2026-08-10

A/C Refrigerant Leak Detection

Correction code 00100004 Adjustable FRT (General Diagnosis) NOTE: Track all time and work spent diagnosing the A/C system using correction code 00100004. Do not add "A/C Refrigerant (Recovery & Recharge)" to the activity. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-08-10: Updated correction code guidance.
Equipment:
  • 1053591-00-A Tool, Flashlight, UV
  • 1080563-01-A UV Leak Detection Kit

Procedure

  1. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  2. Remove the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Upper - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
  3. Remove the hood latch cover. See Cover - Hood Latch (Remove and Replace).
  4. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  5. Remove the caps from the A/C ports.
  6. Connect the hoses from the A/C machine to the vehicle, and then perform the A/C recovery.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Record the amount of A/C refrigerant and oil that has been recovered after the A/C system is discharged.
  7. Perform the A/C system vacuum.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The A/C system vacuum takes 30 minutes to complete.
  8. Perform the A/C refrigerant refill.
  9. Set the temperature to LO on both driver and passenger sides and set the A/C system to AUTO.
  10. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to check for A/C refrigerant leaks in the TXV valve area.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the TXV valve. See TXV Valve - Evaporator (Non-Heat Pump)(Remove and Replace).
  11. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to check for A/C refrigerant leaks in the chiller and EXV valve area.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the chiller and EXV valve. See Chiller and EXV Assembly (Non-Heat Pump) (Remove and Replace).
  12. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to check for A/C refrigerant leaks in the compressor discharge and suction lines area.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the compressor to condenser high pressure pipe. See Pipe - High Pressure - Compressor to Condenser (Non-Heat Pump) (Remove and Replace).
  13. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to check for A/C refrigerant leaks in the high/low pressure refrigerant pipes area.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the high/low pressure refrigerant pipes. See Pipes - Refrigerant - High / Low Pressure (Non-Heat Pump) (Remove and Replace).
  14. Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  15. Remove the front fascia valance. See Valance - Front Fascia (Remove and Replace).
  16. Use UV light and the UV inspection kit to inspect both condenser connections and the condenser itself for A/C refrigerant leaks.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If an A/C refrigerant leak is found, replace the condenser. See Condenser (Remove and Replace).
  17. Install the front fascia valance. See Valance - Front Fascia (Remove and Replace).
  18. Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Remove and Replace).
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Remove the vehicle from the lift.
  21. Remove the A/C lines from the vehicle.
  22. Install the caps onto the A/C ports.
  23. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  24. Install the hood latch cover. See Cover - Hood Latch (Remove and Replace).
  25. Install the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Upper - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
  26. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).