Ford Escape: Climate Control System - General Information / General Procedures - Fluorescent Dye Leak Detection

Leak detection

1. Review next note for important refrigerant system dye information.
   

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 lamp. Do not add dye to the refrigerant system before diagnosing leaks or after repairs, even if a significant amount of refrigerant has been removed from the system. Replacement suction accumulators, receiver driers, receiver drier elements, and service condensers are shipped with a fluorescent dye wafer included in the desiccant bag which dissolves after approximately 30 minutes of continuous A/C operation. Do not add dye after flushing the refrigerant system because a new suction accumulator, receiver drier or receiver drier element is installed as part of the flushing procedure.

NOTE: Ford Motor Company vehicles are produced with R134a or R-1234yf 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.

NOTE: If the system has been out of refrigerant through the winter the dye at the leak point may have oxidized and may not fluoresce. If this happens, recharge and operate the A/C system to circulate the oil and allow any residual dye to show up at the leak point. It is important to understand that dye adheres to the oil not the refrigerant; the refrigerant carries the oil out of the leak point.

1. Check for leaks using a Rotunda-approved UV lamp and dye enhancing glasses.
   For access to the UV lamp and dye enhancing glasses.
   Refer to: Climate Control Tools and Equipment (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. Inspect all components, lines and fittings of the refrigerant system. For component and fitting locations,
   Refer to: Climate Control System - Vehicles With: Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC) (412-00) .
   

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.
   For access to the approved UV lamp.
   Refer to: Climate Control Tools and Equipment (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. If it is a small leak the dye may take awhile to reappear a Rotunda-approved electronic leak detector is also suggested to use.
   Refer to: Electronic Leak Detection (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).