Features:

  • Excellent sensor with maximum sensitivity of 6gr/yr, the Freon leak detector detects all kinds of halogen refrigerants including but not limited to R11, R12, R500, R503, R22, R123, R124, R502, R125, R134a, R404a R600a R290
  • Real time sensitivity, refrigerant Freon leak detector can be automatically adjusted to the best optimum detecting state
  • Flexible probe can reach to almost any awkward corners or space; More stable gas leak detector with precise ultra-low power IC design
  • Tricolor display of battery voltage; Siren sound and flashing light for the leak alarm indicator
  • We offer 100% satisfaction guarantee and one year warranty
Saved the day and $300 of effort

This is going to be a lengthy review by my husband: I'm a car mechanic novice, and decided to upgrade my 17-year-old car's AC after it leaked R134a during the winter, and had no clue that a device like this existed until consulting the forums. This low-cost device saved me from throwing $300 of new parts out the window. After putting my AC system together and ensuring that everything was torqued to specifications (new O-rings, compressor, accumulator, orifice expansion valve), I pulled a vacuum on the system. Much to my dismay, a leak existed in the system (-28 psi would become -2 psi within an hour). After 2 hours of checking everything in 100 degree garage heat, I decided to purchase a universal AC dye kit and dye. The cost was slightly more than this sniffer device. I injected a few ounces through the manifold (like many Youtube videos describe) and had enough pressure to kick the new compressor on for 20 minutes. I then investigated in the dark for leaks... after an hour of angling a mirror into a hard-to-find place (thanks GM, the Buick Regal 1999 decided to hide the orifice replacement under the brake booster and brake module -- I'd like to know how that passed the design committee), I still couldn't find the leak. I tried using a stethoscope to listen to leaking sounds, but the bubbling within the system made it hard to make sense of the sounds. A day later, I tried again, as I felt an ozone layer open above my house as I released another expensive 12-ounce can of Suva into my car. Again, no sign of the dye. My theory is that there wasn't enough circulation through the system to make it to the other side. I was then under an ultimatum -- I was going to put my car back together and drive it without AC, and consider my investment in a vacuum, compressor, and new tools as a lesson. It was still less than a mechanic would charge. I then saw a video about using a sniffer tool and decided that solving the leak mystery would be better than giving up, so I ordered (and even paid for overnight shipping). After reading several reviews for this item, I learned the following: Make sure to put 4 (four) AAA batteries in it; some people don't realize it needs 4. Next, know that freon/Suva/134a/R12 sinks -- it's heavier than air. Based on those physics, you need to run the sniffer prob slowly along your pathway, without a fan running. It was worth the puddle of sweat I left on the floor in the hot garage. Upon putting batteries into the device, I turned the device on and walked into the garage, and the beeping started to increase frequency. I hadn't even approached the car, but then discovered that one of my valves wasn't complete shut off, and the device had picked up on the small leak. Wow! I then held the device under many of the connections, and within 2 minutes, discovered the leak in the last place I'd expect -- the easiest, most-accessible location. I filled a few ounces of Suva (R134a) into the system without turning the car on, and was jumping for joy. Dye couldn't have found this leak because it was furthest from the dye point and the compressor hadn't carried it far enough. As it turned out, one of the brand-new O-rings was insufficient in sealing the leak. Based on how easy this device was to use, and how little it costs compared with a dye detection, I highly recommend it in your toolbox, especially if you're a novice. It also works for other types of chlorine/fluorine/bromine gasses, but all I cared about was the R134a detection. I haven't replaced the O-ring yet, but I was excited enough to write this review because of how easy it was to locate. My kids will have AC in my car once again. First world problems.... Edit: After seeing some other reviews, I'd like to point out that my unit did not come with batteries. I used fresh AAA batteries (alkaline). Also, the instruction manual was very detailed, and I didn't notice any glaring grammar errors (I was skimming), but I felt the instructions were perfect (quick start guide is glued to the device with 5 simple steps). The carrying case is padded and will store my sniffer and protect the tip for my next AC adventure, but I'll remove the batteries so that they don't degrade. I'd also like to point out that the results were consistent with the location... my 9-year-olds even tried it and thought it was amazing.

Inexpensive leak detector

After reading many reviews on this detector, I was hesitant to buy it. For the price I thought I would give it a try. I needed a simple freon leak detector & this looked like a super deal. I have used this 3 times so far & have had no issues. I am using rechargeable batteries & have no issues. It works as designed for me & i'm happy I got it. The sensitivity adjustment works just fine for me.

Great buy, super fast shipping!

I bought this for my husband a few days ago, and it arrived today. Super fast shipping and the best price I could find anywhere! I saw some reviews that said that this sniffer didn't work. It almost didn't work for us, until my husband figured out a few things. 1) It takes 4 (four) batteries, not 2. When you open it up, it looks like it only holds 2, but you have to pull it out and put 2 more batteries on the back side of the holder. 2) Make sure you are putting the batteries in correctly. My husband uses Kirkland batteries, which look like they have 2 positive ends. He figured out that one of the batteries was in upside-down and now this thing works like a charm! He said it was amazing how sensitive it is! This is a great buy, folks!

Freon leak detecter

Hey everybody, just a fyi,I work with all kinds of freon,I had a leak in couldn't find, I used all kinds of dye and nothing, I bought this unit and had a good laugh it's small and kinda cheap looking, but let me tell you I was. Wrong. I put batteries in turn , and turned it on, stared checking lines, Bamb, there it was, I'm not joking, it took less than a minute to find. I recommend this to any one who works with freon. When you first start, turn it up and as the beeping starts give it a sweep in the air to give you an ideal where the leak is,as you get close range start turning down and start to narrow your search, and in my case I wend down the lines slow,and then the beeping starts to get fast, bang I had it, a little hole rubbed in the line, paid for it self the first time I've used it, give it a try, you won't be sorry.

Did a great job

Tried this out the day I received it, all over the engine compartment for the car I bought it to diagnose. It wouldn't beep one little bit. But that's because it turns out the leak was INSIDE the firewall, behind the glove compartment in the dash. When I brought it around into the passenger cabin, it signaled immediately on the open glove box. Works exactly as intended.

You need this if you fix your own car

This detector did exactly what I purchased it for - found the leak in the AC system in less than 10 minutes. I had the pump to evacuate the system and replace the o-rings that were leaking and saved a lot of money. Put a piece of tape over the speaker hole to quiet it down a bit. Everyone that works on cars should have this in their tool box.

Works Great

I have a leaking coil on my home HVAC. This cheap detector would alert every time consistently in the area where we suspected the leak to be, and It didn't seem to give any false positives. The detector my AC repair guy was using wouldn't give repeatable results at all. He could place it in the area we suspected the leak to be and sometimes it would alert and sometimes not. Not saying this detector is better than the expensive ones the pros use but in my particular case it was.

Works are described

After reading the instructions I went to work finding a freon leak and it found the area fairly quickly. I'm not sure how long the tip may last but it was worth the price. Btw, if you have o-ring freon leaking problems use NILOG RT-201B to cure those woes very effectively.

Works well,

It works. My mechanic wanted $1000 to change the condenser. He said that since he could not find a leak anywhere else, that was what the problem must be. Using the leak detector, i found that freon was leaking from one of the valves that are used to charge the system. (They ar called Schrader Valves.) Only one was leaking but I changed both of them. I also changed the rubber rings in the plastic caps that cover the valves. The valves were two dollars and change each. A box of rubber rings cost $15 on line. I also had to refill the system with freon. Total cost of repair was under $50. The freon had been leaking out to the point of the AC not working in about two days. It is 6 weeks now and the AC is working fine. It was a little tricky adjusting the frbovr the first time i used it. But once you get used to it, it is not a problem.

Found my leak

Very easy to use. My refrigerator had been leaking freon slowly for months, and I had to charge it up about once per month. With this tool, it took me about 15 minutes to find the leak. It was leaking from a schrader valve which I had installed years ago. There is one thing, though, and I think this applies to all halogen gas detectors: It will read false positive around water. If you place the tip near condensation or icy lines, it may think it is a freon leak. Not really a big deal. Just make sure you dry off the area you are searching. Also, be very sure not to accidentally dip the tip into water. That can damage the sensor. So don't just probe around in places you can't see.

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