MAHLE RTI RHS980C User Manual

RHS

980C

Operation Manual

10 Innovation Drive York, Pennsylvania 17402 USA Phone: 717-840-0678 Toll Free: 800-468-2321 Web-site: www.rtitech.com

MAHLE Clevite Inc., RTI Division.

Manifold Protected Under US Pat No. 7,726,343

Manual P/N: 035 81550 00 (Rev G)

CONGRATULATIONS

You have purchased the finest Recovery, Recycling and Charging Machine certified to SAE Standard J2788!

Fill out and return the Warranty Card within 90 days to activate warranty and free lifetime technical support.

NOTES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ............................................................................................................ 5

Overview of the RHS980C and How to Operate it ................................................. 6

Startup & Safe Operation ...................................................................................... 7

Special Considerations with R134a ....................................................................... 7

Control Panel ......................................................................................................... 8

First Time Use ....................................................................................................... 9

Contaminated Refrigerant .................................................................................... 11

Automatic Operation ............................................................................................. 11

A/C System Test Mode ......................................................................................... 16

Printing Results .................................................................................................... 19

High Pressure Leak Detect ................................................................................... 20

High Voltage Oil Flush .......................................................................................... 21

Refrigerant Flush .................................................................................................. 23

Setup .................................................................................................................... 24

Selectable Options ............................................................................................... 24

Select Language Enable Buzzer Enable Refrigerant Identifier Enable A/C Capacity Database Enable Printer Enable Print to Flash Drive Enable Low Voltage Detect Enable Micron Vacuum Sensor Enable Password Protection Enable VIN Entry Enable Operator ID Entry Enable AC Test Mode Enable Vacuum Pump Oil Life Enable Refrigerant Liquid Flush Enable Tech Alert Demo Enable High Pressure Leak Detect Enable Automatic Weighing Oil Injection Enable Automatic Weighing Oil Drain Enable Automatic Weighing UV Dye Enable High Voltage Oil Flush Enable Fill Cylinder Enable Manual Oil Injection

Default Values ................................................................................................. 28

Fill Cylinder Target Amount Initial Vacuum Hold Level Final Vacuum Level Vacuum Run Time Hoses Overcharge Amount Minimum Line Voltage Elevation from Sea Level

Vacuum Pump Oil Life Rise Level Oil Drain Maximum Level Minimum Vacuum Leak Level High voltage Flush

Maintenance Options ...................................................................................... 29

Calibration Check Perform Load Cell Site Calibration Perform Load Cell Shop Calibration Perform Vacuum Sensor Calibration Set Date and Time Input/Output Diagnostics Combo Filter Replacement Vacuum Pump Oil Replacement Change Operator Passwords Change Service Manager Password Print Parameters

Total Capacities .............................................................................................. 34

Combo Filter Life Remaining Total Refrigerant Recycled Total Refrigerant Charged Vacuum Pump Oil Life Remaining

Reminders ....................................................................................................... 35

TechALERT Demo Mode ................................................................................ 35

Vacuum Pump Maintenance ........................................................................... 37

Combo Filter Maintenance .............................................................................. 37

Inline Filter Maintenance ................................................................................. 38

Printer Maintenance ........................................................................................ 39

Refrigerant Identifier Maintenance .................................................................. 39

Updating Program and Languages ................................................................. 39

Attaching Temperature Probes ....................................................................... 40

Frequently Used RTI Consumable Items ........................................................ 41

Parts Identification ........................................................................................... 42

TechALERT ..................................................................................................... 44

INTRODUCTION

RTI RHS980C Refrigerant Handling System is designed for use on R134a vehicles and is compliant with J2788 standard. Unit recovers 95% of automobile refrigerant systems and has a refrigerant recharge accuracy of +/- ½ ounce. It features fully automatic operation. All control functions of the RHS980C are designed to provide intuitive and rapid interaction with the service technician. Easily removable one piece composite cover allows gaining unobstructed access to all interior components for service and maintenance.

Images below show the key features of RHS980C Refrigerant Handling System.

High Pressure

Gauge

Low Pressure

Gauge

Power Switch

Control Panel with LCD Display

Oil Drain Bottle and O-ring

Low Side Service Hose with Coupler

High Side Service Hose with Coupler

Refrigerant Identifier

(optional)

Removable Cove

USB Port

Printer

Fill Cylinder Hose

TechALERT

Rotating Turret

Storage Compartments

New Refrigerant Storage Shelf

OVERVIEW OF THE RHS980C AND HOW TO OPERATE IT

The RHS980C is designed for intuitive operation with menu driven prompts on the display.

A few minutes spent reviewing the contents of this operation manual will enable the technician to understand and optimize the use of the RHS980C to provide customers with a professional A/C service.

The display shows data such as the internal cylinder weight and prompts the technician for input using the alphanumeric keypad and various navigation buttons.

The RHS980C can be used to perform a fully automatic A/C service. The technician will be prompted for entry of data such as charge amount and given options like vacuum leak test. Once the necessary data has been entered, the RHS980C will automatically perform the complete A/C service and alert the technician for interaction or that the service is complete.

The RHS980C can also be used to perform individual functions like recycle, vacuum or charge. The keypad has dedicated buttons (AUTOMATIC, RECYCLE, VACUUM and CHARGE) to allow the technician to jump directly to any one of these functions.

Units of measure displayed can be changed at any time by repeatedly pressing the U/M key. A setup routine can be used to select options, set default values, perform maintenance operations and manage fluid

capacities processed.

IMPORTANT – review the Startup & Safe Operation statements on the following page before operating the RHS980C. Failure to do so may cause personal injury or cause the RHS980C to malfunction.

The Automatic Mode of operation is explained in the following pages. The screen which will be displayed for each step is shown on the left. A description of the RHS980C operation is shown to the right of each screen.

► VERY IMPORTANT – MACHINE SHUTDOWN ◄

The new SAE Standard J2788 dictates that the filter must be changed at set intervals to ensure that recycled refrigerant is pure.

The RHS980C has one filter which must be changed after recycling every 150 lbs. of refrigerant.

The technician will be alerted when the filter life is at 100 LB (45 KG). This allows time to order a replacement filter kit (See “Parts Identification”).

When the filter has purified 150 LB (68 KG) of refrigerant, the RHS980C will shut down and not perform any function.

A new filter must be installed to re-activate the RHS980C controller.

Fill out and return the Warranty Registration to activate the RHS980C warranty and free lifetime technical support.

This can also be done by calling RTI and providing information to one of the Technical Support Technicians.

Call 800-468-2321

STARTUP & SAFE OPERATION

 Do not use a damaged unit. Check for shipping damage and place a claim with carrier if

damage is discovered.

 Return the Warranty Card to activate technical support service and warranty coverage.  The RHS980C should be operated by certified personnel only.  The RHS980C should not be operated or serviced by any person who has not read all the

contents of this manual.

 This manual describes normal operation and maintenance for the RHS980C. Failure to read

and comply with these instructions or any one of the limitations noted herein can result in serious injury and/or property damage. The instructions should not be interpreted to anticipate every possible contingency.

 It is the responsibility of the owner/user to operate the RHS980C in accordance with all laws

and specifications which may apply.

 Recover, recycle, and charge only R134a.  Avoid breathing refrigerant or lubricant vapor. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat.

Ventilate work area if accidental system discharge occurs.

 Wear safety glasses and protective gloves. Refrigerant has a very low boiling point and can

cause frostbite.

 Follow the RHS980C operating procedures sequentially to avoid prematurely disconnecting

hoses or opening valves which may release refrigerant to the atmosphere.

 Do not expose the RHS980C to moisture or operate in wet areas.  Use RHS980C in areas with ventilation that provides at least four air changes per hour.  Service hoses must be constructed of the proper materials and with lengths as supplied with

the RHS980C (See “Parts Identification”). Hoses must have shutoff devices at the connection point to the A/C to minimize the introduction of air into the RHS980C and the release of refrigerant when being disconnected.

 Avoid using an extension cord with the RHS980C. If necessary use a good condition, three

wire grounded, #14 AWG or larger extension cord of the shortest possible length.

 Disconnect power before performing any maintenance or service on the RHS980C.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WITH R134a

R134a has been shown to be nonflammable at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, tests under controlled conditions have indicated that at pressures above atmospheric and with air concentrations greater than 60 percent by volume, R134a can form combustible mixtures.

While it is recognized that an ignition source is also required for combustion to occur, the presence of combustible mixtures is a potentially dangerous situation and should be avoided.

Under no circumstances should any equipment be pressure tested or leak tested with air and R134a mixtures. Do not use compressed air for leak detection in R134a systems.

CONTROL PANEL

560-80450-00

AUTOMATIC RECYCLE VACUUM CHARGE

ABC

DEF

AUTOMATIC RECYCLE VACUUM CHARGE

GHI

PQRS7TUV8WXYZ

CLR

ABC2DEF

JKL

SPACE

MNO

U/M

YES

START

Pressing any one of these four buttons causes the RHS980C to jump to the respective procedure.

The alpha-numeric keypad is used to enter data when prompted on the LCD screen.

GHI

PQRS

CLR

JKL

TUV

SPACE

YES

START

MNO

WXYZ

U/M

Note: The # key also has U/M printed on it. Pressing this key will toggle the units of measure displayed on the LCD screen.

Note: Pressing the number 4 key provides quick access to change languages. Follow prompts to select desired language.

Pressing any one of the arrow keys will move the point of data entry on the LCD screen in the respective direction.

Some screens provide options to select. The arrow keys make it possible to select the desired input.

The START and STOP buttons are used to start or stop procedures as prompted on the LCD screen.

FIRST TIME USE

The first time a new RHS980C is powered up it will automatically perform a routine where the language is selected. The language can be changed later if desired in the Setup Mode.

The RHS980C will arrive without any refrigerant. It will be necessary to put new refrigerant into the internal charge cylinder before any other sequences can be run. The amount of refrigerant which to be transferred is factory set at 18 LB (8.16 KG). This amount can be adjusted if desired. Refer to SETUP section under DEFAULT VALUES to change the factory setting. Connect the short yellow hose on the rear of the RHS980C to a new 30 lb. cylinder of refrigerant. Open the cylinder valve, turn the cylinder up-side-down and place it on the platform. Secure with web belt.

Plug the power cord into an appropriate power source. Avoid using an extension cord. If necessary, use a good condition, three wire grounded, #14 AWG or larger extension cord of the shortest possible length.

R T I - M A H L E C l e v i t e

R H S 9 8 0 C # # # # ##

S E L E C T L A N G U A G E

► E N G L I S H E S P A Ñ O L F R A N Ç A I S D E U T C H ▲ , ▼

E N T E R P

# # # # S T A R T T O C O N T I N U E S T O P T O E N D

S S W O R D A C C E P T E D

S T A R T T O C O N T I N U E S T O P T O E N D

S S W O R D R E J E C T E D

S T A R T T O R E T R Y S T O P T O E N D

W E I G H T = # # . # L B

U T O M A T I C

S T A RT?

W E I G H T = # # . # L B

R E C Y C L E

S T A RT?

W E I G H T = # # . # L B

V A C U U M

S T A RT?

S S W O R D

Press the Power Switch to turn on the RHS980C.

The screen shown to the left will be displayed and a buzzer will sound.

Press ▲ or ▼ key to scroll the displayed arrow to the desired language. Press START key.

(Refer to Section CHANGING LANGUAGES for additional information on loading new languages)

Note: Pressing the #4 key from the main menu will access the language selection option.

If password protection is NOT enabled then the next 3 subsequent screens will not be shown. Enter any of the 11 stored passwords (10 operator and 1 service manager) to gain access to operate the RHS980C. The passwords will prevent non certified technicians from performing A/C service. A service manager password is required to change several machine parameters. See section on Maintenance Options for complete listing of passwords. Press START key to continue.

If password is accepted, this screen is shown. Press START key.

If password is rejected, this screen is shown. Check the password and press START key to retry the entry or press STOP key to end.

The screen shown to the left will be displayed. Press the ▼ key to scroll to the next screen.

Press ▼ key.

W E I G H T = # # . # L B

C O

C H A R G E

S T A RT?

W E I G H T = # # . # L B

F I L L C Y L I N D E R

S T A RT?

Press ▼ key.

Press START key. If the internal cylinder capacity

is equal to or greater than the target amount shown in DEFAULT VALUES, the FILL CYLINDER process will not be available from the main menu.

T A R T I N G R E F R I G E R A N T

I D E N T I F I E R D O N O T C O N N E C T H O S E S P L E A S E W A I T . . .

E X A M I N E I D S A M P L E H O S E / F I L T E R F O R O I L S T A R T T O C O N T I N U E S T O P T O E N D

N N E C T I D E N T I F I E R S A M P L E H O S E T O L O W S I D E P R E S S Y E S W H E N D O N E

A S A N A L Y S I S I S I N

P R O C E S S . . P L E A S E

W A I T

R E M O V E I D E N T I F I E R S A M P L E H O S E F R O M L O W S I D E P R E S S Y E S W H E N D O N E

I D R E S U L T S : R 1 3 4 : # # . # % , A I R : # # . # % H C : # # . # % P R E S S N O T O R E J E C T , Y E S T O A C C E P T

> 5 % A I R S U G G E S T S E X C E S S O I L I N S A M P L E H O S E / F I L T E R . R E M E D Y B E F O R E U S E . C O N T I N U E ?

C O N N E C T H O S E T O S O U R C E T A N K O P E N V A L V E

S T A RT?

F I L L C Y L I N P R O C E S S

M T F I L L E D # # . # L B

S T O P T O E N D

If the RHS980C has a refrigerant identifier installed, the screen to the left and next 3 subsequent screens will appear. The refrigerant identifier is an optional item and can be installed in the field. Contact RTI for more information.

Inspect the identifier hose for traces of oil contamination. If oil is present in the hose, remove the contaminated hose section or replace the entire hose assembly. See REFRIGERANT IDENTIFIER MAINTENANCE section of manual. Press START key.

Connect refrigerant identifier hose found on the rear of the RHS980C to the cylinder of new refrigerant. Unit includes an adapter to convert the ½ inch Acme fitting on the cylinder to low side coupler. Cylinder of new

refrigerant must be upright with valve at top of tank. Press YES key.

Sample of new cylinder refrigerant is processed and the hose and coupler must be removed. Press START key.

This shows the results from the identifier refrigerant sample processed. Select NO key to reject these results or YES key to accept the results. Pressing NO will return to the initial screen.

If the results from the refrigerant identification show an air percentage above 5%, this screen will appear. Inspect the id filter, sample hose and coupler filter prior to the next identification to ensure these devices are free of oil contamination. See REFRIGERANT IDENTIFIER MAINTENANCE section for more information.

This is a reminder that the cylinder of new refrigerant must be connected to the yellow hose on the rear of the RHS980C. Press START key.

Refrigerant will be transferred from the cylinder on the rear platform into the internal charge cylinder of the RHS980C. Cylinder of new refrigerant must be upside down with valve at bottom of tank.

F I L L C Y L I N P R O C E S S

C O

GA S

T I M E L E F T # # . # #

S T O P T O E N D

F I L L C Y L C O M P L E T E

M T F I L L E D # # . # L B

S T O P T O E N D

The amount transferred will be displayed. Note:

Pressing the STOP key will start an internal clearing process. This process must run to completion to remove internal refrigerant.

The Fill Cylinder procedure is complete when desired amount of refrigerant has been transferred. The Setup procedure allows changing the value and is covered in DEFAULT VALUES section in this manual.

Note: To fill to less than 18 LB (8.16 KG), close valve on cylinder of new refrigerant and allow procedure to complete. A minimum of 10 LB (4.53 KG) is suggested for truck service application.

REFRIGERANT BLENDS

The RHS980C is designed to recover, recycle and charge R134a. Take extreme precaution to ensure that other refrigerants are not recovered into the RHS980C.

A refrigerant identifier is recommended for evaluating refrigerant in the A/C system prior to servicing.

Recovering other refrigerants will contaminate the refrigerant in the RHS980C charge cylinder.

Sealants and leak stop chemicals in A/C systems may cause serious damage to the RHS980C if they are present in the refrigerant recovered intended for recovery.

Detection devices are readily available to check for the presence of these chemicals and are highly recommended to protect the RHS980C.

Call RTI for more information about solutions for detection of refrigerant blends and leak sealers.

LEAK SEALERS

AUTOMATIC OPERATION

W E I G H T = # # . # L B

U T O M A T I C

S T A RT?

I D E N T I F I E R D O N O T C O N N E C T H O S E S P L E A S E W A I T . . .

E X A M I N E I D S A M P L E H O S E / F I L T E R F O R O I L S T A R T T O C O N T I N U E S T O P T O E N D

N N E C T I D E N T I F I E R

S A M P L E H O S E T O L O W

S I D E P R E S S Y E S W H E N D O N E

A N A L Y S I S I S I N

P R O C E S S . . P L E A S E

W A I T

At the main menu screen, press the START key.

If the RHS980C has the optional refrigerant identifier installed, the screen to the left and next 6 subsequent screens will appear.

Connect refrigerant identifier hose found on the rear of the RHS980C to the vehicle low side service port. Press YES key.

R E M O V E I D E N T I F I E R

ACU U

S A M P L E H O S E F R O M L O W S I D E P R E S S Y E S W H E N D O N E

I D R E S U L T S :

R 1 3 4 : # # . # % , A I R : # # . # H C : # # . # % P R E S S N O T O R E J E C T , Y E S T O A C C E P T

> 5 % A I R S U G G E S T S E X C E S S O I L I N S A M P L E H O S E / F I L T E R . R E M E D Y B E F O R E U S E . C O N T I N U E ?

Sample of vehicle A/C refrigerant is processed and the hose and coupler must be removed. Press START key.

This shows the results from the identifier refrigerant sample processed. Select NO key to reject these results or YES key to accept the results. Pressing NO will return to the initial screen. A high air percentage can be an indication of required maintenance, see Identifier Maintenance section for more information.

C H E C K O I L D R

I N

L E V E L , A D J U S T O R I N G

T O T O P O F L E V E L

C O N T I N UE?

E L E C T V A C U U M T Y P E E N H A N C E D S T A N D A R D

C O N T I N U E ?

E N T E R V T I M E # # M I N

C O N T I N U E ?

U S E

C C A P A C I T Y G U I D E T O D E T E R M I N E C H A R G E A M O U N T ? S E L E C T Y E S O R N O

U S E ▲ ▼ T O S C R O L L

◄ ► P A G E U P & D O W N

S T A R T T O C O N T I N U E S T O P T O E N D

V E R I F Y I N G D

T A B A S E

P L E A S E W A I T . . .

S E L E C T Y E

R > # # # # > # # # # > # # # #

S E L E C T M

K E > # # # # # # # > # # # # # # # > # # # # # # #

Ensure that the oil drain bottle has enough remaining capacity to perform a service. Adjust the o-ring slider so it is level with the oil in the oil drain bottle. Press START key.

Select vacuum type, Enhanced or Standard. If enhanced is selected, the unit will draw a deeper vacuum and use the onboard micron sensor. The enhanced vacuum process will take longer than the standard vacuum process. The standard procedure will utilize a pressure transducer to measure vacuum levels. Press START key.

Enter the time desired to vacuum the A/C system. Press START key.

See SETUP SELECTABLE OPTIONS to enable or disable AC Capacity Guide. To use the on board AC capacity guide to determine the charge amount for the vehicle, press YES key. Otherwise press NO key. Pressing the YES key will show the next 9 subsequent screens.

Screen shows the instructions for the navigation and selection of the information shown on the next 5 screens. Press YES key to continue or NO key to abort operation.

Screen to the left will appear after operator selections are made and data is processed internally.

Select the year for the vehicle being serviced. Press YES key on the highlighted value to continue. Use ▲ or ▼ key to scroll the displayed arrow to the desired selection.

Select the make of the vehicle being serviced. Press YES key on the highlighted value to continue. Use ▲ or ▼ key to scroll the displayed arrow to the desired selection.

S E L E C T M O D E L

> # # # # # # # > # # # # # # # > # # # # # # #

S E L E C T E N G I N E > # # # # # # # > # # # # # # # > # # # # # # #

S E L E C T S Y S T E M

> # # # # > # # # # > # # # #

Y E A R, M O D E L, E N G I N E S Y S T E M T Y P E X X, X X O Z

C O N D E N S E R C A P A C I T Y X X O Z

Select the model of the vehicle being serviced. Press YES key on the highlighted value to continue. Use ▲ or ▼ key to scroll the displayed arrow to the desired selection.

Select the engine configuration of the vehicle being serviced, if more than 1 option is available. Press YES key on the highlighted value to continue. Use ▲ or ▼ key to scroll the displayed arrow to the desired selection.

If required, a screen to select the system for the vehicle being serviced will be shown. Press YES key on the highlighted value to continue. Use ▲ or ▼ key to scroll the displayed arrow to the desired selection.

The data will be shown for the vehicle parameters entered on this screen. Year, make, model, type, system and refrigerant capacity in OZ is detailed. Press ▼ key to display the next screen or YES key to accept the charge amount.

O I L T Y P E

# # # # #

T O T A L O I L C A P A C I T Y

# ## # # O Z

E N T E R C H

# # . # L B

C O N T I N UE?

C U R R E N T O I L T Y P E

P A G / P O E < > T O C H AN G E C O N T I N UE?

S E L E C T T O C H

H I G H / L O W / B O T H C O N T I N UE?

C O N N E C T H O S E S O P E N V A L V E S

S T A RT?

C L E P L E A S E W A I T

S T O P T O E N D

R E C Y C L E I N P R O C E S S

M T R E C # # . # L B

S T O P T O E N D

R I N G I N P R O C E S S

R G E A M O U N T

R G E

The oil type and total oil capacity are shown on the screen for the selected vehicle parameters. Press key ▲ to display the previous screen or YES key to accept the charge amount.

Enter the amount of refrigerant to be charged into the A/C system or the charge capacity will be automatically entered if the AC database was used. Press START key.

Press ► or ◄ key to change the type of oil which exists on the A/C system being serviced. A HIGH VOLTAGE OIL FLUSH will be started automatically if the type is changed.

Press ► or ◄ key to select which side to charge to on the A/C system. The word HIGH, LOW or BOTH will display in bold letters. Note: If oil injection was selected, only HIGH or BOTH will be enabled. Press START key.

Connect the red hose to the high side and the blue hose to the low side of the A/C system. Open the valves on both hoses. Press START key.

A clearing procedure will run to remove refrigerant from internal components.

The RHS980C will now recover and recycle refrigerant. The amount of refrigerant recovered will be displayed. The next screen will be displayed when vehicle system pressure is in a vacuum.

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