184001354 - INTRODUCTION - AIR CONDITIONING CASING AND COMPONENTS

WARNINGS

Before dIsmantling the air conditioning cooling circuit, drain the system and recover the refrigerant fluid [PR0010T84].During the operations, when the system components are disconnected, seal the connectors with suitable plugs to prevent humidity and impurities from entering the system.Before reconnecting the pipes, replace the O-rings on the connectors. Only use green coloured seals, resistant to R134A refrigerant.Lubricate the threads of the connectors with anti-freeze and tighten the connectors to the recommended torque.R134a refrigerant fluid cannot be mixed with Freon R12 used in climate control systems on previous vehicles; therefore never, under any circumstances, use Freon R12 for air conditioning systems operating on R134a.All the system components are specifically for use with R134a and are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE with those from previous vehicles using Freon R12.There is a special draining/recovery station for the R134a fluid.The anti-freeze for lubricating the compressor is also specific and differs from the one used in systems running on Freon R12.Use care when working on trim components and use the specified tools correctly in order to avoid damage.

PRECAUTIONS

The air conditioning circuit uses R134a refrigerant fluid which is environmentally friendly.Closely observe the following safety regulations when working on the circuit:Any R134a fluid which accidentally escapes from the climate control system or the draining/recovery/re-pressurizing equipment can become toxic if very close to naked flames or in the presence of certain metals (for example magnesium or aluminium) in the form of fine particles or powder. It is therefore advisable to work away from naked flames, in well ventilated areas with an exhaust system switched on.Avoid prolonged contact between R134a fluid and skin during the evaporation stage because the low temperature (-26.5°?) reached at the end of the expansion can cause cold ''burns''. It is advisable to wear leather or thick fabric gloves.It is vital to protect eyes from contact with the refrigerant fluid because the extreme low temperature could cause serious injury.Draining the fluid in the open air constitutes a danger to the environment. Only use the special equipment to drain the R134a from the system.With the engine warm, the engine cooling system is pressurized. Wait for several minutes before working on the cooling circuit components, making sure that the pressure has decreased.Before working on the electrical system (connectors, electrical components, wiring etc.), turn the ignition off (STOP position) and DISCONNECT THE BATTERY.