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.
Top 5 Tools: James Rosson, Rosson Radiator A/C Repair Shop
The Top 5 Favorite Tools of Top Technicians
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.
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?
Tech Tip: Water Intrusion From A/C Drain May Cause DTCs On Ford SUVs
A DTC may appear on some 2006-’10 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and 2007-’10 Explorer Sport Trac vehicles due to water traveling down from the A/C drain into the solenoid body connector on the left side of the transmission.