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.

Notice: R-134a is the only approved refrigerant for use in this vehicle. The use of any other refrigerant may result in poor system performance or component failure.

Notice: Do not mix R-12 with R134a, even in the smallest amounts. These refrigerants are incompatible. If mixed, compressor failure is likely to occur. Use only polyalkylene glycol (PAG) synthetic refrigerant oil for internal circulation through the R-134a A/C system and only mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil on the fitting threads and the O-rings. Use of a non recommended lubricant results in compressor failure and fitting seizure. Do not use compressed air in any refrigerant container or component; contamination will occur.

During A/C operation, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant system in order to absorb heat from the air being cooled and to send the heat to the outside. The refrigerant also carries a lubricant to parts of the compressor. Like the coolant in the engine coolant system, the refrigerant absorbs, carries, and releases the system heat. Although various substances are used as refrigerants, past automotive A/C systems used a type called R-12. This A/C system uses R-134a, a non-toxic, non-flammable, clear liquid or gas. The following are the major components of the refrigeration system: