Hello, I am working on my brother's 2004 Jeep Wrangler. The AC has not been working for a while and he had it recharged and it stopped producing cold air very soon after the recharge.
We replaced the heater core because it was leaking, and we also replaced the AC evaporator core while we had the dash taken apart. The AC Freon was removed before replacing the AC evaporator core, so the system is currently not charged with Freon. I looked for neon dye before we replaced the AC evaporator core, but I didn't see any.
I think the AC system still has a leak, will we have to get the AC system recharged to find the leak by either using the neon dye method or freon detector to find the leak or is there another way that doesn't require the system to be recharged with freon? What is the best method to find AC leaks, and are there common failure points for a 2004 Jeep Wrangler to leak from?
Thank you
Another way to check for leaks is to see if it your AC system holds vacuum. However, there can be leaks that appear under pressure and not vacuum so really you need to check with the AC system pressurized as well. Aside from dye you can use an electronic detector, or even soapy water on suspected leak areas.
Very common leak points that are frequently overlooked are the service valves, especially the high pressure side. If that Jeep still has its original valves (pushing 19 years old now) the odds are they're leaking.
Be sure to install a new drier especially if the system has been left open to atmosphere for a while.
