A/C Refrigerant Leak Check
Compressed air mixed with the HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) forms a combustible vapor.
The vapor can burn or explode causing serious injury.
Never use compressed air to pressure test HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) service equipment or vehicle air conditioning systems.
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-1234yf refrigerant leak detector with an accuracy of 14 g (0.49 oz) per year or better.
Always use the most current approved A/C service equipment and tools. Refer to the Acura/Honda Tools and Equipment catalog and available service information for information on the latest approved tools.
1.
Connect an Acura/Honda approved A/C recover/recycle/recharge machine to the high-pressure service port and the low-pressure service port following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
2.
Check the amount of refrigerant recovered.
Is the amount of refrigerant recovered according to specifications?
YES - Charge refrigerant and go to A/C system Test for further diagnosis.
NO - Go to the next step.
 


NOTE: You must use the moisture (thermistor) vacuum option when you evacuate.

 


Did the A/C recover/recycle/recharge machine prohibit a charge?

YES - There is a leak large enough that the vehicle cannot retain a charge. Evacuate the system again under the timed vacuum option and use a ultrasonic leak detector to locate the leak. Refer to available service information for details.

NO - Go to the next step.

 

4. A/C Refrigerant - Leak Check

NOTE:
There are a variety of approved leak detectors available that can be used to detect a leak depending on the model. Refer to available service information for more information.
Use of leak dyes are prohibited depending on the model. Refer to available service information to see which models can accept leak dye.
If a leak cannot be found by any method, do the following:

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Let the vehicle idle for 30 minutes with the hood down and the climate control set to the max cool position.
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After 30 minutes, drive the vehicle for couple miles and check for leaks again.
1.
With the engine off, use a leak detector 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:
NOTE: Move the probe slowly (1 in/second or less), and keep it within 1/4 in of the component being checked. This maximizes the chance of detecting a leak.
Possible Leak Area
Diagnostic Procedure
Notes
Service ports
Check the service ports with the service caps installed
Ensure that the seals on the service caps are in place, and that the caps are tight. The caps are used as the final seals in the system
A/C compressor
Wave the leak detector around the entire A/C compressor
Check for leaks at all of the A/C compressor joints, hose fittings, front housing bolts, relief valve and the scroll bolts on the back of the A/C compressor
A/C condenser
Wave the leak detector around the entire A/C condenser
Check for joints or connections coated with oily dust
Check for damaged and corroded areas
Check all fittings, couplings, brazed/welded areas and areas around attachment points
If you detect a leak, determine if the leak is coming from the A/C condenser or the receiver/dryer
When using a refrigerant gas leak detector - If you detect a leak, blow compressed air over the area, then recheck for leaks. For large leaks, cleaning the area with compressed air may help you pinpoint the leak source
Evaporator
Check at the evaporator drain hose
Turn the blower on at low speed and check at the passenger's side vent
Remove the blower unit as necessary to check for leaks
A/C lines
Wiggle the rubber hoses when checking crimped metal ends
Check all fittings, couplings, pressure switches, brazed/welded areas, and areas around attachment points on A/C lines and components
Check for damaged and corroded areas
Detected Leak Area
Repair Action
Service ports
If a leak is found, replace the cap/O-ring seal or A/C line as needed
A/C compressor
If the A/C compressor relief valve appears to be leaking, determine whether the leak is coming from the relief valve, or the joint between the A/C compressor casing and the valve. If the leak is from the relief valve, check the A/C system pressures, and refer to the pressure test table in the A/C system test. If the leak is from the casing/valve joint, replace the A/C compressor relief valve
If the leak is coming from the suction hose and/or discharge hose fittings on the A/C compressor, clean the A/C fittings and replace the suction/discharge fitting O-rings
For all other A/C compressor leaks, remove and replace the A/C compressor
A/C condenser
Replace either the receiver/dryer or the A/C condenser, depending on the location of the leak
Evaporator
If the source of the leak was determined, replace the component causing the leak
If the source of the leak was not determined, remove the evaporator core and visually check for damage and oily dust, then replace the evaporator core, O-rings, or the expansion valve as necessary
A/C lines
Remove and replace the A/C line causing the leak