PRECAUTIONS ATC-15
C
D E
F
G H
I
K L
M A
B
AT C
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
SERVICE COUPLERS
Never attempt to connect HFC-134a (R-134a) service couplers to a
CFC-12 (R-12) A/C system. The HFC-134a (R-134a) couplers will
not properly connect to the CFC-12 (R-12) system. However, if an
improper connection is attempted, discharging and contamination
may occur.
REFRIGERANT WEIGHT SCALE
Verify that no refrigerant other than HFC-134a (R-134a) and speci-
fied lubricants have been used with the scale. If the scale controls
refrigerant flow electronically, the hose fitting must be 1/2
″ -16
ACME.
CHARGING CYLINDER
Using a charging cylinder is not recommended. Refrigerant may be vented into air from cylinder ′s top valve
when filling the cylinder with refrigerant. Also, the accuracy of the cylinder is generally less than that of an
electronic scale or of quality recycle/recharge equipment.
Shut-off valve rotation A/C service valve
Clockwise Open
Counterclockwise Close
RHA273D
RHA274D
ATC-16
PRECAUTIONS
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
Precautions for Leak Detection DyeAJS001XO
The A/C system contains a fluorescent leak detection dye used for locating refrigerant leaks. An ultraviolet
(UV) lamp is required to illuminate the dye when inspecting for leaks.
Always wear fluorescence enhancing UV safety goggles to protect your eyes and enhance the visibility of
the fluorescent dye.
The fluorescent dye leak detector is not a replacement for an electronic refrigerant leak detector. The fluo-
rescent dye leak detector should be used in conjunction with an electronic refrigerant leak detector (SST:
J-41995) to pin-point refrigerant leaks.
For your safety and your customer’s satisfaction, read and follow all manufacture ′s operating instructions
and precautions prior to performing the work.
A compressor shaft seal should not be repaired because of dye seepage. The compressor shaft seal
should only be repaired after confirming the leak with an electronic refrigerant leak detector (SST: J-
41995).
Always remove any remaining dye from the leak area after repairs are completed to avoid a misdiagnosis
during a future service.
Never allow dye to come into contact with painted body panels or interior components. If dye is spilled,
clean immediately with the approved dye cleaner. Fluorescent dye left on a surface for an extended period
of time cannot be removed.
Never spray the fluorescent dye cleaning agent on hot surfaces (engine exhaust manifold, etc.).
Never use more than one refrigerant dye bottle (1/4 ounce /7.4 cc) per A/C system.
Leak detection dyes for HFC-134a (R-134a) and CFC-12 (R-12) A/C systems are different. Never use
HFC-134a (R-134a) leak detection dye in CFC-12 (R-12) A/C system or CFC-12 (R-12) leak detection
dye in HFC-134a (R-134a) A/C system, or A/C system damage may result.
The fluorescent properties of the dye will remain for three years or little over unless a compressor mal-
function occurs.
IDENTIFICATION
NOTE:
Vehicles with factory installed fluorescent dye have a green label.
Vehicles without factory installed fluorescent dye have a blue label.
IDENTIFICATION LABEL FOR VEHICLE
Vehicles with factory installed fluorescent dye have this identification
label on the front side of hood.
SHA436FA
PREPARATION ATC-17
C
D E
F
G H
I
K L
M A
B
AT C
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
PREPARATIONPFP:00002
Special Service ToolsAJS00143
The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool name Description
KV99106100
(J-41260)
Clutch disc wrench Removing shaft nut and clutch disc
KV99232340
(J-38874)
Clutch disc puller Removing clutch disc
KV99106200
(J-41261)
Pulley installer Installing pulley
9253089908 (for high-pressure
pipe 1)
(-)
9253089912 (for high-pressure
flexible hose)
(-)
9253089916 (for low-pressure
pipe 1 and low-pressure flexible
hose)
(-)
Disconnector tool set
(J-45815) Disconnect one-touch joint connection
S-NT232
RJIA0194E
S-NT376
S-NT235
SJIA1274E
ATC-18
PREPARATION
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
HFC-134a (R-134a) Service Tools and EquipmentAJS00144
Never mix HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and/or its specified lubricant with CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and/or
its lubricant.
Separate and non-interchangeable service equipment must be used for handling each type of refrigerant/lubri-
cant.
Refrigerant container fittings, service hose fittings and service equipment fittings (equipment which handles
refrigerant and/or lubricant) are different between CFC-12 (R-12) and HFC-134a (R-134a). This is to avoid
mixed use of the refrigerants/lubricant.
Never use adapters that convert one size fitting to another: refrigerant/lubricant contamination will occur and
compressor malfunction will result.
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool name Description
HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant Container color: Light blue
Container marking: HFC-134a (R-
134a)
Fitting size: Thread size
Large container 1/2″ -16 ACME
KLH00-PAGS0
( - )
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S
(DH-PS) Type: Polyalkylene glycol oil (PAG),
type S (DH-PS)
Application: HFC-134a (R-134a)
wobble (swash) plate compressors
(Nissan only)
Capacity: 40 m (1.4 US fl oz., 1.4
Imp fl oz.)
(AC-R2005-NI)
ACR5 A/C Service Center Function: Refrigerant recovery,
recycling and recharging
(J-41995)
Electrical leak detector Power supply:
DC 12 V (Battery terminal)
S-NT196
S-NT197
WJIA0293E
AHA281A
ATC-20
PREPARATION
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
Commercial Service ToolsAJS00145
Service hoses
High-pressure side hose
(J-39501-72)
Low-pressure side hose
(J-39502-72)
Utility hose
(J-39476-72) Hose color:
Low hose: Blue with black stripe
High hose: Red with black stripe
Utility hose: Yellow with black stripe
or green with black stripe
Hose fitting to gauge:
1/2″ -16 ACME
Service couplers
High-pressure side coupler
(J-39500-20)
Low-pressure side coupler
(J-39500-24) Hose fitting to service hose:
M14 x 1.5 fitting is optional or
permanently attached.
(J-39650)
Refrigerant weight scale For measuring of refrigerant
Fitting size: Thread size
1/2″ -16 ACME
(J-39649)
Vacuum pump
(Including the isolator valve) Capacity:
Air displacement: 4 CFM
Micron rating: 20 microns
Oil capacity: 482 g (17 oz.)
Fitting size: Thread size
1/2″ -16 ACME
Tool number
(Kent-Moore No.)
Tool name Description
S-NT201
S-NT202
S-NT200
S-NT203
Tool name
Description
Refrigerant identifier equipment Checking for refrigerant purity and
system contamination
Power tool For loosening bolts and nuts
RJIA0197E
PBIC0190E
ATC-138
REFRIGERANT LINES
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
REFRIGERANT LINESPFP:92600
HFC-134a (R-134a) Service ProcedureAJS0015P
SETTING OF SERVICE TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Discharging Refrigerant
WARNING:
Avoid breathing A/C refrigerant and lubricant vapor or mist. Exposure may irritate eyes, nose and
throat. Remove HFC-134a (R-134a) from A/C system using certified service equipment meeting
requirements of SAE J-2210 [HFC-134a (R-134a) recycling equipment] or J-2209 [HFC-134a (R-134a)
recovery equipment]. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming ser-
vice. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manu-
facturers.
Evacuating System and Charging Refrigerant
WJIA0614E
WJIA0615E
ATC-158
REFRIGERANT LINES
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
Checking for Refrigerant LeaksAJS00163
Perform a visual inspection of all refrigeration parts, fittings, hoses and components for signs of A/C lubricant
leakage, damage and corrosion. A/C lubricant leakage may indicate an area of refrigerant leakage. Allow
extra inspection time in these areas when using either an electronic refrigerant leak detector or fluorescent
dye leak detector (SST: J-42220).
If dye is observed, 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 1 to 2 inches per second and no further than 1/4 inch 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.
Checking System for Leaks Using the Fluorescent Leak DetectorAJS00164
1. Check A/C system for leaks using the UV lamp and safety goggles (SST: J42220) in a low sunlight area (area without windows preferable). Illuminate all components, fittings and lines. The dye will appear as a
bright green/yellow area at the point of leakage. Fluorescent dye observed at the evaporator drain open-
ing indicates an evaporator core assembly (tubes, core or expansion valve) leak.
2. If the suspected area is difficult to see, use an adjustable mirror or wipe the area with a clean shop rag or cloth, with the UV lamp for dye residue.
3. After the leak is repaired, remove any residual dye using dye cleaner (SST: J43872) to prevent future mis- diagnosis.
4. Perform a system performance check and verify the leak repair with an approved electronic refrigerant leak detector.
NOTE:
Other gases in the work area or substances on the A/C components, for example, anti-freeze, windshield
washer fluid, solvents and lubricants, may falsely trigger the leak detector. Make sure the surfaces to be
checked are clean.
Clean with a dry cloth or blow off with shop air.
Do not allow the sensor tip of the detector to contact with any substance. This can also cause false readings
and may damage the detector.
Dye InjectionAJS00165
(This procedure is only necessary when recharging 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 (3.52 kg/cm
2 , 50 psi).
2. Pour one bottle (1/4 ounce / 7.4 cc) of the A/C refrigerant dye into the injector tool (SST: 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. When the A/C operating (compressor running), inject one bottle (1/4 ounce / 7.4 cc) of fluorescent dye through the low-pressure service valve using dye injector tool (SST: 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 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.
8. Attach a blue label as necessary.
ATC-160
REFRIGERANT LINES
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
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 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).
4. Perform the leak test from the high-pressure side (compressor discharge a to evaporator inlet h) to the low-pressure side [evaporator drain hose i to shaft seal o (VK45DE) or n (VQ35DE)]. Refer to ATC-140,
"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 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 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. A/C switch: ON
b. Mode door position: VENT (Ventilation)
c. Intake position: Recirculation
d. Temperature setting: 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.
Refrigerant leaks should be checked immediately after stopping
the engine. Begin with the leak detector at the compressor. The
pressure on the high-pressure side will gradually 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.
SHA839E