A/C System - Referigerant Dye Information

Classification:
HA99-007

Reference:
ITB99-052

Date:
October 28, 1999

INTRODUCTION OF FACTORY-INSTALLED R-134A A/C SYSTEM REFRIGERANT DYE

APPLIED VEHICLES:
2000 Q45 (FY33) - vehicles built after June 18, 1999*
2000 130 (CA33) - vehicles built after August 5, 1999*
2000 G20 (P11) - vehicles built after August 1, 1999*
2000 QX4 (JR5O) - vehicles built after August 18, 1999*

* Vehicles with refrigerant dye have a green A/C specification label on the underside of the front hood.

SERVICE INFORMATION





The applied vehicles, according to the dates listed above, are equipped with factory-installed refrigerant dye in the A/C system. This dye will allow refrigerant leaks to be detected with a special ultra-violet lamp. Vehicles with factory-installed refrigerant dye can be identified by a new A/C specification label (affixed to the under side of the front hood). The new label is green and indicates "Nissan UV Luminous Oil" in the compressor lubricant section of the label (see Figure 1). Vehicles built before the introduction of the factory-installed dye have a blue A/C specification label.

For models produced before the introduction of factory-installed dye, refer to ITB99-012a for A/C system diagnostic procedures and the use of the leak detection dye kit.

Reference the following pages when:





Diagnosing refrigerant leaks on vehicles with factory-installed refrigerant dye.





Adding refrigerant dye due to A/C system service or repair.

Dye injection

(This procedure is only necessary when re-charging the system or when the compressor has seized and was replaced.)

1. Check A/C system static (at rest) pressure. Pressure must be at least 345 kPa (50 psi).

2. Pour one bottle (1/4 ounce 17.4cc) of the A/C refrigerant dye into the injector tool (J-41459).

3. Connect the injector tool to the A/C LOW PRESSURE side service fitting.

4. Start engine and switch A/C ON.

5. With the A/C operating(compressor running), inject one bottle(1/4 ounce17.4cc) of fluorescent dye through the low-pressure service valve using dye injector tool J-41459 (refer to the manufacture's operating instructions).

6. With the engine still running, disconnect the injector tool from the service fitting.

CAUTION:
Be careful not to allow dye to spray or drip when disconnecting the injector from the system.

NOTE:
If repairing the A/C system or replacing a component, pour the dye directly Into the open system connection and proceed with the service procedures.

7. Operate the A/C system for a minimum of 20 minutes to mix the dye with the system oil. Depending on the leak size, operating conditions and location of the leak, it may take from minutes to days for the dye to penetrate a leak and become visible.