Finding leaks in the refrigerant circuit using the VAS 6196 kit or the VAS 6201 kit (Skoda Rapid NH1)

Note: Minor leaks can be detected, for example, using an electronic detector.

1. Evacuate the refrigerant circuit using a stand for servicing air conditioning systems.

Note.

• If a relatively large leak is detected during vacuuming, the leak should be found and eliminated.
• If no leak is detected during vacuuming, or if the leak is so small that it is impossible to find the leak, proceed as follows.
• Gaseous refrigerant is quickly carried away by air currents. Therefore, when searching for a leak, avoid drafts.
• If the circulation circuit is completely empty, fill it with refrigerant to approximately 10% of the filling capacity (see R134a label or repair manual for the vehicle in question).

Note.

• Necessary equipment:
• Leak detection kit "VAS 6196" or
• Leak detection kit "VMS 6201".

Introducing a leak detector additive into an empty refrigerant circuit

Cartridge "A" contains 15.4 ml of leak detector additive (one division "B" of the scale corresponds to 2.5 ml).



1. Assemble the hand pump "VAS 6201" (pos. "1") with the cartridge (pos. "2") "VAS 6201/2".

2. Insert the filling tube into the hand pump "VAS 6201/8" (pos. "7").

3. Open the service valve of the hand pump.

Note: The leak detector additive is optimally introduced into an empty refrigerant circuit through an open connection.

4. Open the refrigerant circulation circuit in an easily accessible place of the connector.

5. Cover the area around the joint with film or absorbent paper.

6. Hold the tube with the end facing up.

7. Turn the handle of the hand pump until the leak detector additive begins to come out of the tube.



8. Introduce 2.5±0.5 ml (ml = cm³) of leak detector additive into the refrigerant circulation circuit.

Note: If a leak detection additive was added to the refrigerant circuit during a previous repair, note the following: Add a new additive if the compressor oil is changed. If only part of the refrigeration oil was changed, only the corresponding proportion of the additive should be added. For example, if 100 ml of refrigeration oil was changed on a vehicle with 250 ml of refrigeration oil, only 1 ml (cm³) of leak detection additive should be added.

9. Replace the sealing rings on the open areas of the connector.

10. Assemble the refrigerant circulation circuit

11. Place a sticker next to the service fittings warning that a leak detector additive has been added to this refrigerant circulation circuit.

12. Evacuate and fill the refrigerant circuit in accordance with the instructions.

13. Put the air conditioning system into operation.

Note: The air conditioning system must operate for at least 60 minutes to allow the leak detector additive to be distributed throughout the entire circuit (the compressor must be running). Depending on the size of the leak, the location of the leak may be detected within this time.

14. Find the leaky area of the refrigerant circuit using the VAS 6196/4 UV lamp.

Material is available on the website skodabook.ru

Introducing a leak detector additive into a filled refrigerant circulation circuit

Note.

• If a leak detection additive was added to the refrigerant circuit during a previous repair, note the following: Add a new additive if the compressor oil is being replaced. If only part of the refrigeration oil was replaced, only the corresponding proportion of the additive should be added. For example, if 100 ml of refrigeration oil were replaced on a vehicle with 250 ml of refrigeration oil, only 1 ml (cm³) of leak detection additive should be added.
• There is a small amount of leak detection additive remaining in the service nipple. Carefully remove this residue so as not to mistake it for a leak during subsequent leak detection.
• Cartridge "A" contains 15.4 ml of leak detector additive (one division "B" of the scale corresponds to 2.5 ml).

1. Turn off the ignition.

2. Remove the plug from the service port on the low pressure side of the refrigerant circuit.

3. Assemble the hand pump "VAS 6201" (pos. "1") with the cartridge (pos. "2") "VAS 6201/2".

Note: Make sure the hand pump hose is completely filled with leak detector additive.

4. Install the quick-release coupling onto the low-pressure side service nipple and open the service coupling by screwing in the hand wheel. Holding the hose end up, screw in the hand pump handle until the leak detector additive begins to come out of the tube.



5. Cover the area around the service nipple on the vehicle with film or absorbent paper.

6. By screwing the handle of the hand pump, introduce 2.5±0.5 ml (ml = cm³) of leak detector additive into the refrigerant circulation circuit.

7. Close the service coupling and remove it from the service nipple.

8. Remove any remaining leak detector additive from the service nipple, for example with absorbent paper.

9. Close the service nipple with a plug.

10. If necessary, clean the area around the service nipple with a cleaning agent.

11. Place a sticker next to the service fittings warning that a leak detector additive has been added to this refrigerant circulation circuit.

12. Put the air conditioning system into operation.

Note: The air conditioning system must operate for at least 60 minutes so that the introduced leak detector additive is distributed throughout the entire circuit (the compressor must be running). Depending on the size of the leak, the location of the leak may be detected within this time.

13. Find the leaky area of the refrigerant circuit using a UV lamp "VAS 6196/4".

Finding leaks in the refrigerant circuit using a UV lamp "VAS 6196/4"

Attention.

• Do not look into the UV lamp.
• Do not direct the UV lamp at other people.

Note.

• The air conditioning system must operate for at least 60 minutes so that the introduced leak detector additive is distributed throughout the entire circuit (the compressor must be running). Depending on the size of the leak, the location of the leak may be detected within this time.
• If the evaporator is not tight, the additive can be washed out by condensate and run off through the drain hose. Since the evaporator is inaccessible on most cars without labor-intensive preliminary work, its tightness can be judged, for example, by the results of testing on the drain hose. But for this, the additive must have been in the refrigerant circulation circuit for a long time.
• Safety glasses not only protect your eyes, but also enhance the glow of the additive under UV rays.
• Depending on the accessibility of the various components of the refrigerant circuit, it may be necessary to remove some components of the vehicle (for example, a bumper or an air filter).

1. Move the car to a darker area of the service station (in daylight or strong light the effect of UV rays is weakened).



2. Check for access to various components of the refrigerant circuit and remove adjacent parts that obscure these components (for example, noise-insulating covers and bumpers).

3. Put on protective glasses.

4. Connect the UV lamp to a 12V power source (Car battery). In this case, observe the correct polarity of the terminals.

5. Turn on the UV lamp and illuminate the refrigerant circuit units. The places where the refrigerant, refrigeration oil, and leak detector additive leak due to leaks glow under the UV rays (fluoresce).

Note: The leak detector additive may remain in the refrigerant circuit.