Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
New Refrigerant Oil Injectors Help Prevent Cross-Contamination (B11020E)
Reference number: B11020E
NEW REFRIGERANT OIL INJECTORS HELP PREVENT CROSS-CONTAMINATION
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| ACURA: | All Models |
| CATEGORY: | ServiceNews Article |
| APPLIES TO: | General Information |
SERVICE INFORMATION
If you're working on an A/C system with a high-voltage compressor that uses POE refrigerant oil, cross-contamination is a big concern. Just a bit of PAG oil in that system can mean some pricey parts replacement. And over time under the right conditions, it could even deliver a dangerous electrical shock. That's why we stress not using leak dye in those systems; the dye is suspended in PAG oil.
To help prevent cross-contamination, the latest A/C machines come without on-board oil injection. To add refrigerant oil, you've got two options:
- Use an oil injector.
- Add it directly to the system.
Adding Oil With Injectors
All Acura dealers were sent a pair of oil injectors last December.
The one with the orange label (P/N ROB18490) is for POE oil; the one with the white label (P/N ROB18480) is for PAG oil. Although no Acura models currently use POE oil, that could change in the future. The POE oil injector could also be useful if your shop services other brands of hybrid vehicles.
The injector connects to the suction (low) service valve and can add oil to a system that's empty or under operating pressure. It's actually easier to do this with the system running, since that's when the suction pressure is the lowest. Don't try adding oil after evacuation when the system is under a vacuum. Air will get sucked in around the injector's plunger seal, and you'll need to evacuate the system all over again.
You might be wondering what happens if you fill an injector with the wrong oil. Well, that depends entirely on which oil and which injector.
- If you fill the PAG oil injector with POE oil, there's no cross-contamination sensitivity so you're OK. Just clean out the injector with mild shop solvent and let it air dry.
- If you fill the POE oil injector with PAG oil, you'll need to replace that injector. There's just no way to clean it enough to ensure there's no PAG oil left, and just a bit of cross-contamination is a big problem.
If you need to replace those injectors, or you just want to order some extras, they're available online from the Acura Tool and Equipment Program. From the iN main menu, click on SERVICE . You can then click on either Service Bay and Tool and Equipment Program or eMall and Tool & Equipment Acura . Either way takes you to the Online Catalog . Once there, enter the tool number in the empty box and click on Search . You're taken right to the order page.
Of course, if you don't have online access, you can always give the Tool and Equipment folks a call at 888-424-6857 . They'll be glad to help you.
Adding Oil Directly
You can also add refrigerant oil directly to the system. Just add the right amount of oil called out in ISIS to the part(s) you're replacing or into an open A/C line. The oil will balance within the parts as the system runs.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.