BMW Feature: Understanding Variable-Capacity A/C Compressors
Diagnostic Specialist Sergio Fernandez discusses the ins and outs of the swash-plate compressor and how its variable cylinder displacement allows for the most efficient HVAC operation and boosts fuel economy.
Making The RRRight Decision: Buying A New Refrigerant Recovery Machine
Buying a new refrigerant Recovery/Recycle/Recharge machine can be a bit overwhelming. The item is expensive and complicated, and there are a lot of choices out there. Each manufacturer has a compelling story to tell about why its machine is the only logical choice. Hopefully the following article will help you make a good decision for your particular needs.
Tool Tip: General Practices When Using Refrigerant Leak Detection Dye or an Electronic Leak Detector
Leak Detection Dye 1. Operate the vehicle for a minimum of 20 minutes with the compressor running to circulate the leak detection dye throughout the air conditioning system. For passive or intermittent leaks, it may take longer than 20 minutes for the dye to find the leak and be visible during the inspection. 2. Use
A/C Update – Are Your Techs ‘Overcharging?’
In the world of public opinion, if you were asked if your technicians were overcharging your customers, you might interpret that as an issue pertaining to the customer’s repair bill. However, in the world of mobile air conditioning service, we’re referring to the problem of some vehicle A/C systems being (unknowingly) charged with too much refrigerant.
Get Ready For A/C Season With Four Seasons
To help professional service technicians get ready for the upcoming A/C season, Four Seasons, a division of Standard Motor Products (SMP), has added an A/C tune-up page to its website.
German Automakers To Develop CO2 A/C Systems
In early March, Volkswagen announced that it is taking an important step towards sustainability and environmental protection by choosing CO2 as the future refrigerant for its air conditioning systems. At the Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen affirmed its entry into CO2 technology would be rolled out progressively over its entire vehicle fleet.
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.
New Snap-on A/C Catalog offers An Array Of A/C Tools And Equipment
The new Snap-on A/C Equipment and Tools Catalog includes three models of A/C recyclers as well as a wide assortment of accessories, gauges, leak detection tools and kits. Service technicians can increase the shop’s performance with vacuum pumps, UV lights, A/C hose crimper sets and digital and infrared thermometers as well as flaring tool sets. The catalog also highlights special pricing on service tools such as a flush kit, tube benders and cutters and an adjustable spanner wrench.
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.
Cavalry Air Launches Into The Aftermarket; Offers Complete Line Of Temperature Control Products
Attendees of the 2013 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) annual trade show, being held Feb. 7-9 in Orlando, Fla., will see a new name on the scene this year. New temperature control products supplier Cavalry Air will introduce itself to the industry at the MACS event later this month.
Tech Tip: Cold Temps Set DTC On Some GM Vehicles
Some GM customers may find that their vehicle’s malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates after starting the vehicle when using the engine coolant heater in very cold ambient temperatures.
A/C Update: The Case Against HFO-1234yf ‘Heats Up’
Volkswagen follows Daimler’s lead in its pushback against A/C refrigerant R-1234yf.