Spring Service: Do’s and Don’ts in A/C Repair
As vehicle owners in many parts of the country begin using their air conditioning systems for the first time this year, some will be surprised to find their A/C system is not functioning properly or isn’t blowing out cold air like the summer past. The following is a recap of common A/C system problems, followed
Leak Detection: Tooling Up for Leak Detection
Leaks of one kind or another can always be a challenge to find if the leak isn’t obvious. Having the right tools to help you find leaks can save time, effort and reduce the risk of comebacks. So here are some common types of leaks and what kind of equipment you can use to find
A/C Update: Troubleshooting Smells
If your customer complains to you that his or her vehicles’ air conditioner blows out air that smells like the inside of old gym sneaker when the A/C is turned on, they are not alone. Literally. The cause – microbes that getting a free ride while growing on the A/C evaporator. Molds like damp, dark
Directions: Techs Offer Feedback on Proposed A/C Refrigerant Ban
The following comments regarding the proposed ban on the sale of automotive refrigerant to consumers (see page 32 of the May issue of Underhood Service) were e-mailed to me in the past few weeks. Most of the comments were directed toward Tom Brown and the coalition opposing such legislation. Note: Comments below may have been
A/C Update: The Future of R-134a
Alternative Refrigerants Loom on the Service Horizon
Chrysler & Jeep Cooling System & HVAC Service
Every car make has its quirks, and Chrysler and Jeep vehicles are no exception. In researching this article, we found several examples of heater problems in these vehicles that seem to be fairly common. On 2001 and 2002 Sebring Sedan, Sebring Convertible and Stratus Sedan, plus 1993 to 2002 Chrysler Concorde, LHS, New Yorker and
Flashing Signals / Reprogramming PCMs
You don’t have to be Microsoft A+ certified to flash reprogram automotive PCMs, but the process requires a certain amount of know-how as well as special tools and access to the latest OEM software upgrades (which are not free!). What’s more, it’s not a risk-free endeavor. Certain precautions must be undertaken before you begin, and
A/C Update: Keeping the Black Death at Bay
Over time, moisture contamination in an A/C system will form corrosive acids that attack metal surfaces and break down the lubricating qualities of the compressor oil. The result is a dark-colored sludge called “Black Death” that can gum up the orifice tube or expansion valve and ruin the compressor. How does moisture get in the
A/C Service: The Heart of the Matter
The heart of the business, feel the heart beat, he has a good heart. These familiar thoughts and sayings all refer to the same thing. Whether it is a figurative or literal reference, the message is the same. There is always a central and irreplaceable part or component or, sometimes, person to all things. This
A/C Update: Bad A/C Blowers & Fuses
One component air conditioners and heaters share in common is the blower motor. The blower motor is usually located in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) housing under the dash. The blower motor spins a squirrel cage fan that delivers both cold and hot air. If the driver wants cold air and turns on
AC Update: Finding and Fixing Leaks
Finding refrigerant leaks is a major aspect of A/C service. It makes no sense to recharge a leaky system with refrigerant if it will soon leak back out. Ultraviolet dyes can make even the smallest leaks clearly visible. But not all OEMs approve of their use. The domestic OEMs (Ford, GM and Chrysler) all use
A/C Update: Global Warming…Cooling Customers
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of automotive refrigerants and their impact on the environment. Ozone depletion is no longer the main concern. Now it’s global warming. Last year was the warmest year on record. Average temperatures all across the globe are on the rise as are ocean temperatures. Arctic