Detecting Leaks
- If it is suspected that chemicals were added to the refrigerant circuit to seal leaks, do not connect the A/C service station and do not extract the refrigerant.
- Chemicals that seal leaks in the coolant circuit form deposits that affect the function of the A/C system and lead to failure of the A/C system and the A/C service station.
- Inform that customer that there are substances in the A/C system that are not approved by Volkswagen. This A/C system cannot be drained or serviced in the workshop.
This repair information describes different methods for detecting leaks in the refrigerant circuit. These methods have been tested and result in success when used correctly.
If when searching for compressed air / Nitrogen or vacuum leaks none are found, add a leak detection additive i.e UV leak detection additive, to the electric leak detecting unit.
Minor leaks can be detected using an electronic leak detector or UV leak detector lamp.
Many methods for detecting leaks in the refrigerant circuit are offered in the open market. These methods do not always have optimum results. If they are not used exactly according to specifications, they can indicate refrigerant circuit components have leaks even when they do not. Also, refrigerant circuit components can be damaged by some methods.
Do not repair components with leaks. Replace them with new original parts.
Do not charge a leaking refrigerant circuit with refrigerant. Evacuate the circuit and check it for leaks before charging. Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT, DISCHARGING WITH SERVICE STATION .
VW does not approve the use of chemicals to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit.
Chemicals used to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit often react with air and the moisture in it. They cause deposits in the refrigerant circuit and the A/C service station and malfunctions in valves and other components that they come in contact with. These deposits cannot be removed completely from the components, even by flushing.
Chemicals used to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit usually cannot be detected from outside. The label that should be applied to identify it is often missing. Therefore be careful when working with if you do not know its service history.
Accessories offer containers used to separate out these chemicals (used to seal leaks in the refrigerant circuit). Because VW does not approve the use of these chemicals, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of these filters.