A/C Update: German Automakers To Develop CO2 A/C Systems
Geneva International Motor Show exhibitors Volkswagen, Daimler AG, Porsche, Audi and BMW agree to develop CO2 A/C systems for their vehicles.
SAE Says Level Of Confidence In Safety Of HFO-1234yf ‘Continues To Grow’
Honeywell is reporting that SAE International has reiterated a “high level of confidence” in the safety of Honeywell’s new low-global-warming-potential mobile air conditioning refrigerant, HFO-1234yf, for use in automobiles.
A/C Update: The Case Against HFO-1234yf ‘Heats Up’
Volkswagen follows Daimler’s lead in its pushback against A/C refrigerant R-1234yf.
A/C Update: R-134a Retrofits Still An Option – At The Right Price
On older vehicles equipped with R-12 systems, is it better to perform a retrofit or is it better to repair the OEM A/C system back to its original form?
VW’s Says it Will Not Use HFO-1234yf Refrigerant in New Vehicles
In a release from R744.com, Volkswagen chief Ferdinand Piech says “the right refrigerant is CO2” for mobile air-conditioning and decides against using 1234yf in new vehicles.
Diagnostic Solutions: Fluid Maintenance Issues
Several factors are driving modern fluid maintenance services. First, a modern vehicle’s service life often extends to well over 200,000 miles and good fluid maintenance practices are, in part, responsible for that remarkable achievement. Second, car counts in many shops are declining because late-model vehicles require less scheduled maintenance and less frequent repairs. Consequently, many shops are looking at add-on services, such as fluid maintenance, to boost shop revenues.
Tech Tip: Subaru Excessive A/C System Pressures
If you experience a vehicle with excessive A/C system pressures, did you know you could quickly rule out these easy checks before making any component replacements?
Directions: When it Comes to A/C Cans, NRDC Gives DIYers the Cold Shoulder
The NRDC argues that cross-contamination of refrigerant will be a problem in future A/C systems and is looking to keep the cans out of the hands of consumers.
A/C Update: Risky Business
As you may know, the air conditioning compressors in many hybrid vehicles are operated by an electric motor instead of a drive belt. The motor’s insulated windings are immersed in the compressor’s lubricating oil. The oils used in these compressors are formulated to have high dielectric properties, that makes them non-conductive.
Ban on R-134a Consumer Sale in Wisconsin Ends
Parts stores in Wisconsin will be able to begin selling refrigerant for motor vehicles in less-than-15-pound containers, thanks to AAIA-supported legislation that was signed by the governor on April 2.
Directions: Issues on 1234yf Still Up in the Air
There has been a lot of talk about the new HFO-1234yf A/C refrigerant making its way into new vehicles. Some of the misconceptions and rumors about the refrigerant were addressed at the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) convention and trade show in January. One of the biggest concerns techs and shop owners have is which vehicles will have the new system.
Dangerous R-134a Contamination Found Worldwide
Neutronics, a provider of gas analysis and gas handling technologies, yesterday issued a warning distributed by the Mobile Air Conditioning Society, advising that all industries using R-134a refrigerant immediately test all cylinders thought to be virgin R-134a (including new 30 pound cylinders) due to reports of widespread contamination.