Quick connector detection tool and method

A tool for confirming a connection status of a fluid line to a quick-connect fluid coupling assembly, the fluid line having a shoulder portion and the fluid coupling assembly comprising a retaining clip and a body, the retaining clip having a plurality of protrusions and the body defining a plurality of slots for receiving the protrusions such that the protrusions extend through the slots to engage the shoulder portion and secure the fluid line to the fluid coupling assembly when the fluid line is properly connected to the fluid coupling assembly, the tool comprising:

• a hub portion defining a locating surface configured to interface with an outer portion of the fluid line;
• at least one axially extending finger having a first portion that is fixedly coupled to the hub portion, the finger having a distal end situated away from the first portion of the finger;
• a handle portion;
• a spring portion coupled to the hub portion and to the handle portion, the spring portion configured to allow relative rotational movement between the hub portion and the handle portion;
• and
• an indicating means;
• such that, when the tool is placed with the locating surface in contact with the outer portion of the fluid line, when a sufficient biasing force is applied to the tool in an axial direction to force the distal end of the finger to contact either the shoulder portion of the fluid line or the retaining clip, and when a sufficient forcing torque is applied to the handle portion to rotate the tool by a predetermined amount about a longitudinal axis of the fluid line, the finger cooperates with the retaining clip to produce a reaction torque sufficient to deflect the spring portion and activate the indicating means when the fluid line is properly connected to the fluid coupling assembly.