In this video I go over the use of a UV light to find refrigerant leaks in an A/C system. UV lights are so useful when it comes to finding A/C leaks. Being able to see the dye glowing where the leak really helps in giving you confidence when diagnosing a problem with an A/C system.
Do Note: This video did not show me inspecting every component of the A/C system from all angles. You will have to inspect every component by shining the UV light at all angles while wearing the "special glasses" that usually come with a dye light kit. What I mean is that just shining the light at the front or the top of the A/C compressor is not good enough. The leak may be located underneath or on the back side of the compressor, so you have to inspect it from all those angles as you could miss locating the leak. This goes for the other components of the A/C system too. Take your time and inspect your system thoroughly.
If your A/C system is not equipped with refrigerant dye it can be added. Of coarse this video is not designed to go into details about this. Consult a repair manual for more information. (Warning! This may not apply to all vehicles)
As for the evaporator core. Obviously this component cannot be directly inspected as it is inside the HVAC case behind the instrument panel. So shine your UV light on the drain port of the evaporator core and look for evidence of dye. An electronic leak detector may be needed for this in some cases and also in some cases the evaporator core can be assumed to be leaking if leaks are not found elsewhere in the system. (you take gamble on that one though because you may have overlooked some other component that is leaking)
Also Note: A very common source of refrigerant leaks are the A/C service ports. Sometimes taking a little pag oil (or whatever oil your a/c requires) and poring it into the service port can reveal a leak. This is usually indicated by bubbles coming up through the oil inside the port that is now filled with oil.
Disclaimer:
Children do not attempt this! Also, this video is very superficial in nature and is not designed to make anyone an expert at finding leaks on an A/C system using a dye light. There may be some cases where only experience can help you determine where a leak is. Its not always obvious. I make no guarantee that you can and will diagnose your A/C leak properly using the information found in this video. Always wear safety glasses when working around vehicles. Also, do not attempt to discharge refrigerant.... Its illegal and can potentially injure you or kill you in some cases. Always work in a well ventilated area. Do some research. Get to know more about your vehicle before attempting to work on it.
GENERAL DISCLAIMER
Barbour's Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guaranty that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour'sAutoHelp makes no guaranty that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual. Do it right and do it safely.
Repair your vehicle at your own risk! Barbour's auto help does not guaranty a proper repair using these techniques.