Fluorescent Dye Leak Detection

Close the valves on the R-134a Fluorescent Dye Injector.

Fluorescent Dye Leak Detection — original illustration 1, reference 3610Original colors & callouts · Select to enlarge

19. NOTE: Make sure all of the valves on the R-134a Fluorescent Dye Injector remain closed when not in use.

Disconnect the high-pressure and low-pressure service valves and remove the R-134a Fluorescent Dye Injector from the vehicle. Use the General Equipment: Fluorescent Dye Injector

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, inspect each component, line and fitting in the refrigerant system for a leak.

NOTE: Use of dye-enhancing glasses or goggles greatly improves the detection of the dye under the UV lamp.

NOTE: Not all UV lamps will fluoresce the dye used in Ford vehicles. All Rotunda UV lamps are optimized to fluoresce the dye.

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.

20. Check for leaks using a Rotunda-approved UV lamp and dye enhancing glasses.

21. Inspect all components, lines and fittings of the refrigerant system.

22. After the leak(s) is repaired, remove any traces of fluorescent dye with a general purpose oil solvent.

23. Verify the repair by running the vehicle for a short period of time and rechecking the area of the leak with a Rotunda-approved UV lamp. Use the General Equipment: UV Leak Detector

Source reference 3610

2016 Mustang workshop publication supplied to Mustang Atlas. Original technical text and illustrations; HTML formatting by Mustang Atlas. Source page numbering is retained for traceability. Follow the configuration, revision, warnings, and cross-references in the material. About this edition.