Nissan Versa (N17): Precautions

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.

Procedure without Cowl Top Cover

When performing the procedure after removing cowl top cover, cover the lower end of windshield with urethane, etc.

Precaution for 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. Refer to HA "Leak Test". 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. If oil other than that specified is used, compressor failure is likely to occur.
• The specified HFC-134a (R-134a) oil 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 oil from a sealed container. Immediately reseal containers of oil. Without proper sealing, oil will become moisture saturated and should not be used.
• Avoid breathing 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 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 oil manufacturers.

• Do not allow A/C oil to come in contact with styrofoam parts. 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.

Precaution for Leak Detection Dye

• The A/C system contains a fluorescent leak detection dye used for locating refrigerant leaks. An ultraviolet (UV) lamp is required to illuminate the dye when inspecting for leaks.
• Always wear fluorescence enhancing UV safety goggles to protect your eyes and enhance the visibility of the fluorescent dye.
• A compressor shaft seal should not be repaired because of dye seepage. The compressor shaft seal should only be repaired after confirming the leak with an electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995).
• Always remove any dye from the leak area after repairs are complete to avoid a misdiagnosis during a future service.
• Do not allow dye to come into contact with painted body panels or interior components. If dye is spilled, clean immediately with the approved dye cleaner. 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 HC-12 (R-12) A/C systems are different. Do not use HFC- 134a (R-134a) leak detection dye in R-12 A/C systems or HC-12 (R-12) leak detection dye in HFC-134a (R- 134a) A/C systems or A/C system damage may result.
• The fluorescent properties of the dye will remain for over three (3) years unless a compressor failure occurs.

Precaution for Refrigerant Connection

A new type refrigerant connection has been introduced to all refrigerant lines except the following location.

• Expansion valve to evaporator
• Refrigerant pressure sensor to condenser

FEATURES OF NEW TYPE REFRIGERANT CONNECTION

1. Plug 2. O-ring A. Torque wrench B. Apply oil C. Do not apply oil to thread D. No good E. Good

• The O-ring has been relocated. It has also been provided with a groove for proper installation. This eliminates the chance of the O-ring being caught in, or damaged by, the mating part. The sealing direction of the O-ring is now set vertically in relation to the contacting surface of the mating part to improve sealing characteristics.
• O-rings facilitate piping connections because the reaction force of the O-ring will not occur in the direction that causes the joint to pull out.

O-RING AND REFRIGERANT CONNECTION

1. A/C unit assembly 2. O-ring 3. High-pressure pipe 4. Condenser 5. Liquid tank 6. Refrigerant pressure sensor 7. High-pressure flexible hose 8. Compressor 9. Low-pressure flexible hose

WARNING: Make sure 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: The new and former refrigerant connections use different O-ring configurations. Do not confuse Orings, since they are not interchangeable. If a wrong O-ring is installed, refrigerant will leak at, or around, the connection.

O-Ring Specifications*

* : Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.

CAUTION: When replacing or cleaning refrigerant cycle components, observe the following:

• When the compressor is removed, store it in the same position as it is when installed on the vehicle.

  Doing so will cause oil to enter the low-pressure chamber.

• When connecting pipes, always use a torque wrench and a back-up wrench.

• After disconnecting pipes, immediately plug all openings to prevent entry of dirt and moisture.

• When installing an air conditioner in the vehicle, connect the pipes as the final stage of the operation.

  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.

• Thoroughly remove moisture from the refrigeration system before charging the refrigerant.

• Do not reuse O-rings.

• -ring must be installed near the dented portion of pipe.

• When replacing the O-ring, be careful not to damage O-ring and pipe.

• Connect tube until you hear it click, then tighten the nut or bolt by hand until snug. Make sure that the O-ring is installed to pipe correctly.

• After connecting pipe, perform leak test and make sure that there is no leakage from connections.

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

Service Equipment

RECOVERY/RECYCLING RECHARGING EQUIPMENT

Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions for machine operation and machine maintenance. Do not introduce any refrigerant other than that specified into the machine.

ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR

Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions for tester operation and tester maintenance.

MANIFOLD GAUGE SET

Be certain that the gauge face indicates HFC-134a or R-134a. Be 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) and specified oils.

SERVICE HOSES

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

SERVICE COUPLERS

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

CHARGING CYLINDER

Using a charging cylinder is not recommended. Refrigerant may be vented into air from cylinder's top valve when filling the cylinder with refrigerant. Also, the accuracy of the cylinder is generally less than that of an electronic scale or of quality recycle/recharge equipment.