Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using an R-134a Refrigerant Management Center and Dye/Lubricant Injector (Non-Hybrid Only)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

NOTE: Do not add liquid-based R-134a Leak Detection Dye to the refrigerant system on hybrid vehicles equipped with an electric Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor. Liquid-based dyes are mixed with PAG oil, and will contaminate and damage the hybrid refrigerant system. Dye can only be added to hybrid vehicles by installing a new received/drier desiccant cartridge which includes a fluorescent dye "wafer" which will dissolve after approximately 30 minutes of continued A/C operation.

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 UV 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 receiver/drier desiccant cartridges 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 receiver/drier desiccant cartridge 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: This method of fluorescent dye injection requires the addition of R-134a from a R-134a Refrigerant Management Machine or R-134a Manifold Gauge Set hooked to an external tank to charge the dye into the refrigerant system. If adding fluorescent dye to a refrigerant system that is already fully charged, the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set method should be used.

NOTE: Before using the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set for the first time, refer to the equipment manufacturer's instructions on evacuation of any non-condensable gases from the hoses.

NOTE: Only connect the dye/lubricant injector from the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set when fluorescent dye is to be injected. The dye/lubricant 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.

NOTE: If no R-134a pressure is present in the refrigerant system, the system should be evacuated before carrying out the injection procedure. For additional information, refer to AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) SYSTEM RECOVERY, EVACUATION AND CHARGING .

Connect a R-134a Refrigerant Center or a R-134a Manifold Gauge Set to the refrigerant system service port valves.

NOTE: The dye/lubricant injector is included as part of the 219-00069 R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set.

Fig 1: View Of Valves Of Dye/Lubricant Injector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Verify that the valves on the dye/lubricant injector are closed.
Fill the fluorescent dye injector reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 oz) of fluorescent dye.

Fig 2: View Of Dye/Lubricant Injector Reservoir
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the dye/lubricant injector between the low-pressure service gauge port valve and the R-134a Refrigerant Center or R-134a 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 dye/lubricant injector.
Remove the dye/lubricant injector from the low-pressure service gauge port valve and the R-134a Refrigerant Center or R-134a Manifold Gauge Set.