Working On The Refrigerant Circuit

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Work on refrigerant system should only be performed in a ventilated rooms (workshops). Ensure that there are no working-pits, basement staircases or shafts within five meters of the circumference. Extraction systems are to be switched on.

Reason:

The refrigerant emerging is not only colorless and odorless, but also heavier than air and thus displaces oxygen. If refrigerant gas does escape even though all the safety precautions have been followed, there is a risk of suffocating in poorly ventilated areas and in workshop pits - even if it is not noticeable.

NOTE:

The escaping refrigerant/air mixture should not be inhaled, but should be sucked out via an existing exhaust ventilation system.

Do not attempt repair on filled Air Conditioning (A/C) systems by soldering, brazing or welding. This pertains also for welding and soldering work on the vehicle, in the event that parts of the climate control system may heat up

Reason:

Exposure to heat creates considerable pressure in the system, which could cause it to burst.

Corrective Action:

Discharge the refrigerant circuit, refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, DRAINING .

NOTE:

Damaged or leaking parts of the air conditioner are never to be repaired by welding or soldering them; they are always to be replaced.

When servicing A/C, all open components and pipe connections are to be immediately re-sealed.

Reason:

Moisture will ingress into A/C components if they are left open for a lengthy period. If this is the case, air conditioners cannot be refilled without having to replace parts of the system.