Nissan Altima HL32 Hybrid. Manual - part 490

HA-22

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REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Discharging, Evacuating, and Recharging the A/C System

Checking of Refrigerant Leaks

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Perform a visual inspection of all refrigeration parts, fittings, hoses and components for signs of electric com-

pressor oil leakage, damage and corrosion. Electric compressor oil leakage may indicate an area of refriger-

ant leakage. Allow extra inspection time in these areas when using a electronic refrigerant leak detector.

WJIA1923E

*1  

HA-18, "Maintenance of Electric 

Compressor Oil Quantity in Electric 
Compressor"

*3

HA-22, "Checking of Refrigerant 
Leaks"

*5

HA-4, "Contaminated Refrigerant"

*2

HA-22, "Checking of Refrigerant 
Leaks"

*4

HAC-152, "Inspection procedure"

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

HA-23

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Confirm the leak with an electronic refrigerant leak detector. It is possible a prior leak was repaired and not

properly cleaned.

When searching for leaks, do not stop when one leak is found but continue to check for additional leaks at all

system components and connections.

When searching for refrigerant leaks using an electronic leak detector, move the probe along the suspected

leak area at 25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 in) per second and no further than 6 mm (1/4 in) from the component.

CAUTION:

Moving the electronic leak detector probe slower and closer to the suspected leak area will improve

the chances of finding a leak.

HA-24

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ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR

ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR

Electronic Refrigerant Leak Detector

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PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING THE LEAK DETECTOR

When performing a refrigerant leak check, use a electronic refriger-

ant leak detector (J-41995) or equivalent. Ensure that the instrument

is calibrated and set properly per the manufacturer's operating

instructions.

The leak detector is a delicate device. In order to use the leak detec-

tor properly, read the manufacturer's operating instructions and per-

form any specified maintenance.

1. Position the leak detector probe approximately 5 mm (3/16 in)

away from the point to be checked.

2. When testing, circle each fitting completely with the leak detec-

tor probe.

3. Move the leak detector probe along the component at approxi-

mately 25 to 50 mm (1 to 2 in)/sec.

CHECKING PROCEDURE

NOTE:

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 a calm area (low air/wind movement) so that the

leaking refrigerant is not dispersed.

AHA281A

SHA707EA

SHA706E

SHA708EA

ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR

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1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Connect a suitable A/C manifold gauge set to the A/C service ports.
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) pressure.

4. Conduct the leak test from the high side (electric compressor discharge to evaporator inlet) to the low side

(evaporator drain hose to the electric compressor shaft seal). Refer to 

HA-27, "Component"

. Clean the

component to be checked and move the leak detector probe completely around the connection/compo-

nent.

Perform a leak check for the following areas:

• Electric compressor

• High and low-pressure hose fittings, relief valve and shaft seal.

• Liquid tank

• Refrigerant pressure sensor

• Service valves

- Check that all the service valve caps are secure on the service valves (to prevent leaks).

- After removing A/C manifold gauge set from service valves, wipe any residue from the valves to prevent

any false readings by the leak detector.

• Evaporator

- With ignition switch ON and A/C switch OFF, turn blower fan on high speed for at least 15 seconds to

dissipate any refrigerant trace around the evaporator. 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 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. Activate the Hybrid System to READY mode. Depress the push-button ignition switch two times to the ON

position, then depress the brake pedal and depress the push-button ignition switch once for the ready light

to illuminate indicating the Hybrid System is in READY mode.

8. Set the front air control as follows and maintain this condition for at least two minutes;
a. A/C switch: ON
b. Mode: Vent
c. Intake position: Recirculation
d. Temperature: MAX cold
e. Blower fan speed: High
9. Turn ignition switch OFF and perform leak check again following

steps 4 through 6 above.

Refrigerant leaks should be checked immediately after turning

ignition switch OFF. Begin with the leak detector at the electric

compressor. The pressure on the high pressure side will gradu-

ally drop after refrigerant circulation stops and pressure on the

low pressure side will gradually rise, as shown in the graph.

Some leaks are more easily detected when pressure is high.

10. Before connecting the recovery/recycling equipment to the A/C system, check the recovery/recycling

equipment gauges. No refrigerant pressure should be displayed. If pressure is displayed, recover the

refrigerant from the equipment lines and then check the refrigerant purity.

11. Confirm the refrigerant purity in the supply tank using the recovery/recycling equipment and the refrigerant

identifier equipment.

SHA839E