Fluorescent Dye Injection - Using A Dye Injector Loop Kit

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. 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 ultraviolet 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: Before using the R-134a fluorescent dye injector for the first time, refer to the equipment manufacturers instructions on evacuation of non-condensable gasses from the hoses.

NOTE: Refrigerant system pressure should be between 413-551 kPa (60-80 psi) at 24°C.

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

Fig 1: Identifying That Valves Of Injector Loop Kit Are Closed
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fill the deluxe injector loop kit reservoir with 7 ml (0.25 oz) of fluorescent dye.

Fig 2: Filling Deluxe Injector Loop Kit Reservoir With Fluorescent Dye
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the deluxe injector loop kit between the high-pressure and low-pressure service gauge port valves.

CAUTION: Make sure all tools and hoses are clear of the engine cooling fan and drive belt before starting the engine.

Start the engine.
Open the high-pressure service valve.

Fig 3: Opening High-Pressure Service Valve
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Open the deluxe injector loop kit valves and inject the fluorescent dye in to the refrigerant system.

Fig 4: Opening Deluxe Injector Loop Kit Valves
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Close the high-pressure service valve to allow the pressure inside the deluxe injector loop kit to equalize with the suction side of the refrigerant system.

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

NOTE: Close the valves on the deluxe injector loop kit while the A/C compressor is operating. Close the valves on the deluxe injector loop kit.

Fig 6: Closing Valves On Deluxe Injector Loop Kit

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Leave all valves on the special tool closed when not in use.

Disconnect the high-pressure and low-pressure service valves and remove the deluxe injector loop kit from the vehicle.