Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Aston Martin
01 00 Introduction02 01 Body system03 02 Frame and mounting04 03 Engine05 04 Suspension06 05 Driveline07 06 Brake system08 07 Transmission09 08 Clutch10 09 Exhaust11 10 Fuel12 11 Steering13 12 Climate control14 13 Information, gauge and warning15 14 Power supply16 15 Vehicle entertainment17 16 Vacuum distribution18 17 Lighting19 18 Electric distribution and electronic control20 19 Electronic features21 20 Appendix and glossary
Aston Martin DB9 Factory Workshop Manual (Issue 2, 2005)13 · 12 Climate control
13 · Heating & A/C

Leak Detection

Make
Aston Martin
Model
DB9 Factory Workshop Manual
Year
Issue 2, 2005
Section
Air Conditioning (A/C) System › Leak Detection
12 Climate controlLeak Detection

Faults associated with low refrigerant charge weight and low pressure may be caused by leakage. Leaks traced to mechanical connections may be caused by torque relaxation or joint face contamination. Evidence of oil around such areas is an indicator of leakage.

Leak Detection

Fluorescent Tracer Dye - A fluorescent tracer dye is incorporated into the refrigeration system and can be checked for non-apparent leaks by scanning with a high intensity ultraviolet lamp. The location of leaks can be pinpointed by the bright yellow glow of the tracer dye.

Caution
Observe ALL safety precautions associated with ultraviolet equipment.

Automatic Refrigerant Leak Detector - (various manufacturers) Hand-held, portable, battery operated leak detector. Place in and around A/C system to detect refrigerant leaks.

System Pressure Fault Classification

If erratic or unusual gauge movements occur, check the equipment against known Recovery / Recycling / Recharging unit gauges.

This table should be used in conjunction with the graphical representations of 'High side' pressure / ambient temperature and 'Low side' pressure / evaporator temperature.

Low side
gauge reading
High side
gauge reading
Fault Cause
Normal Normal Discharge air initially cool then warms up Moisture in system
Normal to low Normal As above As above
Low Low Discharge air slightly cool Refrigerant charge low
Low Low Discharge air warm Refrigerant charge very low
Low Low Discharge air slightly cool or frost build up at expansion valve Expansion valve stuck closed
Low Low Discharge air slightly cool, sweating or frost after point of restriction Restriction in High side of system
High Low Compressor noisy Defective compressor reed valve
High High Discharge air warm and high side pipes hot Refrigerant charge high or inefficient condenser cooling due to air flow blockage or engine cooling fans not working
High High Discharge air warm
Sweating or frost at evaporator
Expansion valve stuck open

Parts & tools for this job For 2005 Aston Martin DB9

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