A/C System - R134A Refrigerant Dye Introduction

Classification:
HA99-008b

Reference:
NTB99-077b

Date:
October 13, 2000

INTRODUCTION OF FACTORY-INSTALLED R-134A A/C SYSTEM REFRIGERANT DYE

This bulletin supercedes NTB99-077 and NTB99-077a (NTB99-077a was released by ASIST Dial Update between 10/4/00 and 10/12/00). Additional information has been added to the Applied Vehicles and Service Information sections. Please use this bulletin (NTB99-077b) and discard any paper copies of NTB99-077 and NTB99-077a.

APPLIED VEHICLES:
2000 Maxima (A33) - vehicles built after August 5, 1999*
2000 Pathfinder (R50) - vehicles built after August 18, 1999*
2000 Sentra (B15) - vehicles built after April 28, 2000*
2000 Altima (L30) - vehicles built after April 3, 2000*
2000 Xterra (WD22) - vehicles built after April 3, 2000*
2000 Frontier (D22) - vehicles built after April 3, 2000*
2000 Quest (V41) - vehicles built after May 20, 2000*
* Vehicles with refrigerant dye have a green A/C specification label on the underside of the front hood.

SERVICE INFORMATION





The applied vehicles, according to the dates listed above, are equipped with factory-installed refrigerant dye in the A/C system. This dye will allow refrigerant leaks to be detected with a special ultra-violet lamp. Vehicles with factory-installed refrigerant dye can be identified by a new A/C specification label (affixed to the under side of the front hood). The new label is green and indicates "Nissan UV Luminous Oil" in the compressor lubricant section of the label (see Figure 1). Vehicles built before the introduction of the factory-installed dye have a blue A/C specification label.

For models produced before the introduction of factory-installed dye, refer to NTB99-011a for A/C system diagnostic procedures and the use of the leak detection dye kit.

IMPORTANT:
Please note that the factory applies an assembly lubricant to the rubber grommets that seal the A/C evaporator tubes to the engine room wall. This assembly lubricant, when viewed with the special ultra-violet lamp, can look like a refrigerant dye leak. The assembly lubricant can be removed using water.








Reference to the illustration shown:
^ Diagnostic refrigerant leaks on vehicles with factory-installed refrigerant dye.
^ Adding refrigerant dye due to A/C system service or repair.