Refrigerant Leak Testing
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
In certain regions, technicians repairing or servicing motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems must be trained and certified by the appropriate regional or national regulatory agency.
- In the USA, refer to the EPA website for MVAC training requirements. http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/technicians/609certs.html
- In Canada, refer to the Environment Canada website for MVAC training requirements. http://www.ec.gc.ca/ozone/default.asp?lang=En&n=943E1CAB-1#ws4E6F6835
- In Europe, refer to Commission Regulation (EC) No 307/2008 for MVAC training requirements. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:092:0025:0027:EN:PDF
WARNING:
Technicians must only use a SAE J2913 certified electronic leak detector when checking for leaks in an R-1234yf A/C refrigerant system. Other, non - certified, leak detection devices could serve as ignition sources in the presence of hydrocarbons or other flammable refrigerants. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
WARNING:
R1234-yf is considered a mildly flammable refrigerant and proper refrigerant leak testing should be completed to ensure safe and proper operation. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
WARNING:
Evaporators in vehicles equipped with R-1234yf refrigerant systems must never be repaired or replaced with an evaporator removed from another or salvage vehicle. Use only new SAE J2842 certified and labeled evaporator(s) as replacement parts. Failure to follow this guideline could pose a health and/or safety risk to the vehicle occupant(s).
CAUTION:
Leak detection shall only be done with the refrigerant that is specified for the system. Do not attempt to increase pressure of the A/C refrigerant system with shop air or another type of refrigerant. Failure to follow the above guidelines could result in damage to the vehicle or its components.
NOTE:
General Motors vehicles are manufactured with fluorescent dye installed in the air conditioning refrigerant system.
The fluorescent dye mixes and flows with the air conditioning compressor oil throughout the refrigerant system.
NOTE:
The only time adding additional fluorescent dye is required is after flushing the air conditioning system.
Verifying some passive leaks may require using GE-50078 Electronic Leak Detector or a SAE J2913 certified electronic leak detector, even though the refrigerant system contains fluorescent dye.