Contaminated Refrigerant Handling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: If contaminated refrigerant is detected, DO NOT recover the refrigerant into your recovery/recycling equipment.

Recover the contaminated refrigerant using suitable recovery-only equipment designed for capturing and storing contaminated refrigerant.
- This equipment must only be used to recover contaminated refrigerant to prevent the spread to other vehicles.
- If this equipment is not available, contact an A/C service facility in your area with the correct equipment to carry out this service.
Determine and correct the cause of the customer's initial concern.

NOTE: Residual refrigerant oil in the suction accumulator/drier must be drained and measured for correct oil system matching. For additional information, refer to the REFRIGERANT OIL ADDING .

NOTE: The suction accumulator/drier cannot be cleaned and a new suction accumulator/drier must be installed.

Remove the suction accumulator/drier. For additional information, refer to AIR CONDITIONING .
Clean the A/C evaporator core and the A/C condenser core by flushing. For additional information, refer to the AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM FLUSHING .
Install the new suction accumulator/drier. For additional information, refer to AIR CONDITIONING .
Correctly oil match the system. For additional information, refer to the REFRIGERANT OIL ADDING .
Evacuate and charge the system. For additional information, refer to AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM EVACUATION AND CHARGING .
Dispose of contaminated refrigerant according to all federal, state and local regulations.