Lumina V6-3.1L VIN J (2000)
Refrigerant: Description and Operation
CAUTION: Avoid breathing the A/C Refrigerant 134a (R-134a) and the lubricant vapor or the mist. Exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, and
throat. Work in a well ventilated area. In order to remove R-134a from the A/C system, use service equipment that is certified to meet the
requirements of SAE J 2210 (R-134a recycling equipment). If an accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before continuing
service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
The refrigerant performs a function which is similar to the engine coolant. The refrigerant is the medium within the A/C system that performs the
following functions:
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Absorbs heat
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Carries heat
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Releases heat
Although various substances are used as refrigerants in other types of refrigeration systems, past automotive air conditioning systems used a type of fluid
called Refrigerant-12 (R-12). This vehicle uses a new type of refrigerant which is called Refrigerant-134a (R-134a). R-134 is a liquefied gas which has
the following properties:
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Non-toxic
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Non-flammable
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Clear
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Colorless
The R-134a A/C system is very similar to an R-12 A/C system. However, the differences in the following components are important:
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The refrigerant
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The lubricants
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The service equipment
NOTE:
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R-12 refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant must never be mixed, even in the smallest of amounts, as they are incompatible with each other. If the
refrigerants are mixed, compressor failure is likely to occur. Refer to the manufacturer instructions included with the service equipment before
servicing.
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Use only Polyalkylene Glycol Synthetic Refrigerant Oil (PAG) for internal circulation through the R-134a A/C system and only 525 viscosity
mineral oil on fitting threads and O-rings. If lubricants other than those specified are used, compressor failure and/or fitting seizure may result.