412-00 Climate Control System - General Information 2014 Fiesta
General Procedures Procedure revision date: 05/21/2013

Fluorescent Dye Leak Detection

Fluorescent Dye Injection Using a R-134a Refrigerant Management Machine and Dye Injector — Vehicles Requiring R-134a Addition

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, use the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set.

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 dissolves after approximately 30 minutes of continuous A/C operation. It is not necessary to add dye after flushing the refrigerant system because a new suction accumulator or receiver/drier is installed as part of the flushing procedure.

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 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 prevents refrigerant system recovery and evacuation.

  1. NOTE: If no R-134a pressure is present in the refrigerant system, evacuate the system before carrying out the injection procedure.

    Refer to: Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
  1. Connect a R-134a Refrigerant Management Machine or a R-134a Manifold Gauge Set to the refrigerant system service port valves.
  1. Verify the valves on the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set are closed.
    Install Special Service Tool : 219-00069 R134a Loop/Add On Kit Set
  1. Fill the R-134a fluorescent dye injector reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 fl oz) of fluorescent dye.
    General Equipment : Fluorescent Dye Injector
  1. Install the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set between the high-pressure and low-pressure service gauge port valves.
    Install Special Service Tool : 219-00069 R134a Loop/Add On Kit Set

  1. NOTE: Following fluorescent dye injection, the refrigerant system should be fully charged to make sure of correct movement of the dye. The dye moves with oil the not the refrigerant. The oil moves with the refrigerant.

    Open all valves and inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system by charging the refrigerant system with the required amount of R-134a.
  1. When fluorescent dye injection is complete, close all valves.
  1. Recover the refrigerant from the dye/lubricant injector.
  1. 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.
    General Equipment : Fluorescent Dye Injector

Fluorescent Dye Injection Using a R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set — Vehicles Not Requiring R-134a Addition

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 dissolves after approximately 30 minutes of continuous A/C operation. It is not necessary to add dye after flushing the refrigerant system because a new suction accumulator or receiver/drier is installed as part of the flushing procedure.

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.

  1. Verify the valves on the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set are closed.
    Install Special Service Tool : 219-00069 R134a Loop/Add On Kit Set
  1. Fill the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 fl oz) of fluorescent dye.
  1. Install the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set between the high-pressure and low-pressure service gauge port valves.

  1. NOTICE: Make sure all tools and hoses are clear of the engine cooling fan and drive belt before starting the engine. Failure to keep tools and hoses clear from the engine cooling fan and drive belt results in damage to the tools and/or vehicle.

    With the A/C off, start the engine. Allow engine speed to stabilize below 1,000 rpm.
  1. Set the A/C to the ON position.
  1. Open the high-pressure service valve.

  1. 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.

    Open the R-134a Loop/Add On Injector Kit-Set valves and inject the fluorescent dye into the refrigerant system.
  1. 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.

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

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

  1. 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.
    Remove Special Service Tool : 219-00069 R134a Loop/Add On Kit Set

Fluorescent Dye Detection

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

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.

  1. Check for leaks using a Rotunda-approved UV lamp and dye enhancing glasses.
  1. Inspect all components, lines and fittings of the refrigerant system.
  1. After the leak(s) is repaired, remove any traces of fluorescent dye with a general purpose oil solvent.
  1. 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.
    General Equipment : UV Leak Detector


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