Fluorescent Dye Leak Detection
FLUORESCENT DYE LEAK DETECTIONSpecial Tool(s):
Special Tool(s)
Fluorescent Dye Detection
NOTE: Vehicles are manufactured with R-134a fluorescent dye installed in the refrigerant system from the factory. The location of leaks can be pinpointed by the bright yellow-green glow of the fluorescent dye under a UV lamp. Since more than one leak can exist, make sure to inspect each component, line, and fitting in the refrigerant system for a leak.
1. Check for leaks using an approved UV lamp.
- Inspect all the components, lines and fittings of the refrigerant system.
2. If a leak is found, recover the refrigerant.
3. Repair the refrigerant system leak(s).
4. Evacuate and charge the refrigerant system.
5. After the leak(s) is/are repaired, remove any traces of fluorescent dye with a general purpose oil solvent.
6. Verify the repair by running the vehicle for a short period of time and rechecking the area of the leak with an approved UV lamp.
Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using an A/C Center and Dye Injector
NOTE:
- Fluorescent refrigerant system dye is added to the refrigerant system at the factory to assist in refrigerant system leak diagnosis using an approved ultraviolet blacklight. It is not necessary to add additional dye to the refrigerant system before diagnosing leaks, even if a significant amount of refrigerant has been removed from the system. New suction accumulators and receiver/driers are shipped with a fluorescent dye wafer included in the desiccant bag which will dissolve after approximately 30 minutes of continued A/C operation. It is not necessary to add dye after flushing or filtering the refrigerant system because a new suction accumulator or receiver/drier is installed as part of the flushing or filtering procedure. Additional refrigerant system dye should only be added if more than 50% of the refrigerant system lubricant capacity has been lost due to a fitting separation, hose rupture or other damage.
- Before using the R-134a fluorescent dye injector for the first time, refer to the manufacturer instructions on evacuation of any non-condensable gasses from the hoses.
- Only connect the R-134a fluorescent dye injector to a manifold and gauge set or R-134a refrigerant center when fluorescent dye is to be injected. The R-134a fluorescent dye injector has a one-way check valve that will prevent refrigerant system recovery and evacuation.
- The refrigerant system pressure should be between 413-551 kPa (60-80 psi) at 24°C (75°F) with the engine off.
1. Connect an R-134a A/C center or a manifold and gauge set to the refrigerant system port valves.
2. Verify that the valves on the fluorescent dye injector are closed.
3. Fill the fluorescent dye injector reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 oz) of fluorescent dye.
4. Install the fluorescent dye injector between the low-pressure gauge port valve and the R-134a refrigerant center or manifold gauge set.
5. Open all the valves and inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system.
6. When the fluorescent dye injection is complete, close all the valves.
7. Recover the refrigerant from the R-134a fluorescent dye injector.
8. Remove the fluorescent dye injector from the low-pressure gauge port valve and the R-134a A/C center or manifold gauge set.
Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using a Dye Injector Loop Kit
NOTE:
- Fluorescent refrigerant system dye is added to the refrigerant system at the factory to assist in refrigerant system leak diagnosis using an approved ultraviolet blacklight. It is not necessary to add additional dye to the refrigerant system before diagnosing leaks, even if a significant amount of refrigerant has been removed from the system. New suction accumulators and receiver/driers are shipped with a fluorescent dye wafer included in the desiccant bag which will dissolve after approximately 30 minutes of continued A/C operation. It is not necessary to add dye after flushing or filtering the refrigerant system because a new suction accumulator or receiver/drier is installed as part of the flushing or filtering procedure. Additional refrigerant system dye should only be added if more than 50% of the refrigerant system lubricant capacity has been lost due to a fitting separation, hose rupture or other damage.
- Before using the R-134a fluorescent dye injector for the first time, refer to the equipment manufacturer instructions on evacuation of non-condensable gasses from the hoses.
- The refrigerant system pressure should be between 413-551 kPa (60-80 psi) at 24°C (75°F).
1. Verify that the valves on the injector loop kit are closed.
2. Fill the injector loop kit reservoir with 7 ml (0.24 oz) of fluorescent dye.
3. Install the injector loop kit between the high-pressure and low-pressure gauge port valves.
4. CAUTION: Make sure all tools and hoses are clear of the engine cooling fan and drive belt before starting the engine.
Start the engine.
5. Open the high-pressure valve.
6. Open the injector loop kit valves and inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system.
7. Close the high-pressure valve to allow the pressure inside the injector loop kit to equalize with the suction side of the refrigerant system.
8. NOTE: Close the valves on the injector loop kit while the A/C compressor is operating.
Close the valves on the injector loop kit.
9. NOTE: Leave all the valves on the special tool closed when not in use.
Disconnect the high-pressure and low-pressure valves and remove the injector loop kit from the vehicle.