air. Mixture of air and R-134a can
be combustible at elevated pressures. These mix-
tures are potentially dangerous and may result in
fire or explosion causing property damage, per-
sonal injury or death.
Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor
or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and
throat. Use only approved service equipment meet-
ing SAE requirements to discharge R-134a system.
If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate
work area before resuming service.
If the A/C system is not cooling properly, determine
if the refrigerant system is fully charged with R-134a
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
CHARGE LEVEL). If while performing this test A/C
liquid line pressure is less than 345 kPa (50 psi) pro-
ceed to System Empty procedure. If liquid line pres-
sure is greater than 345 kPa (50 psi) proceed to
System Low procedure. If the refrigerant system is
empty or low in refrigerant charge, a leak at any line
fitting or component seal is likely. A review of the fit-
tings, lines and components for oily residue is an
indication of the leak location.
To detect a leak in the refrigerant system, perform
one of the following procedures as indicated by the
results of the refrigerant system charge level test.
SYSTEM EMPTY
(1) Evacuate the refrigerant system to the lowest
degree of vacuum possible (approx. 28 in Hg.) (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMB-
ING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
Determine if the system holds a vacuum for 15 min-
utes. If vacuum is held, a leak is probably not
present. If system will not maintain vacuum level,
proceed with this procedure.
(2) Prepare a 0.284 Kg. (10 oz.) refrigerant charge
to be injected into the system.
(3) Connect and dispense 0.284 Kg. (10 oz.) of
refrigerant into the evacuated refrigerant system
RS
PLUMBING - FRONT
24 - 69
PLUMBING - FRONT (Continued)