be at least ten times the diameter of the hose and the refrigerant lines should be routed so they are at least 80
millimeters (3 inches) away from the exhaust manifold(s) and exhaust pipe(s).
OPERATION
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant system when the A/C compressor is operating. Extreme care must
be exercised to make sure that each of the refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and leak free. It is a
good practice to inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once a year to make sure they are in good con-
dition and properly routed.
The refrigerant lines and hoses are coupled to other A/C system components with block-type and quick-connect
type fittings. Flat gaskets and O-rings are used to mate the refrigerant line fittings with A/C system components to
ensure the integrity of the refrigerant system.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WARNING
WARNINGS
WARNING: The A/C system contains refrigerant under high pressure. Repairs should only be performed by
qualified service personnel. Severe personal injury or death may result from improper service procedures.
WARNING: Avoid breathing the refrigerant and refrigerant oil vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate the eyes,
nose, and/or throat. Wear eye protection when servicing the A/C refrigerant system. Serious eye injury can
result from direct contact with the refrigerant. If eye contact occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
WARNING: Do not expose the refrigerant to open flame. Poisonous gas is created when refrigerant is
burned. An electronic leak detector is recommended. Severe personal injury or death may result from
improper service procedures.
WARNING: If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service. Large
amounts of refrigerant released in a closed work area will displace the oxygen and cause suffocation and
death.
WARNING: The evaporation rate of R-134a refrigerant at average temperature and altitude is extremely high.
As a result, anything that comes in contact with the refrigerant will freeze. Always protect the skin or del-
icate objects from direct contact with the refrigerant.
WARNING: The R-134a service equipment or the vehicle refrigerant system should not be pressure tested or
leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air and R-134a have been shown to be combustible at
elevated pressures. These mixtures are potentially dangerous, and may result in fire or explosion causing
property damage, personal injury or death.
WARNING: The engine cooling system is designed to develop internal pressures of 97 to 123 kilopascals
(14 to 18 pounds per square inch). Do not remove or loosen the coolant pressure cap, cylinder block drain
plugs, radiator drain, radiator hoses, heater hoses, or hose clamps while the engine cooling system is hot
and under pressure. Allow the vehicle to cool for a minimum of 15 minutes before opening the cooling sys-
tem for service. Failure to observe this warning can result in serious burns from the heated engine coolant.
CAUTION
CAUTIONS
CAUTION: Never add R-12 to a refrigerant system designed to use R-134a. Do not use R-12 equipment or
parts on a R-134a A/C system. These refrigerants are not compatible and damage to the A/C system will
result.
HB
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