Refrigerant Leak Detection & Repair

Expert service in Atascadero · Honest diagnostics · Quality parts

Signs Your Vehicle Needs This Service

AC that was recharged recently but has stopped producing cold air again: a system that loses its charge quickly after being recharged has a leak that was not found and repaired before the recharge was completed
Visible oily staining on or around AC system components, hoses, or fittings: refrigerant carries oil for compressor lubrication, and escaping refrigerant leaves oily residue that accumulates dust and dirt over time
AC system pressure that drops to near-zero when the vehicle sits for several days or weeks, indicating a leak significant enough to lose refrigerant during extended inactivity
AC compressor that short-cycles rapidly or does not engage at all: refrigerant charge too low to maintain pressure above the low-pressure cutout threshold prevents or disrupts compressor engagement
History of repeated AC recharges over several years with no documented leak repair, indicating an unresolved slow leak that has never been located

Refrigerant Leak Detection & Repair

Electronic Leak Detection

We scan all accessible AC system components with an electronic refrigerant leak detector calibrated for the refrigerant type in your vehicle. Electronic detection identifies small leaks that are not yet leaving visible oil residue.

UV Dye Injection and Inspection

We inject UV-compatible tracer dye into the system and inspect all components under ultraviolet light. Dye concentrates at leak points and fluoresces brightly, making small leaks visible at fittings, seams, and component surfaces.

Leak Point Confirmation and Repair

Once a leak point is identified, we confirm it before making a repair recommendation. We repair accessible leaks at fittings, Schrader valves, hose connections, and o-rings, and replace hoses, condensers, evaporators, or compressor shaft seals when those are the source.

Post-Repair Leak Verification

After completing the repair, we evacuate the system to a deep vacuum, confirm the vacuum holds, recharge to the manufacturer-specified refrigerant weight, and verify vent temperature performance before returning the vehicle.

Evaporator Leak Service

Evaporator leaks are among the most difficult to access because the evaporator is located inside the dashboard HVAC housing. We confirm an evaporator leak before recommending the extensive dashboard disassembly required to access and replace it.

What to Expect: Typical Service Times

Electronic leak detection sweep: 30 to 60 minutes
UV dye injection and inspection: 30 to 60 minutes
Accessible fitting or o-ring repair: 30 to 60 minutes
Hose or condenser replacement: 1 to 3 hours depending on component
Evaporator replacement: 4 to 8 hours on most vehicles

How Our Technicians Approach Refrigerant Leak Detection

When a vehicle arrives with a suspected refrigerant leak, we begin by checking system pressures. A system with very low or no pressure indicates a significant leak that may have emptied the charge entirely, and we add a small trace charge of refrigerant sufficient for leak detection before scanning.

We scan all accessible components with the electronic detector, starting at the most common leak locations: the compressor shaft seal, all service port Schrader valves, the condenser inlet and outlet fittings, and all hose connections. We work systematically from the compressor through the high-side circuit and back through the low-side to the accumulator.

We inject UV dye and inspect under UV light to confirm any locations flagged by the electronic detector and to check areas the electronic detector cannot access. We confirm the specific leak point before making a repair recommendation and explain exactly what repair is required and why before any work begins.

More A/C Services

Why Choose APS Automotive

Honest Diagnostics

We tell you exactly what's wrong and what it takes to fix it. Nothing more, nothing less. No upselling, no surprise charges.

Quality Parts & Warranty

We use only trusted brands and back our work with a solid warranty, giving you peace of mind long after you drive away.

Fast Turnaround

We know you need your vehicle. Our efficient workflow gets you back behind the wheel as quickly as possible without cutting corners.

ASE Certified Technicians

Our 2 ASE-certified technicians bring real expertise. We're also California-licensed smog technicians serving Atascadero since 1992.

Transparent Pricing

You'll receive a detailed estimate before we begin any work. We respect your budget and will never start without your approval.

Clear Communication

No confusing jargon. Just straightforward explanations of what your vehicle needs and why. We're educators, not salespeople.

Ready to Schedule Service?

Request an appointment. We're open Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 5:30pm.

(805) 461-5823

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