Honda HR-V: A/C Refrigerant Leak Check

*These tools are available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Special Tools Required

R134a A/C Automatic Recovery, Recycle, Recharge Machine ROB48920T, commercially available

Leak Detector YGK-H-10PM*

Leak Detector HLD-100*

Leak Detector TIFZX-1*

OPTIMAX Jr. A/C Leak Detection Kit TRP124893*

*These tools are available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Check

• Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
• Be careful when connecting service equipment.
• Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.
• Do not operate the leak detector near flammable vapors. Its sensor operates at high temperatures, and could ignite the vapors, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the equipment.

NOTE:

• If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
• Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
• Check the system for leaks using an R-134a refrigerant leak detector with an accuracy of 14 g (0.49 oz) per year or better.

Leak Detector Usage Tips (Refer to the Operator's Manual for complete operating instructions)

• Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area. This will aid in detecting small leaks.
• When using the leak detector for the first time, allow it to warm up for 2 minutes with the probe in a clean atmosphere. This lets the temperature sensor in the detector stabilize.
• The calibration check should be done in the "Search 2" mode. Once that is done, the other check modes do not need calibrating.
• When leak checking through the HVAC module drain hose, avoid drawing water into the probe. Water can damage the internal pump and sensor.
• Avoid creasing the flexible probe extension. Creases can restrict air flow and give false readings.
• Because the detector recalibrates itself for ambient gases, it may be necessary to move the detector away from the leak to clear the sensor. Once the sensor has cleared, recheck the suspected leak.
• When removing the clear probe tip, be careful not to lose the flow ball.

  R-134a is heavier than air; always check below and to the sides of all potential leak sources.

• Halogen leak detectors are sensitive to chemicals: windshield washing solutions, solvents/cleaners, and some vehicle adhesives. Keep these chemicals out of the area when doing leak detection.

Fluorescent Dye Usage Tips

• Use only Tracer-Stick single dose fluorescent dye capsules from TracerlineÂ. Other dyes contain solvents that may contaminate the refrigerant oil, leading to component failure.
• Adding excessive amounts of dye can damage the A/C compressor.
• PAG oil is water soluble, so condensation on the evaporator core or the refrigerant lines may wash the PAG oil and fluorescent dye away from the actual leak. Condensation may also carry dye through the evaporator module drain.
• After checking and repairing leaks, thoroughly clean any residual dye from the areas where leaks were found. Use GLO-AWAY dye cleaner, from TracerlineÂ, and hot water to remove the dye (follow the instructions on the bottle). Residual dye stains can cause misdiagnosis of any future A/C system leaks.
• If any refrigerant dye contacts an exterior paint surface, remove it by doing this:
  • Carefully wash the affected surfaces to remove any dirt, and to prevent paint scratching.
  • Mix water and isopropyl alcohol in a 50/50 mixture. Soak a soft 100 % cotton towel with the water/alcohol mixture, and place the cloth on the affected areas to remove the dye.
  • After removing the dye with the water/alcohol-soaked cloth, carefully wash the affected areas, and check that there is no remaining dye.

1. R134a A/C Automatic Recovery, Recycle, Recharge Machine - Connect

1. Connect an R134a A/C automatic recovery, recycle, recharge machine to the high-pressure service port (A) and the low-pressure service port (B), as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

2. A/C Refrigerant - Recover

1. Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system
2. Measure the amount of refrigerant oil removed from the A/C system after the recovery process is completed. Be sure to put the same amount of new refrigerant oil back into the A/C system before charging.

3. A/C System - Evacuate

1. Evacuate the system. The vacuum pump should run for a minimum of 30 minutes to eliminate all moisture from the system. When the suction gauge reads -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) for at least 30 minutes, close all valves, and turn off the vacuum pump.
2. If the suction gauge dose not reach approximately -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) in 15 minutes, there is probably a large leak in the system. Partially charge the system, and check for leaks.

4. A/C Refrigerant - Charge

Open high pressure valve to charge the system to the specified capacity, then close the supply valve, and disconnect the charging machine fittings.

Select the appropriate units of measure for your refrigerant charging machine.

Refrigerant Capacity:

 405 to 455 g
 14.29 to 16.05 oz
 0.405 to 0.455 kg
 0.893 to 1.003 lbs

5. A/C Refrigerant - Leak Check

1. With the engine OFF, use a halogen leak detector first to detect the leak source. Follow a continuous path in order to ensure that you will not miss any possible leaks. Test the following areas of the system for leaks:

2. Close the quick coupler valves, then disconnect the quick couplers from the vehicle service ports
3. Attach the universal connect set from the Optimax Jr. Leak Detection Kit to the service valve fitting.

   Close the control valve (the black knob on the connect set)

4. Attach the charging machine low pressure hose quick coupler to the service valve fitting, and open the quick coupler valve. Evacuate the connect set using the charging machine vacuum pump, then close the quick coupler valve.
5. Detach the universal connect set, and install a Tracer-Stick  dye capsule between the connect set and the service valve fitting (see the manufacturer's instructions for more detail).
6. Attach the quick coupler on the universal connect set to the low pressure service port on the vehicle.

   Open the charging machine low pressure hose quick coupler valve, but do not open the control valve.

7. Start the engine, and set the A/C system to maximum cooling. Open the control valve to let refrigerant and the dye enter the A/C system through the low pressure service port. Close the control valve when the Tracer-Stick  dye capsule is empty
8. Run the engine and A/C system for 15 minutes to thoroughly circulate the dye. Then shut the engine off, and inspect the following areas of the system for leaks.

NOTE:

• Check for leaks in a dark work area, and use the UV light and the special glasses from the leak check kit. Other UV lights may not work well with the Tracer-Stick dye.
• Small leaks may take up to 1 week of vehicle operation (with normal A/C use) to become visible.

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