BMW 7 Series: Leak Detection With Ultraviolet Additives (UV Additives) (BMW Leak-Testing Case)

IMPORTANT: The UV leakage detection procedure is not permitted in EU countries!

Observe national regulations in all other countries!

IMPORTANT: It is absolutely essential to read and comply with the equipment manufacturer's operating instructions use provided in the equipment case!

Read and comply with the manufacturer's operating instructions provided with the special tool particularly with regard to accident prevention, health protection and environmental protection.

Only the basic procedure is described in the following!

WARNING: Avoid contact with refrigerant.

Follow safety precautions when handling refrigerant

IMPORTANT: Ultraviolet lamp gets very hot in the radiation area! Do not use the ultraviolet lamp without the filter glass.

When using the ultraviolet lamp, wear the safety goggles provided in the case.

NOTE:

• Fill the hose system of the hand pump completely with UV additive PRIOR to use
• The UV additive may be used exclusively for BMW-approved refrigerant fluids
• Do not operate the air conditioning system while the hand pump is connected or in use
• The air conditioning system must always be filled with an adequate amount of refrigerant to enable the leak-detecting agent to be properly distributed

Necessary preliminary work

Before actually testing for leaks, check the entire refrigerant circuit using the UV leak detection lamp to ensure that no UV additive is already in the area of the refrigerant circuit.

Leak areas which have already been detected by UV light must carefully cleaned with the cleaning agent provided in the case.

On initial use:

Connect hand pump (1) to additive cartridge (2) and hose piece (3).

Fig. 163: Identifying Hand Pump To Additive Cartridge And Hose Piece

On initial use:

Attach vent valve (1) to quick-release coupling (2).

Turn handle (3) on hand pump to advance the plunger until a small amount of UV additive emerges. This vents the hose system.

IMPORTANT: The entire hand pump with hose system must not be disassembled again once the filling work has been completed.

Fig. 164: Attaching Vent Valve To Quick-Release Coupling

Attach quick-release coupling (1) to low-pressure connection (2) of air conditioning system.

Turn handle on hand pump (3) until the required amount of UV additive is added.

The quantity of UV additive to be added is dependent on the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

• Air conditioning systems with refrigerant filling up to 900 g: one graduation mark (4) on additive cartridge
• Air conditioning systems with refrigerant filling in excess of 900 g: two graduation marks (4) on additive cartridge

Fig. 165: Identifying Quick-Release Coupling To Low-Pressure Connection

NOTE: After filling, remove quick-release coupling (1) and if necessary use the cleaning agent contained in the special tool case to clean up the UV additive.

Further tasks

• Start engine
• Run air conditioning system at highest setting for 5 - 10 minutes in order to ensure adequate distribution of dye in the system
• Turn off engine.
• Check all air conditioning system components for possible leaks
• Possible leakage is lit up green when the UV leak-detecting lamp and UV-absorbing safety goggles are used

Complete accompanying information label (1) with the relevant data and attach in an easily visible position next to the filling capacity information label (2).

Fig. 166: Identifying Complete Accompanying Information Label And Filling Capacity Information Label

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