323000605 - INTRODUCTION - AIR CONDITIONING CASING AND COMPONENTS

WARNINGS

Before dismantling the air conditioning system cooling circuit, the system must be drained and the coolant collected.    Op. 0010T84 COOLANT FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - DEHYDRATE AND REPRESSURIZE If the system components have been disconnected, seal the connectors with suitable plugs to prevent moisture and impurities getting into the system.Replace the O-rings on the connectors before reconnecting the pipes. Use only green-coloured rings that are resistant to R134a coolant fluid.Lubricate the connector threads with anti-freeze and tighten the connectors to the recommended torque.R134a coolant fluid cannot be mixed with Freon R12, used in climate control systems on earlier vehicles; therefore Freon R12 should never be used in air conditioning systems operating on R134a.All the system components have been specifically designed for the use of R134a and are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE with those from earlier vehicles using Freon R12.There is a special draining/collection system for R134a fluid.The anti-freeze for lubricating the compressor is also special and differs from the one used for systems running on Freon R12.Work carefully on the trim details and use the recommended tools correctly to prevent damage.

PRECAUTIONS

The air conditioning system uses environmentally-friendly R134a coolant fluid.The following safety instructions must be followed meticulously when working on the system:Any R134a fluid that accidentally escapes from the climate control system or the drainage/collection/repressurizing equipment may become toxic if it is very close to a naked flame or in the presence of certain metals (e.g. magnesium or aluminium) in the form of fine particles or powder. It is therefore advisable to work in an area where there are no naked flames, and which is well-ventilated, with an extraction system working.Avoid prolonged contact between R134a and the skin during evaporation because after expansion it can cause burns as a result of the low temperature (-26.5°C). It is therefore advisable to wear leather or thick fabric gloves.It is vital to protect eyes from contact with the coolant fluid because the extremely low temperature can cause serious injuries.Draining the fluid in the open air constitutes a danger to the environment. The R134a can only be drained using special equipment.When the engine is hot the cooling system is pressurized. Wait for a few minutes before working on the cooling system components, making sure that the pressure has been discharged.Before working on the electrical system (connectors, electrical components, wiring, etc.) turn the ignition key to STOP and DISCONNECT THE BATTERY.