Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using an A/C Refrigerant Center and Dye Injector

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 ultraviolet blacklight. 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 and receiver/driers are shipped with a fluorescent dye "wafer" included in the desiccant bag which will dissolve after approximately 30 minutes of continued A/C operation. It is not necessary to add dye after flushing or filtering the refrigerant system because a new suction accumulator or receiver/drier is installed as part of the flushing or filtering procedure. Additional refrigerant system dye should only be added if more than 50% of the refrigerant system lubricant capacity has been lost due to a fitting separation, hose rupture or other damage.

NOTE: Before using the R-134a fluorescent dye injector for the first time, refer to the manufacturers instructions on evacuation of any non-condensable gasses from the hoses.

NOTE: Only connect the R-134a fluorescent dye injector to a manifold and gauge set or R-134a service center when fluorescent dye is to be injected. The R-134a fluorescent dye injector has a one way check valve that will prevent refrigerant system recovery and evacuation.

NOTE: Refrigerant system pressure should be between 413-551 kPa (60-80 psi) at 24 °C (75°F) with the engine off.

Connect an R-134a A/C refrigerant service center or a manifold and gauge set to the refrigerant system service port valves.
Verify that the valves on the fluorescent dye injector are closed.

Fig 1: Identifying Fluorescent Dye Injector Valve Condition
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fill the fluorescent dye injector reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 oz) of fluorescent dye.

Fig 2: Locating Fluorescent Dye Injector Reservoir
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the fluorescent dye injector between the low-pressure service gauge port valve and the R-134a refrigerant service center or manifold gauge set.
Open all valves and inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system.
When fluorescent dye injection is complete, close all valves.
Recover the refrigerant from the R-134a fluorescent dye injector.
Remove the fluorescent dye injector from the low-pressure service gauge port valve and the R-134a A/C refrigerant service center or manifold gauge set.