Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: Precaution

Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER"

The Supplemental Restraint System such as "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER", used along with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of collision. This system includes seat belt switch inputs and dual stage front air bag modules. The SRS system uses the seat belt switches to determine the front air bag deployment, and may only deploy one front air bag, depending on the severity of a collision and whether the front occupants are belted or unbelted.

Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SR and SB section of this Service Manual.

WARNING:

• To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance must be performed by an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.
• Improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the SRS, can lead to personal injury caused by unintentional activation of the system. For removal of Spiral Cable and Air Bag Module, see the SR section.
• Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or harness connectors.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS

WARNING:

• When working near the Airbag Diagnosis Sensor Unit or other Airbag System sensors with the Ignition ON or engine running, DO NOT use air or electric power tools or strike near the sensor(s) with a hammer. Heavy vibration could activate the sensor(s) and deploy the air bag(s), possibly causing serious injury.
• When using air or electric power tools or hammers, always switch the Ignition OFF, disconnect the battery and wait at least 3 minutes before performing any service.

Precaution for Work

• When removing or disassembling each component, be careful not to damage or deform it. If a component may be subject to interference, be sure to protect it with a shop cloth.
• When removing (disengaging) components with a screwdriver or similar tool, be sure to wrap the component with a shop cloth or vinyl tape to protect it.
• Protect the removed parts with a shop cloth and prevent them from being dropped.
• Replace a deformed or damaged clip.
• If a part is specified as a non-reusable part, always replace it with a new one.
• Be sure to tighten bolts and nuts securely to the specified torque.
• After installation is complete, be sure to check that each part works properly.
• Follow the steps below to clean components: - Water soluble dirt:
• Dip a soft cloth into lukewarm water, wring the water out of the cloth and wipe the dirty area.
• Then rub with a soft, dry cloth.

  - Oily dirt:

• Dip a soft cloth into lukewarm water with mild detergent (concentration: within 2 to 3%) and wipe the dirty area.
• Then dip a cloth into fresh water, wring the water out of the cloth and wipe the detergent off.
• Then rub with a soft, dry cloth.

  - Do not use organic solvent such as thinner, benzene, alcohol or gasoline.

  - For genuine leather seats, use a genuine leather seat cleaner.

Working with HFC-134a (R-134a)

WARNING:

• CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant are not compatible. If the refrigerants are mixed compressor failure is likely to occur. To determine the purity of HFC-134a (R-134a) in the vehicle and recovery tank, use Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling Recharging equipment and Refrigerant Identifier.
• Use only specified lubricant for the HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system and HFC-134a (R-134a) components.

  If lubricant other than that specified is used, compressor failure is likely to occur.

• The specified HFC-134a (R-134a) lubricant rapidly absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. The following handling precautions must be observed:

• When removing refrigerant components from a vehicle, immediately cap (seal) the component to minimize the entry of moisture from the atmosphere.
• When installing refrigerant components to a vehicle, do not remove the caps (unseal) until just before connecting the components. Connect all refrigerant loop components as quickly as possible to minimize the entry of moisture into system.
• Only use the specified lubricant from a sealed container. Immediately reseal containers of lubricant.

  Without proper sealing, lubricant will become moisture saturated and should not be used.

• Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. Remove HFC-134a (R-134a) from the A/C system using certified service equipment meeting requirements of SAE J2210 [HFC-134a (R-134a) recycling equipment] or J2209 [HFC-134a (R-134a) recycling equipment]. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
• Do not allow A/C lubricant to come in contact with styrofoam parts or damage may result.

CONTAMINATED REFRIGERANT

If a refrigerant other than pure HFC-134a (R-134a) is identified in a vehicle, your options are:

• Explain to the customer that environmental regulations prohibit the release of contaminated refrigerant into the atmosphere.
• Explain that recovery of the contaminated refrigerant could damage your service equipment and refrigerant supply.
• Suggest the customer return the vehicle to the location of previous service where the contamination may have occurred.
• If you choose to perform the repair, recover the refrigerant using only dedicated equipment and containers.

  Do not recover contaminated refrigerant into your existing service equipment. If your facility does not have dedicated recovery equipment, you may contact a local refrigerant product retailer for available service.

  This refrigerant must be disposed of in accordance with all federal and local regulations. In addition, replacement of all refrigerant system components on the vehicle is recommended.

• If the vehicle is within the warranty period, the air conditioner warranty is void. Please contact NISSAN Customer Affairs for further assistance.

Precautions For Refrigerant System Service

WORKING WITH HFC-134a (R-134a)

CAUTION:

• CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant are not compatible. Compressor malfunction is likely to occur if the refrigerants are mixed, refer to "CONTAMINATED REFRIGERANT" below. To determine the purity of HFC-134a (R-134a) in the vehicle and recovery tank, use Refrigerant recovery/recycling recharging equipment and Refrigerant Identifier.
• Use only specified oil for the HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system and HFC-134a (R-134a) components.

  Compressor malfunction is likely to occur if oil other than that specified is used.

• The specified HFC-134a (R-134a) oil rapidly absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. The following handling precautions must be observed:

• Cap (seal) the component immediately to minimize the entry of moisture from the atmosphere when removing refrigerant components from a vehicle.
• Do not remove the caps (unseal) until just before connecting the components when installing refrigerant components to a vehicle. Connect all refrigerant loop components as quickly as possible to minimize the entry of moisture into system.
• Use only the specified oil from a sealed container. Reseal containers of oil immediately. Oil becomes moisture saturated and should not be used without proper sealing.
• Do not allow oil to come in contact with styrene foam parts. Damage may result.

GENERAL REFRIGERANT PRECAUTION

WARNING:

• Do not breathe A/C refrigerant and oil vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat.

  Remove HFC-134a (R-134a) from the A/C system, using certified service equipment meeting requirements of SAE J-2210 [HFC-134a (R-134a) recycling equipment] or J-2209 [HFC-134a (R-134a) recovery equipment]. Ventilate work area before resuming service if accidental system discharge occurs.

  Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and oil manufacturers.

• Do not release refrigerant into the air. Use approved recovery/recycling recharging equipment to capture the refrigerant each time an air conditioning system is discharged.
• Always wear eye and hand protection (goggles and gloves) when working with any refrigerant or air conditioning system.
• Do not store or heat refrigerant containers above 52C (126F).
• Do not heat a refrigerant container with an open flame; Place the bottom of the container in a warm pail of water if container warming is required.
• Do not intentionally drop, puncture or incinerate refrigerant containers.
• Do not refrigerant away from open flames; poisonous gas is produced if refrigerant burns.
• Refrigerant displaces oxygen; therefore be certain to work in well ventilated areas to prevent suffocation.
• Do not pressure test or leakage test HFC-134a (R-134a) service equipment and/or vehicle air conditioning systems with compressed air during repair. Some mixtures of air and HFC-134a (R-134a) have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures, if ignited, may cause injury or property damage. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant manufacturers.

O-RING AND REFRIGERANT CONNECTION

1. Heater and cooling unit assembly
2. High-pressure pipe
3. High-pressure A/C service valve
4. High-pressure flexible hose
5. Air deflector (RH)
6. Junction pipe
7. Condenser
8. Liquid tank
9. Refrigerant pressure sensor
10. Condenser, liquid tank and refrigerant pressure sensor
11. Air deflector (LH)
12. Compressor
13. Low-pressure flexible hose
14. Low-pressure A/C service valve
15. Low-pressure pipe
1.  High-pressure pipe to heater and cooling unit assembly
2.  High-pressure flexible hose to compressor
3.  Low-pressure flexible hose to compressor

A new type of refrigerant connection has been introduced to all refrigerant lines except the following locations:

• Expansion valve to evaporator
• Refrigerant pressure sensor to liquid tank

WARNING: Check that all refrigerant is discharged into the recycling equipment and the pressure in the system is less than atmospheric pressure. Then gradually loosen the discharge side hose fitting and remove it.

CAUTION: Observe the following when replacing or cleaning refrigerant cycle components.

• Store it in the same way as it is when mounted on the vehicle when the compressor is removed. Failure to do so will cause oil to enter the low-pressure chamber.
• Always use a torque wrench and a back-up wrench when connecting tubes.
• Immediately plug all openings to prevent entry of dust and moisture after disconnecting tubes.
• Connect the pipes at the final stage of the operation when installing an air conditioner in the vehicle.

  Do not remove the seal caps of pipes and other components until just before required for connection.

• Allow components stored in cool areas to warm to working area temperature before removing seal caps. This prevents condensation from forming inside A/C components.
• Remove moisture thoroughly from the refrigeration system before charging the refrigerant.
• Always replace used O-rings.
• Apply oil to circle of the O-rings shown in illustration when connecting tube. Be careful not to apply oil to threaded portion.
• O-ring must be closely attached to the groove portion of tube.
• Be careful not to damage O-ring and tube when replacing the O-ring.
• Connect tube until a click can be heard. Then tighten the nut or bolt by hand. Check that the O-ring is installed to tube correctly.
• Perform leakage test and make sure that there is no leakage from connections after connecting line.

  Disconnect that line and replace the O-ring when the refrigerant leaking point is found. Then tighten connections of seal seat to the specified torque.

CONTAMINATED REFRIGERANT

Take appropriate steps shown below if a refrigerant other than pure HFC-134a (R-134a) is identified in a vehicle:

• Explain to the customer that environmental regulations prohibit the release of contaminated refrigerant into the atmosphere.
• Explain that recovery of the contaminated refrigerant could damage service equipment and refrigerant supply.
• Suggest the customer return the vehicle to the location of previous service where the contamination may have occurred.
• In case of repairing, recover the refrigerant using only dedicated equipment and containers. Do not recover contaminated refrigerant into the existing service equipment. Contact a local refrigerant product retailer for available service if the facility does not have dedicated recovery equipment. This refrigerant must be disposed of in accordance with all federal and local regulations. In addition, replacement of all refrigerant system components on the vehicle is recommended.
• The air conditioner warranty is void if the vehicle is within the warranty period. Please contact Nissan Customer Affairs for further assistance.

COMPRESSOR

CAUTION:

• Plug all openings to prevent moisture and foreign matter from entering.
• Store it in the same way as it is when mounted on the car when the compressor is removed.
• Follow "Maintenance of Oil Quantity in Compressor" exactly when replacing or repairing compressor.

  Refer to HA-30, "Description".

• Keep friction surfaces between clutch and pulley clean. Wipe it off by using a clean waste cloth moistened with thinner if the surface is contaminated with oil.
• Turn the compressor shaft by hand more than five turns in both directions after compressor service operation. This distributes oil equally inside the compressor. Let the engine idle and operate the compressor for one hour after the compressor is installed.
• Apply voltage to the new one and check for normal operation after replacing the compressor magnet clutch.

LEAK DETECTION DYE

CAUTION:

• The A/C system contains a fluorescent leak detection dye used for locating refrigerant leakages. An ultraviolet (UV) lamp is required to illuminate the dye when inspecting for leakages.
• Always wear fluorescence enhancing UV safety goggles to protect eyes and enhance the visibility of the fluorescent dye.
• The fluorescent dye leak detector is not a replacement for an electrical leak detector (SST: J-41995).

  The fluorescent dye leak detector should be used in conjunction with an electrical leak detector (SST: J-41995) to pin-point refrigerant leakages.

• Read and follow all manufacture's operating instructions and precautions prior to performing the work for the purpose of safety and customer's satisfaction.
• A compressor shaft seal should not necessarily be repaired because of dye seepage. The compressor shaft seal should only be repaired after confirming the leakage with an electrical leak detector (SST: J-41995).
• Always remove any remaining dye from the leakage area after repairs are completed to avoid a misdiagnosis during a future service.
• Do not allow dye to come into contact with painted body panels or interior components. Clean immediately with the approved dye cleaner if dye is spilled. Fluorescent dye left on a surface for an extended period of time cannot be removed.
• Do not spray the fluorescent dye cleaning agent on hot surfaces (engine exhaust manifold, etc.).
• Do not use more than one refrigerant dye bottle [1/4 ounce (7.4 cc)] per A/C system.
• Leak detection dyes for HFC-134a (R-134a) and CFC-12 (R-12) A/C systems are different. Do not use HFC-134a (R-134a) leak detection dye in CFC-12 (R-12) A/C system or CFC-12 (R-12) leak detection dye in HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system or A/C system damage may result.
• The fluorescent properties of the dye remains for three or more years unless a compressor malfunction occurs.

NOTE: Identification

• Vehicles with factory installed fluorescent dye have a green label.
• Vehicles without factory installed fluorescent dye have a blue label.

Precaution for Service Equipment

MANIFOLD GAUGE SET

Be certain that the gauge face indicates R-134a or 134a. Make sure the gauge set has 1/2″-16 ACME threaded connections for service hoses. Confirm the set has been used only with refrigerant HFC- 134a (R-134a) along with specified lubricant.

SERVICE HOSES

Be certain that the service hoses display the markings described (colored hose with black stripe). All hoses must include positive shutoff devices (either manual or automatic) near the end of the hoses opposite the manifold gauge.

SERVICE COUPLERS

Do not attempt to connect HFC-134a (R-134a) service couplers to a CFC-12 (R-12) A/C system. The HFC-134a (R-134a) couplers will not properly connect to the CFC-12 (R-12) system. However, if an improper connection is attempted, discharging and contamination may occur.