Precautionary measures
The air conditioning system is under high pressure. DO NOT loosen any connections or remove any system components until the system is fully discharged. The refrigerant of the air conditioning system must be properly released into a special container by a qualified person. The refrigerant used in the system must not come into contact with your skin or eyes, as there is a risk of frostbite. When the refrigerant comes into contact with an open flame, poisonous gas is released. Therefore, smoking while working with refrigerant is extremely dangerous, especially inhaling its vapors through a lit cigarette. The refrigerant has a higher specific gravity than air and can cause asphyxiation if handled in an enclosed area such as a home garage. Finally, the uncontrolled release of refrigerant into nature can cause serious damage to the environment, creating «Greenhouse effect».
Service
To ensure that the air conditioner operates at maximum efficiency, the following checks should be carried out regularly:
1. Check the drive belt. If it is worn or damaged, replace it (see chapter Car maintenance).
2. Check system hoses. Look for cracks, blistering, hardening and signs of wear. Inspect hoses and fittings for oil bubbles and leaks. If any signs of wear, damage or leaks are found, replace the hoses.
3. Inspect the condenser fins for stuck leaves, insects, and other debris. Use special «rib comb» or compressed air to clean the condenser.
4. Make sure the system is properly charged with refrigerant as described below.
5. It is very useful to run the system for about 10 minutes at least once a month, especially in winter. If the system is not used for a long time, the seals in the system may harden and eventually fail.
6. Due to the complexity of the air conditioning system, and the fact that it requires special equipment to maintain it, serious troubleshooting and repair procedures are not included in this manual. However, simple checks and component replacement procedures are given in this chapter.
7. The most common cause of poor cooling is low refrigerant charge in the system. If you find a noticeable decrease in cool air output, the following quick check will help you determine if the system has low coolant levels.
8. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
9. Set the A/C temperature switch to the coldest setting and blower to maximum. open the doors (to make sure that the air conditioning system does not turn off as soon as the interior cools down).
10. When the compressor is on - the compressor clutch will make a noticeable click, and its center will begin to rotate - touch the pipe located close to the right front frame side member, next to the radiator.
11. If you notice a significant drop in temperature, then the coolant level is likely to be normal.
12. If the inlet line is frosted or feels colder than the surface of the accumulator/dehydrator, the coolant level is too low. Charging the system should only be done by a qualified person.