Leak Detection
- Make
- Aston Martin
- Model
- DB9 Factory Workshop Manual
- Year
- Issue 2, 2005
- Section
- Air Conditioning (A/C) System › Leak 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
- TOOLA/C manifold gauge setSearch: AC manifold gauge set
- TOOLUV leak detection kitSearch: AC UV leak detection kit
- PARTCabin filterSearch: Aston Martin DB9 2005 cabin filter
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