Tech Tip: Wintertime Heater Operation Guidelines
Wintertime heater operation presents numerous questions and problems. Here are some guidelines for professional technicians to ensure the heating efficiency of their customers’ vehicles when the weather turns cold. Verify coolant level and condition. If the system is low, the heater core is the first to lose coolant flow, causing a lack of heat in the passenger compartment. Old coolant can cause ….
Servicing Solutions: 15 Tips on Servicing Ford F-150s
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F-150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Beginning with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F-150. It is a new vehicle inside and out.
Cabin Air Filter Q & A
Question: How do you replace a cabin air filter? Answer: First you have to find it. The cabin air filter is usually located behind the glove box or at the base of the windshield in the cowl area over the HVAC inlet duct. The exact location can be found in the vehicle owner’s manual or
Spring Service:The Do’s and Don’ts of 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
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