Nissan Pathfinder (2009 year). Manual - part 447

HA-30

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

FLUORESCENT LEAK DETECTOR

With the engine still running, disconnect the HFC-134a (R-134a) dye injector (J-41459) from the low-pres-
sure service valve.

Operate the A/C system for a minimum of 20 minutes to mix the HFC-134a (R-134a) fluorescent leak
detection dye (J-41447) with the A/C system oil. Depending on the leak size, operating conditions and
location of the leak, it may take from minutes to days for the HFC-134a (R-134a) fluorescent leak detec-
tion dye to penetrate an A/C system leak and become visible.

2009 Pathfinder

ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR

HA-31

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR

Checking of Refrigerant Leaks

INFOID:0000000003935711

PRELIMINARY CHECK

Perform a visual inspection of all refrigeration parts, fittings, hoses and components for signs of A/C oil leak-
age, damage, and corrosion. Any A/C oil leakage may indicate an area of refrigerant leakage. Allow extra
inspection time in these areas when using either an electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995) or fluores-
cent dye leak detector (J-42220).
If any dye is observed using a fluorescent dye leak detector (J-42220), confirm the leak using a electronic
refrigerant leak detector (J-41995). It is possible that the dye is from a prior leak that was repaired and not
properly cleaned.
When searching for leaks, do not stop when one leak is found but continue to check for additional leaks at all
system components and connections.
When searching for refrigerant leaks using an electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995), move the probe
along the suspected leak area at 25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 in) per second and no further than 6 mm (1/4 in) from the
component.

CAUTION:

Moving the electronic refrigerant leak detector probe slower and closer to the suspected leak area will
improve the chances of finding a leak.

Electronic Refrigerant Leak Detector

INFOID:0000000003935712

PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING LEAK DETECTOR

NOTE:
When performing a refrigerant leak check, use a electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995) or equivalent.
Ensure that the electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995) is calibrated and set properly according to the
manufacturer's operating instructions.
The electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995) is a delicate
device. To use the electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995)
properly, read the manufacturer's operating instructions and perform
any specified maintenance.

Position the probe approximately 5 mm (3/16 in) away from the
point to be checked as shown.

AHA281A

SHA707EA

2009 Pathfinder

HA-32

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR

When checking for leaks, circle each fitting completely with the
probe as shown.

Move the probe along each component at a speed of approxi-
mately 25 - 50 mm (1 - 2 in)/second as shown.

CHECKING PROCEDURE

NOTE:
To prevent inaccurate or false readings, make sure there is no refrigerant vapor, shop chemicals, or cigarette
smoke in the vicinity of the vehicle. Perform the leak test in a calm area (low air/wind movement) so that the
leaking refrigerant is not dispersed.

Turn the engine OFF.

Connect the manifold gauge set (J-39183-C) to the A/C service ports. Refer to

HA-37, "HFC-134a (R-

134a) Service Procedure"

Check if the A/C refrigerant pressure is at least 345 kPa (3.52 kg/cm

, 50 psi) above a temperature of

C (61

F). If less than specification, recover/evacuate and recharge the system with the specified

amount of refrigerant. Refer to

HA-37, "HFC-134a (R-134a) Service Procedure"

NOTE:
At temperatures below 16

C (61

F), leaks may not be detected since the system may not reach 345 kPa

(3.52 kg/cm

, 50 psi) pressure.

Perform the leak test from the high-pressure side (front A/C compressor discharge “a” to evaporator inlet
“f” or rear piping connection “l”) to the low-pressure side (front A/C evaporator drain hose “g” to shaft seal
“k” and rear A/C evaporator drain hose “o” to piping connection “r”). Refer to

HA-34, "Component"

. Clean

the component to be checked and carefully move the electronic refrigerant leak detector probe completely
around the following connections and components.
• Check the compressor shaft seal
• Check the high and low-pressure pipe and hose fittings, relief valve, and compressor shaft seal
• Check the liquid tank
• Check the refrigerant pressure sensor
• Check all around the service valves. Check that the service valve caps are screwed tightly on the ser-

vice valves (to prevent leaks).
NOTE:
After removing manifold gauge set (J-39183-C) from the service valves, wipe any residue from the ser-
vice valves to prevent any false readings by the electronic refrigerant leak detector (J-41995).

• Evaporator

With engine OFF, turn blower fan on “High” for at least 15 seconds to dissipate any refrigerant trace in
the heater and cooling unit assembly. Wait a minimum of 10 minutes accumulation time (refer to the
manufacturer's recommended procedure for actual wait time) before inserting the electronic refrigerant
leak detector probe into the heater and cooling unit assembly drain hose.
NOTE:

SHA706E

SHA708EA

2009 Pathfinder

ELECTRICAL LEAK DETECTOR

HA-33

< ON-VEHICLE MAINTENANCE >

Keep the probe inserted for at least 10 seconds. Use caution not to contaminate the probe tip with water
or dirt that may be in the drain hose.

If a leak is detected, verify at least once by blowing compressed air into the area of the suspected leak,
then repeat the leak check.

Do not stop when one leak is found. Continue to check for additional leaks at all system components and
connections.

If no leaks are found, perform steps 8 - 11.

Start the engine.

Set the heater A/C controls as follows:
NOTE:
For the automatic system, turn OFF the automatic controls and set the heater A/C controls manually.

A/C switch to ON

Air flow to VENT mode

Intake position to RECIRCULATION mode

Temperature to MAX cold

Blower fan speed to HIGH

10. Run the engine at 1,500 rpm for at least 2 minutes.

11. Turn the engine OFF and perform the leak check again following

steps 4 through 6 above.
Refrigerant leaks should be checked immediately after turning
the engine OFF. Begin with the leak detector at the compressor.
The pressure on the high pressure side will gradually drop after
the refrigerant circulation stops and pressure on the low pres-
sure side will gradually rise, as shown in the graph. Some leaks
are more easily detected when the pressure is high.

12. Before connecting the recovery/recycling equipment to the vehicle, check the recovery/recycling equip-

ment gauges. No refrigerant pressure should be displayed. If pressure is displayed, recover the refriger-
ant from the equipment lines and then check the refrigerant purity.

13. Confirm refrigerant purity in supply tank using recovery/recycling equipment and refrigerant identifier

equipment (J-41810-NI).

14. Confirm the refrigerant purity in the vehicle's A/C system using recovery/recycling equipment and refriger-

ant identifier equipment (J-41810-NI).

15. Discharge the A/C system using recovery/recycling equipment. Repair the leaking fitting or component as

necessary.

16. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system and perform the leak test to confirm that there are no refrigerant

leaks.

17. Conduct the Operational Check to ensure system works properly. Refer to

HAC-5, "Operational Check

(Front)"

and

HAC-6, "Operational Check (Rear)"

SHA839E

2009 Pathfinder

HA-34

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

ON-VEHICLE REPAIR

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Component

INFOID:0000000003935713

CAUTION:

The new and former refrigerant connections use different O-ring configurations. Do not confuse O-
rings since they are not interchangeable. If a wrong O-ring is installed, refrigerant will leak at or
around the connection.

FRONT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

2009 Pathfinder

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

HA-35

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

Front A/C Compressor and Condenser - VK56DE

AWIIA0570GB

High-pressure service valve

Clip

Front high-pressure A/C pipe

Refrigerant pressure sensor

Condenser

Compressor shaft seal

Front high-pressure flexible A/C hose

Front low-pressure flexible A/C hose

Low-pressure service valve

10. Front low-pressure A/C pipe

11.

Front expansion valve

12. Front A/C drain hose

Refrigerant leak checking order (a - k)

Tightening torque

Wrench size

2009 Pathfinder

HA-36

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Front A/C Compressor and Condenser - VQ40DE

O-ring size

Former type refrigerant connection

New type refrigerant connection

Front

WJIA1399E

High-pressure service valve

Clip

Front high-pressure A/C pipe

Refrigerant pressure sensor

Condenser

Compressor shaft seal

Front high-pressure flexible A/C hose

Front low-pressure flexible A/C hose

Low-pressure service valve

10. Front low-pressure A/C pipe

11.

Front expansion valve

12. Front A/C drain hose

2009 Pathfinder

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

HA-37

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

REAR REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Rear A/C

HFC-134a (R-134a) Service Procedure

INFOID:0000000003935714

SETTING OF SERVICE TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Discharging Refrigerant

WJIA1400E

Rear high- and low-pressure A/C pipes

Rear heater core hoses

Underfloor rear high- and low-pres-
sure A/C and heater core pipes

Rear expansion valve

2009 Pathfinder

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