Fluorescent DYE Leak Detection

FLUORESCENT DYE LEAK DETECTION

Special Tool(s), Part 1:

Special Tool(s), Part 2:

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

Fluorescent Dye Detection

NOTE: Ford Motor Company vehicles are produced 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 the special tool.
- Inspect all 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 the special tool.

Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using an A/C Refrigerant Center and Dye Injector

NOTE:
- Before using the R-134a fluorescent dye injector for the first time, refer to the manufacturers 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 service 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.
- Refrigerant system pressure should be between 413-551 kPa (60-80 psi) at 24°C (75°F) with the engine off.

1. Install an R-134a A/C refrigerant service center or a manifold and gauge set.






2. Verify that the valves on the special tool are closed.







3. Fill the special tool reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 oz) of fluorescent dye.
4. Install the special tool between the low-pressure service gauge port valve and the R-134a refrigerant service center or manifold gauge set.
5. Open all valves and inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system.
6. When fluorescent dye injection is complete, close all valves.
7. Recover the refrigerant from the R-134a fluorescent dye injector.
8. Remove the fluorescent dye injector from the low-pressure service gauge port valve and the R-134a A/C refrigerant service center or manifold gauge set.


Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using a Dye Injector Loop Kit

NOTE:
- Before using the R-134a fluorescent dye injector for the first time, refer to the equipment manufacturers instructions on evacuation of non-condensable gasses from the hoses.
- Refrigerant system pressure should be between 413-551 kPa (60-80 psi) at 24°C.







1. Verify that the valves on the special tool are closed.







2. Fill the special tool reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 oz) of fluorescent dye.
3. Install the special tool between the high-pressure and low-pressure service 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 service valve.







6. Open the special tool valves and inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system.







7. Close the high-pressure service valve to allow the pressure inside the special tool to equalize with the suction side of the refrigerant system.







8. NOTE: Close the valves on the special tool while the A/C compressor is operating.

Close the valves on the special tool.

9. NOTE: Leave all valves on the special tool closed when not in use.

Disconnect the high-pressure and low-pressure service valves and remove the special tool from the vehicle.