Does refrigerant need to be remove to test for leaks?

2007 LEXUS IS 250
152,000 MILES • 2.5L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
WILLYWILLY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My car's A/C was not getting really cold, it was chilling, but not as good as it could be. So I got an A/C service and was told that the condenser had a leak. Now, this must be very small indeed, as the A/C was working. Upon being told about the price (which I thought was very high - and this hunch proved to be correct) I said just put it back together and I'll think about it. But the mechanic refused to recharge the system, saying it was offence if a leak was present. So now $100.00 later I have a car with no working A/C. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind. So the question is, did the gas need to be taken out to test for leaks?
Oct 20, 2020 at 7:59 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

No. They make a dye test that is installed into the system. If the system is full, some will need removed to make room for the added Freon with dye. Also, there is a tool that can be used to sniff out leaks Here is a link that explains how it is done. Also, you can recharge it yourself, if you want. I will include that link as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Here is a link that explains how to recharge it. It shows how to add Freon. I'm not sure if the system is completely drained, so I can't say how much it will need.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-conditioner-how-to-add-freon

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Oct 20, 2020 at 8:07 PM