Air Conditioning System: Precaution

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus IS 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

DO NOT HANDLE REFRIGERANT IN AN ENCLOSED AREA OR NEAR AN OPEN FLAME
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION

Fig 1: Precautions While Handling Refrigerant (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET LIQUID REFRIGERANT IN YOUR EYES OR ON YOUR SKIN
If liquid refrigerant gets in your eyes or on your skin.
1. Wash the area with lots of cool water.
  CAUTION: Do not rub your eyes or skin.
2. Apply clean petroleum jelly to the skin.
3. Go immediately to a physician or hospital for professional treatment.
NEVER HEAT CONTAINER OR EXPOSE IT TO NAKED FLAME
BE CAREFUL NOT TO DROP CONTAINER AND NOT TO APPLY PHYSICAL SHOCKS TO IT

Fig 2: Precautions While Handling Refrigerant (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
DO NOT OPERATE COMPRESSOR WITHOUT ENOUGH REFRIGERANT IN REFRIGERANT SYSTEM
If there is not enough refrigerant in the refrigerant system oil lubrication will be insufficient and compressor burnout may occur, so take care to avoid this, necessary care should be taken.
DO NOT OPEN HIGH PRESSURE MANIFOLD VALVE WHILE COMPRESSOR IS OPERATING
If the high pressure valves opened, refrigerant flows in the reverse direction and could cause the charging cylinder to rupture, so open and close the only low pressure valve.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERCHARGE SYSTEM WITH REFRIGERANT
If refrigerant is overcharged, it causes problems such as insufficient cooling, poor fuel economy, engine overheating etc.

Fig 3: Identifying Correct Way Of Opening Valves (While Compressor Is Operating)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
The LEXUS IS300 is equipped with an SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) such as the driver, passenger and side airbag. Failure to carry out service operations in the correct sequence could cause the SRS to unexpectedly deploy during servicing, possibly leading to a serious accident. Before servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or replacement), be sure to read the precautionary notices in AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .