How to Check for Refrigerant Leak in Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
To check for refrigerant leak in car air conditioning, you need to go to a 4S shop. First, inject some fluorescent dye into the pipeline, then recharge the refrigerant. The steps for adding refrigerant to car air conditioning are: 1. Prepare intact and qualified refrigerant and filling tools; 2. Connect the car air conditioning system to the filling tool adapter; 3. Inject liquid refrigerant from the high-pressure side. Car air conditioning refrigerant should be replenished every 3 to 5 years. Methods to determine if refrigerant needs to be added include: 1. If bubbles continuously appear in the sight glass of the pipeline when the air conditioning is running, it indicates low refrigerant level; 2. If no bubbles appear whether the air conditioning is running or stopped, it indicates excessive refrigerant; 3. If no bubbles appear when the air conditioning is running but briefly appear when stopped, it indicates normal refrigerant level; 4. Open the hood and check for oil stains at the air conditioning system joints. Oil stains indicate refrigerant deficiency.
When my car's air conditioning is leaking refrigerant, I first perform a simple test. I use some soapy water and a hose, turn on the air conditioning unit, and apply the soapy water to the surfaces of the connecting pipes, compressor, and condenser to check for any bubbling spots, which indicate the leak point. Additionally, I carefully inspect the pipe joints for any oil stains or dirt, as refrigerant leaks are often accompanied by oil traces. If the air conditioning cooling effect becomes poor or stops working entirely, this could be a sign of a leak. For safety reasons, I avoid handling the high-pressure system myself, as refrigerant is toxic and accidental contact can cause harm. Regular maintenance of the air conditioning system can prevent issues, such as checking the refrigerant pressure every two years. After detecting a leak, I usually take the car to a professional repair shop, where technicians use a refrigerant leak detector to confirm and fix the issue, preventing damage to the entire air conditioning system. This method is cost-effective and has saved me a lot on repair bills. In short, early inspection is crucial, and maintaining a healthy air conditioning system ensures a comfortable driving experience.
