Climate Control Archives - Import Car
BMW Infotainment Systems

Even the most sophisticated systems can encounter issues.

Climate Control Modules

HVAC control modules may fail when the contacts and switches become inoperable. Sponsored by The Group Training Academy.

Dorman Launches 300+ New Products In November

Among the new products is an OE FIX climate control module designed to fit 1.7M Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana vehicles.

BMW Variable-Capacity A/C Compressors

Understanding the basics is important. The compressor is responsible for the pressure in the A/C system.

Prepare For R1234yf NOW

This “staggered” transition to R1234yf creates a problem for shops servicing these vehicles.

VIDEO: Updates On HVAC Maintenance

Andrew Markel tackles HVAC maintenance, and how advances in A/C systems are increasing efficiency, and decreasing the margin of error for technicians. Sponsored by Nissan.

hvac-maintenance-video-featured
Air Conditioning System Advances Change Service Opportunities

The attention-grabbing headline in the world of air conditioning is usually the switching of refrigerants as the industry and regulators continue to search for the next level of environmental friendliness. But the underrated A/C story that’s slowly developed during the same time period is the overall improvement of A/C systems.

Four Seasons Honored With Most Innovative New Product Award At MACS Show

Four Seasons was recently honored with the “Most Innovative New Product” award for its Deslugger compressor clutch timer during the 2014 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Training Event and Trade Show, held in New Orleans, La.

A/C Diagnostics 101: The Value Of Scanners

Leave it to the manufacturers to take a simple thing like heat and air conditioning and turn it into an electronic jungle of wiring, sensors and computer components. HVAC units have come a long way from when I started in the business. Not that I want to dwell on the past, but it might be a good idea to make sure we understand the basics before diving into the problem of today’s systems. I always feel that if I understand a system fully before doing any repair work, I’m more likely to get it right the first time.

Why Oil Balancing Is Critical When Replacing A Compressor

The purpose of oil balancing is to make sure the amount of oil in the A/C system remains at the correct level. The first thing to consider when performing the process is the amount of oil contained in the replacement compressor. This can vary from a full charge of oil (8 oz./236 mL), to a half charge of oil or no oil at all. If oil is contained in the replacement compressor, it will have to be removed and reinstalled in the correct amount to properly balance the system.

Cabin Air Filter: The Unseen Automotive Filter

A new cabin air filter is something many motorists need, but often don’t know it. The cabin air filter (CAF) is not a well-known or well-publicized filter. Close to 90% of late-model cars and trucks now come factory-equipped with a cabin air filter, but the original filters in many of these vehicles have never been changed!

A/C Compressors Take A Pounding

The A/C compressor is a pump that compresses and circulates refrigerant within the A/C system. Some have pistons inside while others have rotating vanes on an eccentric or a pair of metal scrolls or spirals around an eccentric. Many late-model vehicles have “variable displacement” compressors that change the piston stroke to increase or decrease the volume of refrigerant flowing through the system. Some of these run continuously instead of cycling on and off like conventional A/C compressors.