Fluorescent Dye Detection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Fig 1: Checking For Leaks Using Rotunda-Approved UV Lamp

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Check for leaks using a Rotunda-approved UV lamp and dye enhancing glasses.
- Inspect all components, lines and fittings of the refrigerant system.
If a leak is found, recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging .
Repair the refrigerant system leak(s).
Evacuate and charge the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging .
After the leak(s) is repaired, remove any traces of fluorescent dye with a general purpose oil solvent.

Fig 2: Checking For Leaks Using Rotunda-Approved UV Lamp

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

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.