Tracer Dye Leak Detection

SPECIAL TOOL(s)

NOTE: Ford Motor Company vehicles are produced with R-134a Fluorescent Tracer Dye incorporated into the A/C system. The fluorescent life span of the leak tracer dye is 500 hours of A/C system use, after which another injection of dye is required. The location of leaks can be pinpointed by the bright yellow-green glow of the tracer dye. Since more than one leak can exist, always inspect each component.







1. Using the special tool, check for leaks.
2. Scan all components, fittings and lines of the A/C system.
3. After the leak is repaired, remove any traces of leak dye with a general purpose oil solvent.







4. Verify the repair by inspecting and operating the system for a short time.

Tracer Dye Injection

NOTE: A/C system pressure must be above 550 kPa (80 psi) for this operation.
1. Install the R-134a Manifold Gauge Set or a
recovery station. For additional information, refer to Manifold Gauge Set
Connection in this section.







2. Turn the valve on the fluorescent tracer dye injector all the way to the left to close the valve.







3. Fill the reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 ounce) of R-134a Fluorescent Tracer Dye.







4. Install the special tool between the low-side quick disconnect and the vehicle low-pressure gauge port valve.
5. Open all quick disconnect valves and charge the refrigerant system. Evacuation and Charging Procedure
6. When system charging is complete, recover the refrigerant from the dye injector.
7. Remove the dye injector from the low-side quick disconnect valve.


NOTE: Only connect the dye-injector to the R-134a Manifold Gauge Set or the charging/recovery station when dye is to be injected. The dye injector has a one-way check valve that will prevent system refrigerant recovery and evacuation.