A/C - Revised Procedure For Detection Refrigerant Leaks

Classification:
HA96-008

Reference:
NTB96-087

Date:
September 11, 1996

REVISED PROCEDURE FOR DETECTION OF REFRIGERANT LEAKS

This bulletin supersedes NTB95-014/HA95-003, dated February 22, 1995.
Please discard bulletin NTB95-014.

APPLIED VEHICLES:
All

SERVICE INFORMATION

An updated refrigerant leak detection procedure is now included in all service manuals beginning with the 1997 model year.

The revised procedure is applicable to all models and includes the following changes or additions:

^ A minimum charge specification prior to conducting the leak check.

^ The recommended minimum ambient temperature for effective leak detection.

^ Recommended probe tip moving speed and position away from the point to be checked.

^ Proper cleaning of A/C components and fittings prior to leak checking.

^ Rechecking a suspected leak.

^ Checking procedures for specific A/C components such as the compressor, liquid tank, service valves and cooling unit.

^ Elimination of soap and water as a secondary check method.

In some cases you may not detect a leak readily if both the high and low side pressures are equalized. The revised procedure introduces a second test condition that can possibly detect a leak (or leaks) that the first test condition could not.

The service manuals listed below will contain the updated leak detection procedures:

^ 1997 Maxima
^ 1997 Sentra/200SX
^ 1997 Truck
^ 1997 Pathfinder
^ 1997 Quest
^ 1998 Altima
^ 1998 24OSX

Please reference Service Procedures under Contents at the beginning of the HA section. Within this section refer to "Checking Refrigerant Leaks" to find the leak detection procedures.

NOTE:
For models with service manuals not yet published or received, please refer to another model that is released because the procedure is the same for all models.