Robinair LD9-TG, LD9-TGKIT Operating Instructions Manual

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Operating Instructions

Model: LD9-TG

Dual Mode Tracer Gas Leak Detector

Model: LD9-TGKIT

A/C System Tracer Gas Leak Detection Service Kit

ROBINAIR.COM 80 0.533.612 7

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LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

Contents

Introduction ........................................ 3

Features ........................................... 3

LD9-TG Control Panel ............................... 4

Operating Instructions for LD9-TG ................... 4

UV and Inspection Light Operation ................... 5

Leak Size Indicator ................................. 6

Sweep (Pinpoint) Mode ............................. 6

Automatic and Manual Calibration ................... 7

Adjusting Sensitivity Levels ......................... 7

Audio Mute Function ............................... 8

Leak Test Vial ...................................... 8

Replacing Batteries ................................. 8

Replacing Sensor and Sensor Filter .................. 9

User Interface Displays ............................ 10

Product Specications ............................. 11

Replacement Parts for LD9-TG ..................... 11

Cross Sensitivity to Automotive Chemicals .......... 12

Operating Instructions for LD9-TGKIT ............... 13

Replacement Parts for LD9-TGKIT .................. 14

Warranty .......................................... 15

LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

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Introduction

The LD9-TG features sensor technology designed to detect a 5% hydrogen / 95% nitrogen tracer gas mixture. The LD9-TG’s full color liquid crystal display (LCD) and sweep mode function convey messages, graphics, and prompts to help the A/C technician locate the source of a leak and ensure that the leak detector is always at optimal performance. The light-emitting diode (LED) inspection lights aid the technician in locating and inspecting suspected leak sources.

When used with the hydrogen/nitrogen tracer gas mixture, the LD9-TG will detect leak rates equivalent to 4 g/year of R-134a in the High setting, and 7 g/year in the Normal setting while moving at 3 inches (8 cm) per second. This complies with SAE J2970 sections

7.2 and 7.3. Testing with tracer gas also complies with European standards EN 35422 and EN 14624.

Features

• Patented 3 LED ultraviolet (UV) lights with 395–415 nm wavelengths optimized for A/C dye fluorescence

• Full color LCD with user-friendly message and error screens

• Sensitivity equivalent to .015 oz/yr of R-1234yf in High mode

• Sensitivity equivalent to .05 oz/yr for R-134a in High mode

• Certied to SAE J2970

• Sweep mode function to pinpoint leak source

• Automatic calibration and reset to ambient air

• High-intensity LED inspection light

• 3 sensitivity levels

• Low battery indicator

• True mechanical pump

• Audio mute function

• Uses 4 AA alkaline batteries

• CE certied

• Ergonomic Santoprene handle grip

• 2-year warranty

• Made in USA

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LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

LD9-TG Control Panel

Audio Mute

Full Color LCD

Sweep (Pinpoint) Mode

ON/OFF Button

Sensitivity Level Indicators

UV or White Inspection Light

Operating Instructions

1. Turn On: Press the ON/OFF button once to turn on; press again to turn off.

NOTE: The LD9-TG defaults to SAE J2970 mode on power up. Hold down ON/OFF button to select the Sensitivity Boost mode for smaller leaks.

2. Warm Up: The detector automatically starts heating the sensor. During the heating cycle, the LCD will display the message “WARM UP PLEASE WAIT” with a progress bar. Warm up is usually less than 20 seconds.

3. Search: The display will show the message “READY” and then “SEARCH” when the detector begins to search for leaks. An audible beep will begin to sound. Move the probe tip towards a suspected refrigerant leak at the rate of less than 2 inches (~5 cm) per second, no more than 1/4 inch (~0.6 cm) away from the suspected source.

4. Detection: If a leak exists, the beeping will increase in rate and pitch and the display will show the numerical indication of the leak size.

NOTE: The leak detector responds to changes in tracer gas concentration. When detection occurs, move the probe away from the source and back

again to conrm the leak source. The detector’s audible beeping will reset if the probe is held xed at the source (see Automatic Calibration).

LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

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UV Light and Inspection Light Operation

CAUTION: UV LIGHT EMITS ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Avoid direct eye and skin exposure to UV light.

•

Wear personal protective equipment that meets ANSI/ISEA

•

and OSHA standards.

Before leak checking with the UV light:

a. Make sure the A/C system is properly charged with sufcient dye. (See manufacturer’s specications for proper dye charge.)

b. Run the A/C system long enough to thoroughly mix and circulate the dye (sold separately) with the refrigerant and lubricating oil.

1. Turn on UV light by pressing the LED button once. (See control panel on page 4.) Three UV lights will turn on (see image below).

2. Holding the leak detector approximately 10–14 inches (25–35 cm) away, shine the UV light beam slowly over the components, hoses, and metal ttings that make up the A/C system.

3. When the UV light shines on the fluorescent dye that has escaped from the system, the dye will glow a bright yellow green.

3 UV Lights

1. Turn on the inspection light by pressing the LED button until the white LED lights turn on. (See control panel on page 4.)

2. Inspect all components, hoses, and ttings for excessive wear or damage.

2 White Inspection Lights

NOTE: If not manually turned off, the UV light and inspection light will

automatically shut off after 5 minutes to preserve battery life.

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LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

Leak Size Indicator

Once a leak is detected, the leak size indicator bar graph will display on the detector screen. The number of bars will increase or decrease depending on the amount of tracer gas detected. The maximum value of the tracer gas will be displayed once the leak source has been located.

Refer to the table below to determine the approximate size of the leak.

Maximum Bars Displayed Leak Size (oz/yr)

1–2 (green color) < 0.1

3–5 (yellow color) 0.1–0.5

6–10 (red color) > 0.5

Sweep (Pinpoint) Mode

Turn on sweep mode by pressing the MODE button. This mode allows the user to pinpoint

hard to nd small leaks. The display cursor

will sweep across the display from left to right tracking a horizontal baseline over a 3 second period.

When no tracer gas is detected, the display cursor will be flat. If tracer gas is detected, the cursor on the display will rise up and continue to rise as the leak source is approached. If the detector moves away from the leak source, the cursor will drop back down.

LEAK SIZE

MED SENS

LEAK LOCATION

HI SENS

AUTO

NOTE: The default sensitivity level in the sweep mode is High.

LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

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Automatic and Manual Calibration

After a leak is identied, the detector will recalibrate itself either

automatically (default) or manually to the ambient air and resume audibly beeping as soon as the leak is detected again.

In Automatic mode, the detector will automatically recalibrate if the

probe is held xed at the source of the leak, and the detector will not

beep again until the probe is moved away from the source and back again. In Manual mode, the detector will continue to beep if tracer gas is detected until the user presses the SENS button to recalibrate.

To use the detector in Manual mode, press and hold the SENS button and release when the AUTO icon is replaced with MANUAL on the display. To return to Automatic Calibration, press and hold the SENS button and release when the AUTO icon is displayed.

NOTE: The sensitivity levels can only be changed in Automatic mode. To change sensitivity levels while in Manual mode, switch to Automatic mode and select the desired sensitivity level, then return back to Manual mode.

Adjusting Sensitivity Levels

While in automatic mode, the detector can be set to 3 different sensitivity levels (LO, MED, HI). If the detector continues to beep after

moving it away from the source of the leak, the sensitivity level can be adjusted so the detector will only sound when the probe is close to the leak source.

The detector will default to the MED sensitivity level automatically once the unit comes out of the warm up cycle. To change sensitivity levels, press the SENS once for HI sensitivity and again for LO sensitivity.

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LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

Audio Mute Function

To mute the audible beep, press the MUTE button. To restore the audible beep, press the MUTE button again. (NOTE: There is a few seconds lapse to restore sound if the MUTE button is pressed in rapid succession.)

Leak Test Vial

The leak detector comes with a leak test vial that allows the user to verify that the detector is performing properly. Check the expiration date on the vial before testing the leak detector.

1. Remove the colored label dot on the center of the screw cap to expose the vent hole.

2. Turn on the detector and allow the unit to complete the warm up cycle. Set sensitivity level to HIGH.

3. Place the probe tip close to the hole in the leak test vial. The beep rate should increase and the leak size indicator should display 3–6 bars, indicating that the sensor and electronics are working properly.

Replacing Batteries

Replace the batteries when the display shows the message “REPLACE BATTERIES.”

1. Unscrew battery cover located at the base of the unit as shown.

2. Insert all four batteries into the battery compartment, noting the

polarity mark on the inside of the battery compartment for proper battery orientation.

REPLACE

BATTERIES

LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

Replacing Sensor and Sensor Filter

To Replace Filter: Replace lter when it

becomes visibly dirty or when the display shows “REPLACE SENSOR FILTER.” Unscrew probe

tip as shown to replace lter. The LD9-TG will

keep track of the number of hours of usage and advise the user when it is time to replace the

lter.

To Replace Sensor: Remove the sensor by pulling it out of the socket. Install the new sensor by aligning the grooves in the sensor cover with the raised grooves on the sensor

socket holder (see gure below).

NOTE: Do not force the sensor into the socket. Misalignment can damage the sensor pins.

Push straight on (do not twist) TO INSTALL sensor.

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REPLACE

SENSOR

FILTER

CHECK

SENSOR CONNECTION OR REPLACE

SENSOR

Filter

Pull straight out (do not twist)

TO REMOVE sensor.

CAUTION: The detector’s software is designed to alert the user if the

sensor is dislodged or defective. If the sensor is not fully inserted into the six-pin socket, or if it is defective, the unit will not come out of the warm up mode for proper operation when the power button is pressed. In this case, the message screen “CHECK SENSOR CONNECTION OR REPLACE SENSOR” will be displayed. Additionally, if the unit becomes unstable during operation, it is an indication that the sensor may be defective.

NOTE: If the leak detector has been out of use for an extended period of time, the following action is recommended. Power on the unit and allow it to come out of warm up, then run it at sensitivity level HI for several minutes before testing it with the leak test vial. This action will help ensure that the sensor is fully conditioned for maximum response to the tracer gas.

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LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

User Interface Displays

Power on; unit

displays logo

and model for 3

seconds

Unit begins searching Default is MED and AUTO

MED

AUTO

SENS

Hold down to change Auto/Manual

Shows raw signal from sensor Unit stays in HI and Manual mode Mute is turned on

HI SENS MAN

Model: LD9-TG

DETECTION

No Sound

Warm up

MAN

Press once for

UV LED

WARM UP

PLEASE WAIT

Rapid beep rate when leak is detected

LEAK SIZE

MED SENS

AUTO

Press once to

MUTE

Press again to

UNMUTE

AUTO

Normal beep rate;

Unit is ready

after 20 seconds

SENS

Press to change

sensitivity level

LO, MED, HI

AUTO

Press twice for Inspection LED

READY

AUTO

Press for

Leak Location

mode

AUTO

Sensor Clearing Message

NOTE: The “SENSOR CLEARING MESSAGE” is displayed when

the sensor becomes saturated with a very large concentration of gas. Recovery is normally less than 10 seconds, during which time the sensor will not function optimally.

Replace Sensor Filter Message

NOTE: The “REPLACE SENSOR FILTER” message is displayed

when the detector’s timer registers approximately 30 hours of accumulated use. Press the appropriate button when prompted “DONE” or “LATER” on the display. If “DONE” is selected, the detector will reset to zero hours. If “LATER” is selected, the

detector will continue to prompt the user to replace the lter after

each subsequent use until “DONE” is selected.

CLEARING

SENSOR PLEASE

WAIT

REPLACE

SENSOR

FILTER

LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

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Product Specications

Model No. LD9-TG

Name Leak Detector, Dual Mode Tracer Gas

Sensitivity Equiv.: .05 oz/yr R134a; .015 oz/yr R1234yf

UV Mode 3 UV LED

UV Wave-length 395–415 nanometers

Sensor Life > 10 years

Response Time Instantaneous

Power Supply 4 AA alkaline batteries

Battery Life 4 hours continuous

Warm up time < 20 seconds

LCD Display 128 x 160 full color graphic display

Probe Length 17 inches (43 cm)

Weight 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)

Warranty 2 years (includes sensor)

Replacement Parts for LD9-TG

Item Part Number

Sensor with Filter F00E901454

Sensor Filters (5 pack) F00E901446

Leak Test Vial F00E901447

Sensor Tip F00E901448

Parts Kit (includes sensor, test

vial & lter kit)

Carrying Case F00E901453

F00E901455

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LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

Cross Sensitivity to Automotive Chemicals

Some automotive solvents and chemicals have similar hydrocarbon properties as R134a and may elicit a positive response from the detector. Before leak checking, clean up any chemicals in the list below that elicit a positive response.

Chemical Name/Brand Response

Rain-X Windshield Wash Fluid Yes

Ford Spot Remover (wet) Yes

Ford Rust Inhibitor Yes

Ford Gasket Adhesive (wet) Yes

Loctite Natural Blue Degreaser (diluted) Yes

Ford Brake Parts Cleaner Yes

Ford Silicone Rubber (uncured) No

Motorcraft Antifreeze heated to 160 degrees F No

Gunk Liquid Wrench Yes

Ford Silicone Lubricant No

Ford Pumice Lotion (with solvent) Yes

Ford Motorcraft Brake Fluid Yes

Ford Carburetor Cleaner Yes

Dextron Transmission Fluid heated to 160 degrees F No

Quaker State Motor Oil heated to 160 degrees F No

LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

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Model: L9-TGKIT (Leak Detection Service Kit)

LD9-TGKIT Components:

• Tracer Gas 100 psi Regulator

• R134a Manual Service Coupler (Red)

• R1234yf Manual Service Coupler (Red)

• 8 ft. (2.4 m) Service Hose (Red)

• 18 in. (46 cm) Carrying Case

• LD9-TG Tracer Gas Leak Detector

Operating Instructions

1. Determine the refrigerant charge of the A/C system using refrigerant gauges (not included with this tool).

2. If there is a suspected refrigerant leak, use the SAE certied refrigerant leak detector models LD7, LD5, or LD3 to locate the leak(s).

3. Using an SAE certied A/C recovery machine (not included

with this tool), vacuum any remaining refrigerant out of the A/C system.

4. Connect the psi regulator to the tracer gas tank (not included with this tool) to charge the A/C system with tracer gas.

5. Connect the appropriate R134a or R1234yf service port coupler

tting to the hose and verify that the coupler is in the closed

position.

NOTE: Refrigerant may be used in some electric or hybrid vehicles to cool the batteries. Refer to the appropriate shop manual procedures to recover refrigerant from the battery coolant system, or to charge refrigerant into the system.

6. Open the valve on the tracer gas tank to charge the A/C system and adjust the psi regulator to 60 psi.

NOTE: Do not exceed the maximum pressure of the A/C

system being serviced. Refer to the appropriate shop manual specifications.

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LD9-TG AND LD9-TGKIT OPERATIONS MANUAL

7. Purge the air from the hose by loosening the hose fitting to the R134a or R1234yf service port coupler and then retightening.

8. Connect the service port coupler to the high side service port on the vehicle and open the service port coupler.

9. Allow the tracer gas to fill the A/C system. Refer to the appropriate shop manual for pressure specifications.

10. Use the model LD9-TG Leak Detector that is included with the LD9-TGKIT to check the system for leaks. Refer to the operating instructions for using the LD9-TG Leak Detector listed on page 4.

11. Sweep the probe tip slowly over the components, hoses, and metal

ttings that make up the A/C system.

NOTE: The hydrogen/nitrogen tracer gas mixture rises; it does not

sink like R134a or R1234yf refrigerant.

12. Discharge the tracer gas into the atmosphere after the system leak(s) are located. Do Not recover the tracer gas into an A/C recovery machine.

13. Charge the system with the appropriate R134a or R1234yf refrigerant only after the leak(s) are repaired and the A/C system retested with the tracer gas and LD9-TG Leak Detector.

Replacement Parts for LD9-TGKIT

Item Part Number

Tracer Gas 100 psi Regulator 12056

R134a Manual Service Coupler 18191A

R1234yf Manual Service Coupler 18123

8 ft. (2.4 m) Service Hose 33096

18 in. (46 cm) Carrying Case 12055

+ 35 hidden pages

Robinair LD9-TG, LD9-TGKIT Operating Instructions Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual