Your Vehicle: 2009 Nissan-Datsun Altima V6-3.5L (VQ35DE)
 
Vehicle » Heating and Air Conditioning » Service Precautions » Technician Safety Information » Automatic Air Conditioner » Working With HFC-134A (R-134A)  
 
 
  Working With HFC-134A (R-134A)  
 

PRECAUTIONS

Working with HFC-134a (R-134a)

WARNING:

  • CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant are not compatible. If the refrigerants are mixed compressor failure is likely to occur. Refer ATC 1 "CONTAMINATED REFRIGERANT. To determine the purity of HFC-134a (R-134a) in the vehicle and recovery tank, use Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Recharging equipment and Refrigerant Identifier.
  • Use only specified oil for the HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system and HFC-134a (R-134a) components. If oil other than that specified is used, compressor failure is likely to occur.
  • The specified HFC-134a (R-134a) oil rapidly absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. The following handling precautions must be observed:
  • When removing refrigerant components from a vehicle, immediately cap (seal) the component to minimize the entry of moisture from the atmosphere.
  • When installing refrigerant components to a vehicle, do not remove the caps (unseal) until just before connecting the components. Connect all refrigerant loop components as quickly as possible to minimize the entry of moisture into system.
  • Only use the specified oil from a sealed container. Immediately reseal containers of oil. Without proper sealing, oil will become moisture saturated and should not be used.
  • Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and oil vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. Remove HFC-134a (R-134a) from the A/C system using certified service equipment meeting requirements of SAE J2210 [HFC-134a (R-134a) recycling equipment], or J2209 [HFC-134a (R-134a) recycling equipment], If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and oil manufacturers.
  • Do not allow A/C oil to come in contact with styrofoam parts. Damage may result.

CONTAMINATED REFRIGERANT
If a refrigerant other than pure HFC-134a (R-134a) is identified in a vehicle, your options are:

  • Explain to the customer that environmental regulations prohibit the release of contaminated refrigerant into the atmosphere.
  • Explain that recovery of the contaminated refrigerant could damage your service equipment and refrigerant supply.
  • Suggest the customer return the vehicle to the location of previous service where the contamination may have occurred.
  • If you choose to perform the repair, recover the refrigerant using only dedicated equipment and containers. Do not recover contaminated refrigerant into your existing service equipment. If your facility does not have dedicated recovery equipment, you may contact a local refrigerant product retailer for available service. This refrigerant must be disposed of in accordance with all federal and local regulations. In addition, replacement of all refrigerant system components on the vehicle is recommended.
  • If the vehicle is within the warranty period, the air conditioner warranty is void. Please contact NISSAN Customer Affairs for further assistance.