Ford Escape: Climate Control System - General Information / General Procedures - Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Leak Detection

Leak detection

1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Recovery, Evacuation and Charging procedure in Group 412.
   

1. Disconnect the refrigerant lines from the A/C compressor. Refer to the appropriate section in Group 412 for the procedure.
   

1. Install the adapters from the A/C Flush Adapter Kit on the ports of the A/C compressor, using the existing retaining bolts.
   
   • For access to the correct adapters and A/C Flush Adapter Kit 1 through 3.
     Refer to: Climate Control Tools and Equipment (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
     

1. Connect the high and low pressure lines of the air conditioning service unit to the corresponding fittings on the adapter.
   
   • For access to the correct Ford approved A/C Refrigerant Management System
     Refer to: Climate Control Tools and Equipment (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
     

1. Charge the A/C compressor following the air conditioning service unit instructions. Open the low pressure valve, the high pressure valve and set the refrigerant charge amount to 0.23 kg (8 oz).
   

1. NOTE: Depending on refrigerant type used:

   • Use a Rotunda-approved Electronic Leak Detector for R-134a refrigerant SAE Certified to J2791.
   • Use a Rotunda-approved Electronic Leak Detector for R-1234yf refrigerant SAE Certified to J2913.
   Using the Refrigerant Leak Detector, check for leaks at the compressor shaft.
   
   • For access to the Ford approved Refrigerant Leak Detector
     Refer to: Climate Control Tools and Equipment (412-00 Climate Control System - General Information, General Procedures).
     

1. When the leak test is complete, recover the refrigerant from the compressor.
   

1. If an external leak is found, install a new A/C compressor.