Refrigerant System Dye

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Check for leaks using a Rotunda-approved UV lamp and dye enhancing glasses.

A fluorescent refrigerant system dye wafer is added to the receiver drier desiccant bag at the factory to assist in refrigerant system leak diagnosis. This fluorescent dye wafer dissolves after about 30 minutes of continuous A/C operation. 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. Refer to: Fluorescent Dye Leak Detection - Vehicles With: R1234YF Refrigerant .

Replacement desiccant bags, either separately or part of the receiver drier assembly, are equipped with a new fluorescent dye wafer. It is not necessary to add additional dye to the refrigerant system before diagnosing leaks. 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.