Refrigerant Circuit, Determining Leaks: Notes
There is a risk of freezing.
Refrigerant may leak out if the refrigerant circuit is not discharged.
Minor leaks can be detected using an electronic leak detector or UV leak detector lamp.
This service information describes two different methods for detecting leaks in the refrigerant circuit. These methods have been tested and result in success when used correctly under different operating conditions.
Many methods for detecting leaks in the refrigerant circuit are offered in the open market. These methods do not always have clear results and if they are not performed exactly to the specification, they may indicate various refrigerant circuit components having leaks when they do not. Also, refrigerant circuit components can be damaged by some methods.
- Do not repair components with leaks; always replace them.
- Do not charge a leaking refrigerant circuit with refrigerant. Evacuate the circuit and check it for leaks before charging. Refer to Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, EVACUATING WITH A/C SERVICE STATION .
- Audi does not approve the use of chemicals (stop leak additives) to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit.
- Chemicals that seal leaks form deposits in the refrigerant circuit that affect the function of the A/C system and lead to malfunctions in the A/C system and the A/C service station.
Chemical materials (leak stop additives) to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit react with air or the moisture in the surrounding air and form deposits in the refrigerant circuit (and in the A/C service station) that lead to malfunctions in the valves and other components that come into contact with such chemicals. These deposits cannot be removed completely from the components, even by flushing. It is only possible to service the refrigerant circuit by replacing all the components that have come into contact with this material.