system and can reduce the flow of refrigerant in the
system. The radius of all bends in the flexible hose
refrigerant lines should 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 sys-
tem when the air conditioning compressor is operat-
ing. 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 condition and
properly routed.
The refrigerant lines and hoses are coupled with
other components of the HVAC system with either
O-rings or dual plane seals.
The refrigerant lines and hoses cannot be repaired
and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.
WARNINGS
WARNING: The A/C system contains refrigerant
under high pressure. Repairs should only be per-
formed by qualified service personnel. Severe per-
sonal 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 recom-
mended. 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 suf-
focation and death.
WARNING: The evaporation rate of R-134a refriger-
ant 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 delicate 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 kilopas-
cals (14 to 18 pounds per square inch). Do not
remove or loosen the coolant pressure cap, cylin-
der 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 min-
utes before opening the cooling system for service.
Failure to observe this warning can result in seri-
ous burns from the heated engine coolant.
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.
CAUTION: Never use R-12 refrigerant oil in a A/C
system designed to use R-134a refrigerant oil.
These refrigerant oils are not compatible and dam-
age to the A/C system will result.
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.
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