Leak Testing
Leak Testing
Special Tools
* J 41447 - R-134a A/C Tracer Dye Box of 24
* J 42220 - Universal 12 V Leak Detection Lamp
* J 43872 - Fluorescent Dye Cleaner
* J-46053 - Electronic Leak Detector
* J 46297 - A/C Dye Injector Kit
* J 46297-12 - Replacement Dye Cartridges
Refrigerant Leak Testing
Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning Safety Glasses Warning.
Verifying some passive leaks may require using the electronic leak detector, and the addition of fluorescent dye. The fluorescent dye mixes and flows with the polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil throughout the refrigerant system. The only time that adding additional fluorescent dye is required is after flushing the A/C system.
Fluorescent Leak Detector
Note: Always use the colored glasses provided with your ultra violet lamp as these enhance the fluorescent dye color.
Fluorescent dye will assist in locating any leaks from the A/C system.
Note: PAG oil is water soluble.
* Condensation on the evaporator core or the refrigerant lines may wash the PAG oil and fluorescent dye away from the actual leak. Condensation may also carry the fluorescent dye through the HVAC module drain.
* Leaks in the A/C system will be indicated in a light green or yellow color when using the leak detection lamp.
Use the leak detection lamp in the following areas:
- All fittings or connections that use seal washers or an O-ring
- All of the A/C components
- The A/C compressor shaft seal
- The A/C hoses and pressure switches
- The HVAC module drain pipe (if the evaporator core is suspected of leaking)
- The service port sealing caps (the sealing cap is the primary seal for the service ports)
* Follow the instructions supplied with the J 42220 - Universal 12 V Leak Detection Lamp.
* To prevent false diagnosis in the future, thoroughly clean the residual dye from any area where leaks were found. Use a rag and the approved J 43872 - Fluorescent Dye Cleaner.
Fluorescent Dye Injection
Note: Avoid spilling fluorescent dye on the vehicle paint work, clean off straight away using an approved fluorescent dye cleaning agent.
Note: Use only fluorescent dye approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
* J 41447 - R-134a A/C Tracer Dye can be poured directly into a removed A/C component.
* J 46297-12 - Replacement Dye Cartridge is injected into the low side port using J 46297 - A/C Dye Injector Kit.
* Not all fluorescent dyes are compatible with PAG oil. Some types of fluorescent dye decrease the oil viscosity or may chemically react with the oil.
* R-134a leak detection dye requires time to work. Depending upon the leak rate, a leak may not become visible for a duration between 15 minutes and 7 days.
Note: Do NOT overcharge the A/C system with dye. Use only one 7.39 ml (0.25 oz) charge.
* To prevent false diagnosis, thoroughly clean any residual dye from the service port with a shop cloth and the approved J 43872 - Fluorescent Dye Cleaner.
Electronic Leak Detector
Make sure that the vehicle has at least 0.2 kg of refrigerant in the A/C refrigeration system in order to perform a leak test. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging , for the recharging of the A/C system.
Make sure that fresh batteries are installed at regular intervals, false readings may occur as a result of the batteries not being fully charged.
Make sure that the sensing tip inlet is free of dirt, also make sure that the sensing tip is kept at a distance of 5mm from the components/areas being tested.
Note: Follow a continuous path in order to make sure that all possible leaks are detected. Test all areas of the system for leaks.
Follow the instructions supplied with the electronic leak detector.
Soapy Water
Fill the approved J 43872 - Fluorescent Dye Cleaner with a solution of 50% water and 50% dish washing liquid. Operate the A/C system and spray the soapy solution over the joints and components. When a leak is evident the solution will bubble up.
This is an ideal method for hose and joint leaks.