The Chrysler Sebring air conditioning system consists of the condenser, high- and low- side hoses, compressor, accumulator and the evaporator. Any of these items have the potential to leak. If the Freon escaped due to a leak, the system needs to be recharged in order to locate the leak. Freon is colorless and odorless so the only way to locate a leak is to use a Freon detector or install a dye and look for the leak with an ultraviolet light.
Connect the system dye bottle to the low side Schrader valve. Connect the R134 refrigerant charge bottle and hose to the other side of the system dye bottle. Open the valve on the Freon can and allow the Freon and dye to enter the system.
Probe the entire system using the Freon detector. The closer the detector gets to Freon the louder it clicks or whistles depending on the make of detector. Start at the condenser in front of the radiator. Move the detector slowly, keeping in mind that Freon is heavier than air and will sink. Check the condenser cores and move on to the Freon lines exiting the condenser. Check all connectors thoroughly. Move on to the air compressor and check the manifold where the lines exit and around the clutch pulley. Follow the lines toward the firewall to the accumulator.
Check the evaporator by placing the Freon detector probe in front of the condensation hose sticking through the firewall on the passenger side. It will be low in the area of the floor board.
Check for a leak with the ultraviolet light if no leak has been detected so far. It may take an hour or two for the dye to seep out enough to be seen. Under the light, the dye will appear bright yellowish green. If it is difficult to find the leak, start the engine and turn on the air conditioning for 15 minutes and then shut the vehicle down and look again.
