Freelander Service Procedures
GENERAL INFORMATION
03-29
Air conditioning system precautions
General
The air conditioning system contains fluids and
components which could be potentially hazardous to
the service engineer or the environment if not
serviced and handled correctly. The following
guidelines are intended to alert the service engineer
to potential sources of danger and emphasise the
importance of ensuring the integrity of the Air
Conditioning operating conditions and components
fitted to the vehicle.
Where necessary, additional specific precautions are
detailed in the relevant sections of this Manual which
should be referred to prior to commencing repair
operations.
The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system is
HFC-134a (Hydrofluorocarbon) R134a. Always
adhere to the following precautions:
WARNING: Servicing must only be carried out by
personnel familiar with both the vehicle system
and the charging and testing equipment. All
operations must be carried out in a well
ventilated area away from open flame and heat
sources.
WARNING: Do not allow a refrigerant container to
be heated by direct flame or to be placed near
any heating appliance. A refrigerant container
must not be heated above 50
°
C.
Do not leave a container of refrigerant without its
cap fitted. Do not transport a container of
refrigerant that is unrestrained, especially in the
boot of a car.
WARNING: Do not smoke or weld in areas where
R134a is in use. Inhalation of concentrations of
vapour can cause dizziness, disorientation,
incoordination, narcosis, nausea or vomiting.
R134a is odourless and colourless. Do not
handle or discharge in an enclosed area, or any
area where the vapour and liquid can come in
contact with a naked flame or hot metal. R134a is
not flammable but can cause a highly toxic gas.
WARNING: Do not allow fluids other than R134a
or compressor lubricant to enter the air
conditioning system. Spontaneous combustion
may occur.
WARNING: R134a is a hazardous liquid and when
handled incorrectly can cause serious injury.
Suitable protective clothing, consisting of face
protection, heat proof gloves, rubber boots and
rubber apron or waterproof overalls, must be
worn when carrying out operations on the air
conditioning system.
WARNING: Due to its low evaporating
temperature, R134a must be handled with care.
R134a splashed on any part of the body will
cause immediate freezing of that area. Also,
refrigerant cylinders and replenishment trolleys
when discharging will freeze skin to them if
contact is made.
WARNING: Under no circumstances should
refrigerant hoses be disconnected without first
discharging the system.
Do not disconnect any pipes in an air
conditioning refrigeration system unless trained
and instructed to do so. A refrigerant is used
which can cause blindness if allowed to contact
eyes.
WARNING: Refrigerant must always be recycled
before re-use to ensure that the purity of the
refrigerant is high enough for safe use in the air
conditioning system.
Recycling should always be carried out with
equipment which is design certified by
Underwriter Laboratory Inc. for compliance with
SAE J1991. Other equipment may not recycle
refrigerant to the required level of purity.
A R134a Refrigerant Recovery Recycling
Recharging Station must not be used with any
other type of refrigerant.
Refrigerant R134a from domestic and
commercial sources must not be used in motor
vehicle air conditioning systems.
