INFORMATION ON R-12 A/C SYSTEM CONVERSION. Saturn Saturn 1993

For 1990-2009 cars

# INFORMATION ON R-12 A/C SYSTEM CONVERSION

#### SUBJECT: Information On Saturn R-12 Air Conditioning System Conversion

#### TO: All Saturn Fixed Operation Manager

Beginning with 1994 models, Saturn's vehicle air conditioning (AC) systems will utilize a new refrigerant known as R-134a. This new refrigerant, unlike the R-12 refrigerant currently used in 1991-1993 Saturns with AC, contains no chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's).

First it should be noted that R-12 refrigerant will continue to be available for use in servicing air conditioning systems for some time to come. Many service facilities, including Saturn Retailers, have invested in the necessary equipment and training to service R-12 air conditioning systems without releasing CFC's into the air. In fact, R-12 can be captured and recycled for service use.

However, realizing that at some point in time, R-12 may no longer be available and an R-12 equipped Saturn air conditioning system may require service, Saturn took a proactive approach during the initial development of our AC system and included several R-134a compatible parts in the 1991-1993 system. Therefore, only a few parts will need to be added in converting the system for R-134a use. A detailed procedure and the parts will be available later this year. Based on our current plans, the retail cost for a Saturn AC system conversion is projected to be approximately $100.00, depending on local Retailer labor rates.

Other than the ACR4 and leak detector (for 134a equipped vehicles) recommended by Saturn, there will be no additional special tools or equipment required to perform the AC conversion procedure or to service R-134a vehicles produced by Saturn.

Under no circumstances should substitute refrigerants, other than R-12 or R-134a be used on Saturn vehicles equipped to operate with R-12 or R-134a respectively. Use of substitute refrigerants are harmful to the air conditioning system, Retailer service equipment, and will adversely affect system performance.

The attached chart shows the recommendations for servicing Saturn AC systems under current refrigerant market conditions.

#### VEHICLE REFRIGERANT SERVICE GUIDELINES

#### POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS

VEHICLE VEHICLE MODEL R-12 R-12 NOT VEHICLE IN OUT OF YEAR AVAILABLE AVAILABLE WARRANTY WARRANTY SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1991-1993 * x x Service with R-12

1991-1993 * x Convert vehicle to R-134a at no cost to customer

1991-1993 * x Convert vehicle to R-134a at customer's expense.

1991-1993 * * x x If the customer requests a conversion to R-134a even though warranty service is not required, the conver- sion can be made at the customer's expense.

1994 * * x x Service with R-134a only.

1991-1993 Must install the R-12 with AC prep Retailer Installed AC (C-66) * * * * Installation Kit. Once fitted with the AC kit it can then be con- verted for use with R-134a.

1994 Must install the R-134a with AC prep Retailer Installed AC (C-66) * * * * Installation Kit and Service with R-134a only.

* After installation of the Retailer installed AC Kit, the vehicles should be serviced identical to the original vehicle's model year.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.