The world’s best mobile A/C training all in one place!
MACS 2016 Training Event Feb 11-13
Scheduling of training has been optimized to double the number of training courses and topics attendees can experience during the two-day event.
THURSDAY MORNING AND AFTERNOON
PASSENGER CAR / LIGHT TRUCK / TECHNICAL / MANAGEMENT
(Six classes available: Each repeats Thursday afternoon)
Attendees can choose from six different classes available during the day. For passenger car / light truck, each class is 90 minutes in length, allowing participants to attend four of the six classes offered, both Thursday and Saturday.
Mastering electrical troubleshooting
Does the idea of dealing with an electrical complaint make you uneasy? Are you still relying on ohm testing to check components? When you say you’ve tested power and grounds, did you really? In this program hosted by Motor Age technical editor Peter Meier, you’ll learn that you needn’t be an engineer to solve the majority of electrical problems you face. Learn how to make three measurements, at the most, to isolate the section of any circuit failure and then home in on the cause. Electrical theory, use of the wiring schematic and the digital multimeter will be included.
TXVs: Function, diagnostic and testing tips
The Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV) can be one of the more difficult air conditioning components to diagnose. It is the only other moving part in the refrigerant circuit apart from the compressor. It can fail outright, go out of calibration or suffer from intermittent issues. In this class Peter McArdle of Four Seasons will cover the fundamentals of TXV function and operation; attendees will learn about TXV Superheat, Tonnage and MOP, and leave with some neat testing and diagnostic tips.
F.R.E.D. Goes to Tomorrowland: Telematics and advanced body electronics
In this brand new course, Dave Hobbs of Delphi takes you, the intermediate to advanced automotive technician, on a journey starting with F.R.E.D.s (Frustrating Ridiculous Electronic Devices) used in today’s advanced body electronics systems such as Telematics, C.A.N. Expansion Buses, M.O.S.T. Buses (optic and wired), Forward Cameras and Smart Key Systems, then blasts you into future technologies coming sooner than you think. Future technologies such as autonomous cars, collision avoidance systems and off peak automatic software update will be covered. Case studies and electronic circuit diagnostics round out this fun and informative class that will sharpen your diagnostics skills for the automotive electronics of today and tomorrow.
Integrated climate control diagnostics
The days of simple air conditioning and heating repairs are long gone, which means the strategy for diagnosing these systems needs to change. Today’s climate control systems are fully integrated, using a complex vehicle network, with shared modules, sensors and actuators. The answer for the customer’s concern could be a simple sensor failure or as complex as tracking down corrosion in one of the network splice packs, causing two modules to not communicate correctly. This session, sponsored by Bosch and presented by Jim Wilson, will help you develop a solid strategy for diagnosing the complete system, which will ensure the issue is diagnosed accurately and efficiently the first time. Topics to be covered: overview of integrated climate control systems; remembering the basics; how to diagnose common vehicle network issues; and diagnostic tips.
Targeting customers online: There are no silver bullets
So, you have a website, congratulations! Now what? In order for your website to be effective and help your business grow, you need website visitor traffic. And not just any kind of traffic but the right kind of traffic, that converts visitors into paying customers. In his program, Danny Sanchez, AMI Accredited Instructor, Certified Google AdWords Specialist and Internet Marketing Expert with Autoshop Solutions will introduce you to strategies for increasing your shop’s website traffic and Internet visibility. This is the class that gets the Internet working in your favor, bringing new customers, and putting more cars in the bays.
STOP second time $0 profits on cooling systems
Losing profits on cooling system jobs? If you have been replacing the same component, for the second time with the same results, then STOP and participate in this class conducted by Bobby Bassett of Gates Corporation. During the session, we will explore the root cause failures along with the effects they have on the Accessory Belt Drive System (ABDS) and Coolant System. You will learn about the latest inspection recommendation process called 160R90. About ABDS: How loss of tension affects the system; why belt noise is symptomatic of system failure (not a belt issue); how to determine if a tensioner is beginning to fail; what a decoupler pulley is, its failure modes and how to replace it. About coolant failure: why 95% of water pumps replaced show coolant related failures; why, if certain conditions prevail in the coolant system, failure is imminent; why partial coolant replacement should become a thing of the past; why your customer may return with additional failures in less than 7 months / 7,700 miles if the coolant system is not flushed.
THURSDAY ALL DAY
HEAVY DUTY TRUCK / OFF-ROAD VEHICLES / TECHNICAL
(Classes are in general session format and do not repeat)
Not all O-rings are created equal
This presentation by Aaron Clark of Eaton will include a review of O-ring materials, the need to use a high quality O-ring and why, the difference in materials used in O-rings and how they react to refrigerant oils. Also included: O-ring colors, moisture and other contaminants, and recommended best practices for assembly and lube of O-rings in the field.
HVAC System service and design
This session with Dan Spurgeon of Caterpillar will include the latest updates and repair procedures for servicing HVAC systems, followed by a summary of some of the latest designs that are just now entering production. The focus for this part of the discussion will be the unique features of these new designs with an emphasis on the impact on field diagnosis and repair. Additionally, the session will include a discussion of the evolution of electrical control systems used on CAT machines.
Why are leaks so hard to find?
This session presented by Robert Brocx of Red Dot will include a demonstration comparing techniques used to identify when an A/C system has a leak prior to adding refrigerant, techniques used to locate a leak and ways to reduce the occurrence of refrigerant leaks.
HVAC Service and repair tips
The presentation will include information on air filtration and filter servicing, aluminum heat exchangers, A/C service techniques regarding purging and evacuating the system, and general trouble shooting tips, including some electrical and electronics components, with Alan Leupold of Bergstrom.
Bus A/C repair procedures
John Lucas, Service Manager of American Cooling Technology, will conduct a one hour session on Bus A/C Repair Procedures. The session will include system familiarization, preventative maintenance guidelines and troubleshooting techniques. In addition, the session will also cover leak detection as well as inspection of defective parts to avoid future reoccurrences.
Compressors: How and why they fail
T/CCI’s Jim Guthridge, Director of Engineering, will present on a hot topic in our industry – he will cover common failures in the field and their causes, along with the different geographic factors that play into compressor performance. He will also discuss selecting the right compressor for the right application. Guthridge will present a solutions-based, problem-solving approach as to how to make the best selection for your heavy-duty application.
SATURDAY MORNING AND AFTERNOON
PASSENGER CAR / LIGHT TRUCK / TECHNICAL / MANAGEMENT
(Six classes available: Each repeats Saturday afternoon)
Optimizing system charge levels for modern replacement condensers
Your replacement condenser may actually be more efficient than the one it is replacing. However, its internal physical volume and heat exchange efficiency may be significantly different than the original – even the OE replacement. If the system charge level is not optimized to take account of these differences, the system may not perform satisfactorily; and worse, catastrophic compressor damage may result. Come to this class led by Peter McArdle of Four Seasons and learn how to adjust and optimize the system charge level on both orifice tube and TXV systems to match alternative condenser designs.
Lessons on becoming a forensic A/C Analyst
The vehicle has become one Big Node! Many times, customer complaints about poor cooling may have nothing at all to do with the A/C system. Vehicles have become a virtual complexity of systems, which now talk to each other and share data over networks at various speeds using different communication protocols. If we have a performance deficiency in the cooling system, we can automatically have an A/C complaint. The customer will not come into the service provider complaining about a cooling system problem. Instead, they’ll bring the vehicle in explaining that the A/C is not blowing cold enough. This seminar with Peter Orlando of Automotive Training Technologies will cover: customer/operator vehicle problem interrogation; troubleshooting main and sub-electrical system malfunctions; scan tool data interpretation versus actual A/C performance issues; A/C actuator testing using your low amp current probe; the cause and effect of climate control pattern failures. NEVER stop diagnosing until you have nothing left to diagnose!
Thermodynamics for auto mechanics
As technology evolves, it becomes increasingly important that we have a good foundational knowledge of thermodynamics. Constant-run compressors and in-line heat exchangers are changing the game and we need to understand how and why it works. In this course with Tim Iezzi of Iezzi’s Auto Service we will explore the laws of thermodynamics and how they apply to a modern vapor-compression refrigeration system. We will then use this knowledge to explain why we see the temperature and pressure changes we experience in an automotive air conditioning system.
Cooling the classics
Classic cars are a passion for many automotive enthusiasts. Even back in the day, many were originally built with A/C direct from the factory. While modern A/C systems become more and more complicated, the proper service methods, techniques and necessary considerations for working on these older systems don’t have to be left behind. Join shop owner and Mopar Master R.C. Schirmer of Glen-ray Radiators as he teams up with A/C Techline specialist Dennis Husband of 1-800-Radiator & A/C for an information packed class on the many considerations you must take into account when cooling the classics.
Optimize your presence, optimize your profits
Everyone uses the Internet, but not everyone accesses it the same way. Smartphones, tablets, Kindles, desktops – your customers are looking for you on all kinds of devices, and it’s up to you to make your business visible, no matter what technology they’re using. Take advice from AMI-accredited speaker, former shop owner, and Internet marketing thought leader Danny Sanchez of Autoshop Solutions, as he guides you through Google’s requirements and latest trends in user interaction online. Learn how to ensure your automotive business is optimizing your profitability on the internet.
HVAC Technology and service: Cool technology heading your way
This seminar with Phil Dionne of ACDelco will cover recent advances in automotive Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Topics include: new refrigerants (HFO-1234yf and others), new components, hybrid and electric vehicle thermal management, refrigerant circuit enhancements, new actuators, networking, sensors, reprogramming, service procedures, tools and equipment.
SATURDAY ALL DAY
HEAVY DUTY TRUCK / OFF-ROAD VEHICLES / TECHNICAL
(Classes are in general session format and do not repeat)
Freightliner Columbia and M2 HVAC system overview and service procedures
This program presented by Larry Turay of LETCO Enterprises will cover system design and component details used on these trucks. Larry will cover diagnostic procedures and the use of Service Link to read, interpret and clear fault codes on both systems. Common HVAC problems found on these applications will be discussed as well.
DENSO’s New HVAC for motor homes & How to use the DENSO website to get HD info
This presentation by Tom Potter will cover DENSO’s new HVAC for Motor Homes, and how to use the DENSO web site to get information on motor home parts and service information and other HD technical information.
FEATURED PRESENTATIONS
THURSDAY KEYNOTE LUNCHEON
Tony Molla, vice president at the Automotive Service Association (ASA)
Tony Molla, vice president of the Automotive Service Association, will address the industry’s ongoing transition. He notes that “The automotive service industry is in the midst of the largest generational shift in its 100+ year history. The men and women who will be stepping into leadership roles face technology and business challenges we could only scarcely imagine 25 years ago. We’ll take a look back at where we were and a look ahead at some of our possible futures as we meet a few of those leaders of tomorrow and explore the many ways automotive service will never be the same.”
FRIDAY MORNING KICK-OFF
EPA / OEMs / INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES
Rebecca von dem Hagen of the U.S. EPA will discuss rules and regulations governing mobile air conditioning service. MACS technical advisor Ward Atkinson will offer perspective on current and future challenges in the industry. Mike Hope of Jaguar Land Rover will provide an update from that auto manufacturer. Tony Molla, vice president of ASA, will moderate a panel discussion with the participants named above, as well as Al McAvoy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Angelo Patti of Ford and Curt Vincent of General Motors.
FRIDAY IN THE TRADE SHOW
Free Section 609 tech training and certification
Here’s the perfect opportunity for A/C technicians to check out the leading suppliers to the mobile A/C industry and get the MACS U.S. EPA-required training and Section 609 certification – all in one place.
GUEST SPEAKER FOR SATURDAY LUNCH
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) R-1234yf Service Update
FCA began using R-1234yf in 2013 on the Jeep Cherokee and has expanded the use of R-1234yf to the majority of its current Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo vehicles sold in the US. This update by FCA’s Al McAvoy will include: Update on current vehicles being built with R-1234yf; current service issues; and compressor and oil application.
