Air Conditioning System: Precaution

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus GS 430, 2004 Lexus GS 300, 2003 Lexus GS 430, and 2003 Lexus GS 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DO NOT HANDLE REFRIGERANT IN AN ENCLOSED AREA OR NEAR AN OPEN FLAME
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION

Fig 1: Precaution - How To Handle Refrigerant
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET LIQUID REFRIGERANT IN YOUR EYES OR ON YOUR SKIN
If liquid refrigerant gets in your eyes or on your skin.
1. Wash the area with lots of cool water.
  CAUTION: Do not rub your eyes or skin.
2. Apply clean petroleum jelly to the skin.
3. Go immediately to a physician or hospital for professional treatment.
  
  Fig 2: Precaution - Do Not Get Liquid Refrigerant In You Eyes Or On Your Skin
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
NEVER HEAT CONTAINER OR EXPOSE IT TO NAKED FLAME
BE CAREFUL NOT TO DROP CONTAINER AND NOT TO APPLY PHYSICAL SHOCKS TO IT
DO NOT OPERATE COMPRESSOR WITHOUT ENOUGH REFRIGERANT IN REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
If there is not enough refrigerant in the refrigerant system oil lubrication will be insufficient and compressor burnout may occur, so take care to avoid this, necessary care should be taken.
DO NOT OPEN HIGH PRESSURE MANIFOLD VALVE WHILE COMPRESSOR IS OPERATING
If the high pressure valves opened, refrigerant flows in the reverse direction and could cause the charging cylinder to rupture, so open and close the only low pressure valve.

Fig 3: Precaution - Do Not Open High Pressure Manifold Valve While Compressor Is Operating
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERCHARGE SYSTEM WITH REFRIGERANT
If refrigerant is overcharged, it causes problems such as insufficient cooling, poor fuel economy, engine overheating etc.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
The LEXUS GS430/GS300 is equipped with an SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) such as the driver and passenger airbag. Failure to carry out service operations in the correct sequence could cause the SRS to unexpectedly deployed during servicing, possibly leading to a serious accident. Further, if a mistake is made in servicing the SRS, it is possible the SRS may fail to operate when required. Before servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or replacement), be sure to read the following item carefully, then follow the correct procedure described in repair article.