Section 12-00: Climate Control System—Service
1993 Mustang Workshop Manual
GENERAL INFORMATION

Service Precautions

  1. Never open or loosen a connection before removing the refrigerant from the system with a recycling machine such as the Rotunda A/C Refrigerant Reclaim System (078-00800) or equivalent.
  1. When loosening a connection, if any residual pressure is evident, allow it to leak off before opening the fitting.
  1. A system which has been opened to replace a component or one which has discharged through leakage must be evacuated before charging.
  1. Immediately after disconnecting a component from the system, seal the open fittings with a cap or plug.
  1. Before disconnecting a component from the system, clean outside of the fittings thoroughly.
  1. Do not remove sealing caps from a replacement component until ready to install.
  1. Refrigerant oil will absorb moisture from the atmosphere if left uncapped. Do not open an oil container until ready to use and install cap immediately after using. Store oil only in a clean, moisture-free container.
  1. Before connecting an open fitting, always install a new O-ring seal. Coat fitting and O-ring with refrigerant oil before connecting.
  1. When installing a refrigerant line, avoid sharp bends. Position line away from exhaust or any sharp edges which may chafe the line.
  1. Tighten fittings only to specified torque.
  1. When disconnecting a fitting, use a wrench on both halves of the fitting to prevent twisting of refrigerant lines or tubes.
  1. Do not open a refrigerant system or uncap a replacement component unless it is as close as possible to room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming inside a component which is cooler than surrounding air.
  1. Keep service tools and work area clean. Contamination of a refrigerant system through careless work habits must be avoided.
  1. Whenever components in the engine compartment or instrument panel areas are being serviced, the battery ground cable must be disconnected to eliminate the possibility of electrical shorts, burned-up wiring, and dangerous fires. Extreme care must be exercised when performing electrical tests when the battery must be connected to operate the system.