Fluorescent Dye Leak Detection

NOTE: This method of fluorescent dye injection requires the addition of R-134a from a R-134a Air Conditioning Service Unit or R-134a Manifold Gauge Set hooked to an external tank to charge the dye into the refrigerant system. If adding fluorescent dye to a refrigerant system that is already fully charged, use the method R-134a Fluorescent Dye Injector - Vehicles Not Requiring R-134a Addition.

NOTE: Fluorescent refrigerant system dye is added to the refrigerant system at the factory to assist in refrigerant system leak diagnosis using a Rotunda-approved UV lamp. It is not necessary to add additional dye to the refrigerant system before diagnosing leaks, even if a significant amount of refrigerant has been removed from the system. Replacement suction accumulators, receiver driers and receiver drier elements are shipped with a fluorescent dye wafer included in the desiccant bag which dissolves after approximately 30 minutes of continuous A/C operation. It is not necessary to add dye after flushing the refrigerant system because a new suction accumulator, receiver drier or receiver drier element is installed as part of the flushing procedure.

NOTE: If the system has been out of refrigerant through the winter the dye at the leak point may have oxidized and may not fluoresce. If this happens, recharge and operate the A/C system to circulate the oil and allow any residual dye to show up at the leak point. It is important to understand that dye adheres to the oil not the refrigerant; the refrigerant carries the oil out of the leak point.

NOTE: Before using the R-134a Fluorescent Dye Injector for the first time, refer to the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: Only connect the dye/lubricant injector from the R-134a Fluorescent Dye Injector when fluorescent dye is to be injected. The dye/lubricant injector has a one-way check valve that prevents refrigerant system recovery and evacuation.