Q: AC is leaking R-134A but no dye can be found anywhere

asked by on July 10, 2016

So my AC has been pretty bad the last year. Earlier this summer, it was blowing pure hot air. I checked the pressure with a manifold gauge, and it was at 0. Dead empty. I filled it with the specified 600 grams of R-134a, and it worked like a charm... for about a week. Then it slowly became warmer and warmer, until now, there's just hot hair.

I used a dye and checked for leaks, and found absolutely nothing. I even took it to my mechanic to have him inspect it with a UV light, and he couldn't find a trace anywhere. Compressor is engaging when enough R-134a is in it, lines are good. The only thing He could think of is maybe a bad evaporator core. I had this replaced about 6 years at the dealership, so I would find it odd if it was already bad. I also don't smell anything inside the car. There isn't any smell or odor whatsoever when the AC is on inside the cabin, even when it is charged.

Can anyone think of anything? Anywhere I may want to look?

My car has 140000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Oil/Fluid Leak Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

You should check the A/C evaporator drain with a black light and see if it shows dye leaking out of the drain. This would be the evaporator leaking. You had the evaporator replaced 6 years ago when the vehicle was 6 years old. Now it has been another 6 years and the evaporator may be leaking again. If you still cannot find a leak then the system will have to be checked with an electronic leak checker by charging the system and checking the evaporator drain and all the other components. I’d suggest you get some help from a qualified technician who can diagnose your A/C system firsthand and help you pinpoint the source of the leak.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Battery malfunctioning
P0341 is a camshaft position sensor error code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) while P0455 indicates a large evaporative emissions leak, such as a failed gas tank cap seal. These are likely not related to the battery malfunction (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-light-is-on-inspection). Have a mechanic, like the...
Gas not going through new filter
If you have recently installed a new fuel filter, ensure that the filter was installed correctly. Fuel filters are only designed for the fuel to flow in one direction. If the fuel filter was installed backwards, this will prevent the...
Vibration/Wobble When Accelerating From Low Speeds
Hi there. I would definitely start with having the wheels and tires checked (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-know-if-you-need-a-wheel-alignment-by-robert-tomashek) for balance and wobble. If they are fine, it is usually caused by a bad engine mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-engine-mount) or CV axle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-axle-cv-shaft-assembly). Both of these are...
Vibration/Wobble When Accelerating From Low Speeds
When you disconnected the battery all of the computers for the engine and transmission reset back to the factory settings. When you drove for about 20 minutes, the computers relearned there drive conditions and the way you drive. The vibration...
I purchased a new computer for it does it need programed
You would need to have it programmed to your VIN. Have the computer scanned to see if you have a good crank shaft signal first, before replacing the ECM. You may not need the ECM replaced; you may have a...
Control Arms or CV Axle?
Typically when a CV axle has failed, it will cause a clicking sound either when the vehicle is accelerating or when the vehicle is being turned depending on which joint of the CV axle has failed. A failed CV axle...
Gauges lose power sometime, battery being drained.
Hello - quite likely, the inconsistency with your gauge operation and the occasional dead battery are related, with a short in the wiring perhaps. This problem can be diagnosed by connecting an ammeter to the positive (red) battery cable, observe...
What years ignition module will fit my 1991 Chevrolet Silverado 5.7
Hi - GM V8 ignition control modules from 1987 to 1995 should interchange with your '91 5.7L. For assistance, I recommend a ignition control module replacement (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-ignitor-replacement) performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will...
Went to change ignition cool and spark plug....:old spark plug is completely missing. Could it have fallen into the cylinder?
If the spark plug has broken and ceramic part of plug fell inside cylinder then you will need to try and remove pieces with a camera and grab fingers or the head will need to be removed. If plug fell...

Related articles

Is it Safe to Drive With a Fuel Leak?
A fuel leak is when gasoline leaks from the gas tank of the vehicle. Underneath the car will be a spot of fuel on...
How to Quickly Cool Down a Hot Car
Knowing Knowing how to cool off a hot car that has been sitting in the heat and sun can save you the discomfort of having to sit in your vehicle's hot interior while driving to your destination. By taking a...
P0531 OBD-II Trouble Code: A/C Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Circuit Performance
P0531 code means that there is too much or too little A/C refrigerant, high system pressure, faulty wiring, connectors, or cooling fans.