Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using an R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set (Non-Hybrid Only)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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: 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 non-condensable gases from the hoses.

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

Verify that the valves on the deluxe injector loop kit are closed.

Fig 1: Locating Refrigerant System Service Port Valves
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fill the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 oz) of fluorescent dye.

Fig 2: Locating Fluorescent Dye Injector Reservoir
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set between the high-pressure and low-pressure service gauge port valves.
Start the engine.
NOTE: Make sure all tools and hoses are clear of the engine cooling fan and drive belt before starting the engine.
Set the A/C to the ON position.
Open the high-pressure service valve.

Fig 3: Locating High-Pressure Service Valve
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Open the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set valves and inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system.
NOTE: To prevent pressure spike/liquid slug, crack the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set valves and slowly open to inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system.

Fig 4: Locating Injector Kit-Set Valves
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Close the high-pressure service valve to allow the pressure inside the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set to equalize with the suction side of the refrigerant system.

Fig 5: Locating High-Pressure Service Valve
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Close the valves on the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set while the A/C compressor is operating.

Fig 6: Locating Injector Kit-Set Valves

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Close the valves on the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set.

NOTE: Leave all valves on the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set closed when not in use.

Disconnect the high-pressure and low-pressure service valves and remove the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set from the vehicle.