Leak Test
- Begin searching for refrigerant leaks using a high quality UV light to detect the fluorescent refrigerant leak detection dye.
- Inspect all connections, plumbing fittings, brazed joints, hoses, hose crimps, service ports, compressor housing, pressure relief valve and A/C condenser for dye.
- Inspect the evaporator drain tube and condensate for presence of dye, which indicates a leak from the A/C evaporator.
- If equipped with rear A/C, inspect the underbody refrigerant lines, fittings, rear evaporator drain tube and condensate for presence of dye, which indicates a leak from the rear evaporator.
- If no leaks are found using a UV light, proceed to Step 2
.
- If a leak is not found with the leak detection dye, operate the heating and A/C system with the engine at idle under the following conditions for at least 15 minutes, then proceed to Step 3
.
- Doors or windows open
- Transmission in Park or Neutral with the parking brake set (depending on transmission application)
- A/C and heater controls set to outside air, full cool, panel mode, high blower and A/C compressor engaged (If the A/C compressor does not engage, go to
.
- If equipped with rear A/C, set rear controls to full cool and high blower.
- Shut the engine OFF and wait at least 5 minutes.
- Insert a leak detector, with the proper tip attached for the refrigerant in the A/C system being checked, into the evaporator drain tube and the instrument panel air outlets, to check for evaporator leaks. Check the evaporator tubes at the A/C expansion valve, for leaks not visible behind the expansion valve. Check around the front of the A/C compressor for compressor shaft seal leaks. Check between the A/C condenser and radiator for condenser leaks not previously visible.
- If equipped with rear A/C, insert the leak detector into the rear evaporator drain tube and rear air outlets. Check the underbody A/C lines and fittings, evaporator tubes and rear A/C expansion valve.