ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS INFORMATION

SUBJECT: INFORMATION ON THE USE OF ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS IN CFC 12 REFRIGERANT MOBILE AIR CONDITIONERS ALL MODELS

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1993 - PRIOR YEARS / ALL MODELS

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES AND REPLACES GM OF CANADA BULLETIN 92-1-125. THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVISED TO INCLUDE THE 1993 MODELS.

A number of inquiries have been received concerning the use of "alternate refrigerants" as a replacement for R- 12 refrigerant in General Motors air conditioning systems.

Regardless of any advertised claims, there are currently no substitutes for refrigerant R-12 approved by General Motors. At the present time, only new or recycled R-1 2 is approved for use in General Motors R-1 2 air conditioning systems.

Based on studies performed to date, the use of "alternate refrigerants" in General Motors R-12 air conditioning systems may result in higher system pressures. System performance may also be aff ected.

Service equipment manufacturers have indicated that cross- contaminating R-12 recovery/recycling equipment with "alternate refrigerants" may damage the equipment. General Motors supports the Society of Automotive Engineers recommended service procedures for recovery and recycling of R-1 2. The use of known "alternate refrigerants" without proper service practices for identifying vehicle systems containing these "alternate refrigerants" and dedicated recovery equipment to service those vehicles will contaminate the recycled supply of R-12 refrigerant. Contamination of the recycled R-12 refrigerant makes the refrigerant unusable for recharging air conditioning systems and could jeopardize the recycling program.

At the present time, General Motors has not approved any "alternate refrigerant" for R-1 2 in R-1 2 air conditioning systems. Therefore, R-1 2 systems should continue to be serviced with new or recycled R-1 2 only.

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.