Fluorescent Dye Detection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Ford Motor Company vehicles are produced with R-134a fluorescent dye installed in the refrigerant system from the factory. The location of leaks can be pinpointed by the bright yellow-green glow of the fluorescent dye under a UV lamp. Since more than one leak can exist, make sure to inspect each component, line and fitting in the refrigerant system for a leak.
- Check for leaks using a Rotunda-approved UV lamp and dye enhancing glasses.
- Inspect all components, lines and fittings of the refrigerant system.
- If a leak is found, recover the refrigerant. For additional information, refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging .
- Repair the refrigerant system leak(s).
- Evacuate and charge the refrigerant system. For additional information, refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging .
- After the leak(s) is repaired, remove any traces of fluorescent dye with a general purpose oil solvent.
- Verify the repair by running the vehicle for a short period of time and rechecking the area of the leak with a Rotunda-approved UV lamp.
NOTE:
Use of dye enhancing glasses or goggles greatly improves the detection of the dye under the UV lamp.
NOTE:
Not all UV lamps will fluoresce the dye used in Ford vehicles. All Rotunda UV lamps are optimized to fluoresce the dye.