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Leak Test
 
 
CHECK REFRIGERANT LEAKAGE USING ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR
warningNever check refrigerant leakage while the engine is running.
cautionBe careful of the following items so that inaccurate checks or misidentifications are avoided.
  • Never allow refrigerant vapor, shop chemical vapors, cigarette smoke, or others around the vehicle.
  • Always check refrigerant leakage in a low air flow environment so that refrigerant may not disperse when leakage occurs.
 
 
1. Stop the engine.
2. Connect recovery/recycling/recharging equipment or manifold gauge set to A/C service valve.
3. Check that A/C refrigerant pressure is 345 kPa (3.45 bar, 3.52 kg/cm2, 50 psi) or more when temperature is 16°C (61°F) or more. When pressure is lower than the specified value, recycle refrigerant completely and fill refrigerant to the specified level.
noteLeakages may not be detected if A/C refrigerant pressure is 345 kPa (3.45 bar, 3.52 kg/cm2, 50 psi) or less when temperature is less than 16°C (61°F).
4. Clean area where refrigerant leakage check is performed, and check refrigerant leakage along all surfaces of pipe connections and A/C system components using electrical leak detector probe.
caution
  • Continue checking when a leakage is found. Always continue and complete checking along all pipe connections and A/C system components for additional leakage.
  • When a leakage is detected, clean leakage area using compressed air and check again.
  • When checking leakage of cooling unit inside, always clean inside of drain hose so that the probe surface may not be exposed to water or dirt.
note
  • Always check leakage starting from high-pressure side and continue to low-pressure side.
  • When checking leakage of cooling unit inside, operate blower fan motor for 15 minutes or more at the maximum fan speed while the engine is stopped, and then insert electrical leak detector probe into drain hose and hold for 10 minutes or more.
  • When disconnecting shut-off valve that is connected to A/C service valve, always evacuate remaining refrigerant so that misidentification can be avoided.
5. Repair or replace parts where refrigerant leakage is detected. (Leakage is detected but leakage area is unknown. GO TO 6.)
6. Start the engine and set A/C control in the following conditions.
  • A/C switch ON
  • Air flow: VENT (ventilation)
  • Intake door position: Recirculation
  • Temperature setting: Full cold
  • Fan (blower) speed: Maximum speed set
7. Run the engine at approximately 1,500 rpm for 2 minutes or more.
8. Stop the engine. Check again for refrigerant leakage. GO TO 4.
warningBe careful not to get burned when the engine is hot.
note
  • Start refrigerant leakage check immediately after the engine is stopped.
  • When refrigerant circulation is stopped, pressure on the low-pressure side rises gradually, and after this, pressure on the high-pressure side falls gradually.
  • The higher the pressure is, the easier it is to find the refrigerant leakage.