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Air Conditioning System: Precaution

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Scion xB. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. DO NOT HANDLE REFRIGERANT IN AN ENCLOSED AREA OR NEAR AN OPEN FLAME 
  2. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION 
    Fig 1: Precaution While Handling Refrigerant
    G00759382Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. 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: Identifying Wrong Handling Of Refrigerant
      G00759383Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. NEVER HEAT CONTAINER OR EXPOSE IT TO A NAKED FLAME 
  5. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DROP CONTAINER OR APPLY PHYSICAL SHOCKS TO IT 
  6. 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. To avoid this, appropriate care should be taken.

    Fig 3: Identifying Correct Refrigerant Charging
    G00759384Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  7. DO NOT OPEN HIGH PRESSURE MANIFOLD VALVE WHILE COMPRESSOR IS OPERATING 

    If the high pressure valve opens, refrigerant flows in the reverse direction and could cause the charging cylinder to rupture, so open and close the low pressure valve only.

  8. 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.