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.
Working On Refrigerant Circuit
Work on refrigerant circuit should only be performed in a ventilated rooms (workshops). Ensure that there are no workshop pits, basement staircases or shafts within a five meter circumference. Extraction systems are to be switched on. Note the information in the refrigerant-specific repair manual. Refer to A/C SYSTEM, GENERAL INFORMATION and Repair Information
Reason:
The refrigerant coming out is not only colorless and odorless, but also heavier than air and thus displaces oxygen. If refrigerant gas still escapes even though all the safety precautions have been followed, there is a risk of suffocating in poorly ventilated areas and in workshop pits - even if the asphyxiation hazard is not noticeable.
Never weld or hard/soft solder components of a filled A/C system. This also applies to welding and soldering on the vehicle, if there is a risk that it may heat up components in the A/C system.
Reason:
Exposure to heat creates considerable pressure in the system, which could cause it to burst.
Corrective Measure:
Discharge the refrigerant circuit.
When servicing the A/C system, all open components and line connections are to be immediately re-sealed.
Reason:
Moisture will penetrate into A/C system components if they are left open for a lengthy period. If this is the case, air conditioners cannot be refilled without having to replace parts of the system.
- Information about procedures using the A/C Service Station on vehicles with A/C. Refer to Working with A/C Service StationWorking with A/C Service Station and Refrigerant Circuit .
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.