REFRIGERANT LINES
ATC-163
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
L
M
A
B
ATC
CHECKING PROCEDURE
To prevent inaccurate or false readings, make sure there is no refrigerant vapor, shop chemicals, or cigarette
smoke in the vicinity of the vehicle. Perform the leak test in calm area (low air/wind movement) so that the
leaking refrigerant is not dispersed.
1.
Stop engine.
2.
Connect a suitable A/C manifold gauge set to the A/C service valves.
3.
Check if the A/C refrigerant pressure is at least 345 kPa (3.52 kg/cm
2
, 50 psi) above 16
°
C (61
°
F). If less
than specification, recover/evacuate and recharge the system with the specified amount of refrigerant.
NOTE:
At temperatures below 16
°
C (61
°
F), leaks may not be detected since the system may not reach 345 kPa
(3.52 kg/cm
2
, 50 psi).
4.
Perform the leak test from the high-pressure side (compressor discharge a to evaporator inlet f) to the
low-pressure side (evaporator drain hose g to shaft seal k). Refer to
ATC-148, "Components"
. Perform a
leak check for the following areas carefully. Clean the component to be checked and move the leak
detected probe completely around the connection/component.
Compressor
Check the fitting of high- and low- pressure flexible hoses, relief valve and shaft seal.
Condenser
Check the fitting of high-pressure flexible hose and pipe, refrigerant pressure sensor.
Liquid tank
Check the fitting of refrigerant connection.
Service valves
Check all around the service valves. Ensure service valve caps are secured on the service valves (to pre-
vent leaks).
NOTE:
After removing A/C manifold gauge set from service valves, wipe any residue from valves to prevent any
false readings by leak detector.
Cooling unit (Evaporator)
With engine OFF, turn blower fan on “High” for at least 15 seconds to dissipate any refrigerant trace in the
cooling unit. Wait a minimum of 10 minutes accumulation time (refer to the manufacturer’s recommended
procedure for actual wait time) before inserting the leak detector probe into the drain hose.
Keep the probe inserted for at least 10 seconds. Use caution not to contaminate the probe tip with water
or dirt that may be in the drain hose.
5.
If a leak detector detects a leak, verify it at least once by blowing compressed air into area of suspected
leak, then repeat check as outlined above.
6.
Do not stop when one leak is found. Continue to check for additional leaks at all system components.
If no leaks are found, perform steps 7-10.
7.
Start engine.
8.
Set the heater A/C control as follows;
a.
AUTO switch: ON
b.
MODE door position: VENT (ventilation)
c.
Intake position: Recirculation
d.
Temperature dial: Max. cold
e.
Fan speed: High
9.
Run engine at 1,500 rpm for at least 2 minutes.
10. Stop engine and perform leak check again following steps 4 through 6 above.