Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using an R-134a Refrigerant Management Machine and Dye Injector

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Mustang. 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 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 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: This method of fluorescent dye injection requires the addition of R-134a from an 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 manufacturer's instructions on evacuation of any non-condensable gasses 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: Following fluorescent dye injection, the refrigerant system pressure should be between 413-551 kPa (60-80 psi) at 24°C (75°F) with the engine off and cool.

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 an R-134a Refrigerant Management Machine or a R-134a Manifold Gauge Set to the refrigerant system service port valves.
Verify that the valves on the dye/lubricant injector from the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set are closed.

Fig 1: Verifying All Valves On Dye/Lubricant Injector Are Closed

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fill the R-134a fluorescent dye injector reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 oz.) of fluorescent dye.

Fig 2: Filling Fluorescent Dye Injector Reservoir With 7 ml (0.25 oz.) Of Fluorescent Dye

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the dye/lubricant injector between the low-pressure service gauge port valve and the R-134a Refrigerant Management Machine 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 Management Machine or R-134a Manifold Gauge Set.