Refrigerant Leak Testing
Technicians repairing or servicing motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems must be trained and certified by an EPA approved organization. Certification is obtained by passing an EPA approved examination. (http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/technicians/609certs.html)
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.
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.
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.
General Motors vehicles are manufactured with fluorescent dye installed in the A/C refrigerant system.
The fluorescent dye mixes and flows with the A/C compressor oil throughout the refrigerant system.
The only time adding additional fluorescent dye is required is after flushing the A/C 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.