Car air-conditioning leak detection
A lack of refrigerant not only reduces the cooling performance of the air-conditioning system - it also damages the components. On this page you can find out which methods are efficient for detecting leaks in the refrigerant circuit. You will also find practical tips for the cost-effective and professional repair of faulty hoses and pipes in the air-conditioning system.
Leak detection in air-conditioning systems
Leak detection with contrast agent
Contrast agent
The contrast agent is added to the refrigerant in a number of ways (e. g. Spotgun contrast agent, dye cartridges etc.).
Spotgun/pro-shot
The exact amount of contrast agent is injected using the Spotgun cartridge gun or the Pro-Shot system. Further advantage: Contrast agent can be added when the system is full.
Leak detection lamps
Escaping contrast agent is made visible by the UV light, thus localizing the leak.
Leak detection with electronic tester/with nitrogen/through foam generation
Electric leak detection using a leak detector
Indicates leaks via acoustic signal. It detects halogen gases and uncovers even the tiniest of leaks at points that are difficult to reach (e.g. evaporator leaks).
Leak detection using a nitrogen set
In addition to its function for drying the system, this tool can also be used for leak tests. For leak tests, a filling adapter is required for the service connection as well as a tube adapter. The emptied air-conditioning system is filled with nitrogen (maximum 12 bar). The system is then monitored for a period (e.g. 5–10 min) to see whether the pressure remains constant. The leak can be detected through a "hissing" noise. Otherwise, it may be sensible to make the leakage spot visible using leak detection agent. The leak detection agent is sprayed on from outside. It forms foam at the point of the leak. This method can only be used to detect larger leaks at easily accessible locations.
Leak detection using a forming gas leak indicator
To detect leaks, the empty air-conditioning system is filled with forming gas, a mixture of 95% nitrogen and 5% hydrogen. The components are checked for leaks using a special electronic leak indicator. Due to the fact that hydrogen is lighter than air, the sensor needs to be moved slowly above the suspected leak (electrical connections/components). After the end of the leak detection, the forming gas can be released into the ambient air. This leak detection method complies with Article 6, §3 of the EU Directive 2006/40/EC.
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