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.
Refrigerant Oils
The oils used with refrigerant R12 are not suitable for refrigerant R134a.
The name of the compressor manufacturer Nippondenso has been changed to Denso.
The special refrigerant oil (for use with refrigerant circuits R134a only) is no longer commercially available.
Refrigerant oils specifically designed for each compressor can therefore be obtained from the replacement parts program
The use of other refrigerant oils could cause system failure, as they do not always mix and thus circulate with refrigerant R134a (for compressor lubrication).
The Zexel / Valeo, Denso, Delphi and Sanden A/C compressors all have different refrigerant oils.
Beginning the production year 2006, the name of the Zexel A/C compressor was changed from Zexel to Valeo.
The refrigerant oil (G 052 300 A2) for use in refrigerant circuits with Denso compressors (old name Nippondenso) is also included in the retrofit kit (part number 4A0 298 107 A).
For refrigerant circuits with Zexel or Sanden compressors use is to be made of refrigerant oil with part number G 052 154 A2.
Refrigerant oils G 052 154 A2 and G 052 300 A2 can be used in a Delphi A/C compressor.
For refrigerant circuits with Zexel / Valeo compressor, use can be made of both the refrigerant oil (G 052 154 A2) and the refrigerant oil (G 052 200 A2) contained in the retrofit kit (part number 4A0 298 107).
Currently the electrically driven A/C compressor (for example, for the Audi Q5 Hybrid manufactured by Denso) is filled with the same refrigerant oil as the mechanically driven A/C compressor (refer to the type plate on the A/C compressor).
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.