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AIM: EPA’s HFC Authority Is On!
May 14, 2021
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which at $2.3 trillion is one of the largest spending bills in US history. It combines $600 billion in COVID relief with $1.4 trillion in twelve different appropriations bills. One of them is the AIM Act.Read Article >
Temperature Matters
May 11, 2021
In addition to having good contact with connectors and getting accurate readings, there are some other important things to remember when doing temperature testing.Read Article >
Pass the temperature probe
May 4, 2021
The first step is to run the A/C system for a few minutes to let it stabilize. Then both probes should be connected side by side at both points that will be temperature tested in the system. For example, if you were testing the temperature drop across the condenser, this would need to be done on both the discharge line and the liquid line.Read Article >
Registration is now open for MACS 2021 Training Event and Trade Show
May 3, 2021
Come join MACS in Orlando, FL to attend the 2021 Training Event and Trade Show, registration is openRead Article >
Are you using the right tools for mobile A/C repair?
April 30, 2021
Your shop’s R-134a recovery/recycling/recharge (R/R/R) machine is in well-maintained condition. You have an R-1234yf gauge manifold set and an R-1234yf machine is on order; should arrive shortly.Read Article >
Contact counts in temperature testing
April 27, 2021
Proper contact is vital when connecting to A/C lines using the contact type temperature thermometers. To determine if I am getting good contact, I always like to place both connectors side by side on the same line and observe the temperature readings.Read Article >
MACS Mobile A/C Update Webinar Now Available On Demand
April 22, 2021
Every year the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association creates a special mobile A/C update clinic to help working technicians keep up with the rapidly changing mobile A/C service and repair...Read Article >
Tips for taking your mobile A/C system’s temperature
April 20, 2021
The contact type units do indeed have a high degree of accuracy, but precautions must be taken when using them (especially connecting to lines) to ensure the accuracy. Otherwise, it is possible to get readings that are easily 5° to 10° off and that can lead to an incorrect diagnosis.Read Article >
The pressure is on
April 19, 2021
By appearance, radiator caps seem to be a simple device. Yet, many technicians do not understand the cap’s real functionRead Article >
Temperature testing accuracy
April 13, 2021
Temperature readings can be easily used to determine if an orifice tube system might be undercharged, and they can also be used to charge an orifice tube system. But if the readings are not accurate, all they are going to do is cause you problems.Read Article >
The Humble Mechanic, Charles Sanville to deliver MACS Keynote address
April 12, 2021
Charles Sanville, known as The Humble Mechanic, will deliver the Keynote address for MACS 2021 Training Event and Trade Show in Orlando, FL.Read Article >
Then things got complicated!
April 9, 2021
It was a 2013 Camaro. The complaint was poor cooling and the temp really would not change when you switched it from heat to cool. In diagnosing the job, the technician found the blend door was stuck to where it was blending heat. Until it was pulled out, the tech was not sure if it was a bad actuator or door.Read Article >
MACS upcoming training clinic, register today!
April 7, 2021
MACS will present Peter Orlando from CARQUEST Technical Institute for a Mobile A/C Service Essentials webinar. May 13Read Article >
Avoiding an oily situation
April 6, 2021
If you own a mobile A/C repair shop this is when you start to gear up for it, by replenishing your parts inventories and an important segment of those inventories is compressor oil.Read Article >
Preseason Training: A Service Manager’s Guide to Preparation
April 1, 2021
Proper training can limit the time period that any given mechanic spends in the novice stages of their career, and it may help them advance to expert performance levels in an expedited time period.Read Article >
How to deal with a compressor oil viscosity change
March 30, 2021
dealing with a catastrophic compressor failure where system flushing and component replacement removes all the oil from the system, then it is a matter of just installing the correct quantity of the oil that is specified for the replacement compressor.Read Article >
Texas Truck A/C thrives for 25 years
March 29, 2021
As Texas Truck A/C owners, employees, and customers celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary of being in operation, this business demonstrates what it means to not only survive for 25 years but to thrive.Read Article >
ParkSmart Bunk A/C System Freightliner P3 Cascadia
March 24, 2021
The ParkSmart auxiliary HVAC system has been offered to replace the standard auxiliary HVAC unit.Read Article >
Why does the replacement compressor use different oil (than the original unit)
March 23, 2021
That is viscosity and specifically why a replacement compressor might use a different viscosity oil than its OEM counterpart.Read Article >
Does the compressor contain oil?
March 17, 2021
A question that comes up frequently on A/C tech lines is: Does the compressor contain oil and if so, how much?Read Article >
Marks Air celebrates 50 years of mobile air success
March 16, 2021
MACS member Marks Air Inc. celebrates 50 years of being in business.Read Article >
Tank full of air!
March 15, 2021
The problem is usually caused by excessive air in a system, and since too few shops use a refrigerant identifier, they don’t know when these problems come up, nor how often they are solving problems by doing this.Read Article >
Time to plug into EV training
March 10, 2021
Read any automotive publication or website, and you will see numerous stories from all the big automotive manufacturers and quite a few shiny new start-ups about vehicle electrification.Read Article >
How much oil “goes” in the compressor?
March 9, 2021
There is also an additional step which is required in the oil draining process with this unit. That step is that the suction damper needs to be depressed to allow proper ventilation when draining one of these compressors.Read Article >
Helpful tips to register for MACS online training clinics
March 5, 2021
Helpful tips on how to register for a class on the MACS websiteRead Article >
“Balancing” oil balancing
February 23, 2021
What should we do if performing an oil balance and only 1/4 oz of oil drains from the original compressorRead Article >
Caveman to Mr. Cool
February 18, 2021
Over 300,000 years ago, modern man began walking the earth relying heavily on his five senses-- especially sight – to hunt, find joy, and avoid danger. In 1914, Garrett Morgan, who decided it was important to protect man’s eyes during hazardous situations, developed what we know today as ‘safety’ glasses.Read Article >
Fix it correctly the first time
February 15, 2021
A cooling system classroom lesson By Christopher J. Holley, MACS Contributing Editor A 2017 Accord with an overheating 2.4L engine arrived at our college lab. The customer had a limited...Read Article >
A Change in Temperature
February 10, 2021
Using a contact thermometer, they quickly discovered 50° on the suction line at the expansion valve, and down at the compressor it read 96°. Along any length of hose or tube, there should be very little change in temperature.Read Article >
Compressor Oil: When is it enough?
February 9, 2021
But how do we know that a system has the correct amount in it to start with?Read Article >
MACS Board of Directors Elects 2021 Officers
February 8, 2021
The board of directors of the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) met virtually Friday, February 5, 2021, and elected officers for the year. Andy Fiffick of Rad Air Complete...Read Article >
Stop by macsmobileairclimate.org for a visit
February 5, 2021
Visit MACS at macsmobileairclimate.orgRead Article >
Doing the repair right
February 4, 2021
By Richard Hawkins, MACS Contributor The focus in the two previous weeks articles on the Chevy Tahoe was on what went wrong and what should have been done to correct...Read Article >
The beginning of a New year, new MACS!
February 1, 2021
The Mobile Air Conditioning Society has rebranded to become the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS). During a year-long project, the MACS board and staff worked with the Blue Door...Read Article >
Tales from the helpline: When they don’t know, what they don’t know!
January 26, 2021
By Richard Hawkins, MACS Technical Contributor Last week, my topic of discussion for the MACS blog was a tech call about an A/C system which was plagued by a huge...Read Article >
MACS announces new 2021 Training Event and Trade Show Dates
January 25, 2021
The MACS 2021 Training Event and Trade Show will take place Thursday, September 30 through Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Rosen Centre Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida....Read Article >
How much compressor oil is too much?
January 19, 2021
By Richard Hawkins, MACS Technical Contributor A lot of interesting calls are encountered when working on an A/C tech help line and a large percentage of them involve lubrication issues...Read Article >
Let me tell you a story…
January 12, 2021
I conducted my first A/C clinic in 1991 which of course was 30 years ago. That was right along the time when things were getting geared up for the transition from R-12 to R-134a and was a very interesting period.Read Article >
MACS 2021 Board Election Results
January 6, 2021
The results of MACS board of directors election are in. The following members were elected for a two-year term, Andy Fiffick of Rad Air Complete Car Care of Cleveland, OH...Read Article >
MACS to reschedule the 2021 Training Event and Trade Show
December 17, 2020
Due to the circumstances of the pandemic and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our attendees and staff, the MACS board of directors has decided to...Read Article >
OSHA and HazCom citations
December 14, 2020
By Charles Ayers, CCAR By the time you read this, the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will have released its “Top 10 Most Frequently Cited” list for fiscal year...Read Article >
HEVs and EVs still seeking best solution for HVAC
December 10, 2020
By Keith Leonard Another summer season has gone by while being unavailable for many activities usually enjoyed by almost all of us. The cover is back on my pool. While...Read Article >
Understanding data lines Part II
December 2, 2020
By Larry Turay Part I of understanding data lines was in the last issue, coverering data line structure and communications. Part II will cover troubleshooting and diagnoses of the J1587/1708...Read Article >
Safety Alert: Online Sales of Cool Penguin F-12
November 23, 2020
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently identified online sales of a product marketed as “Cool Penguin F-12” for use in motor vehicle air conditioners (MVACs). While the product...Read Article >
Disinfecting of vehicles during COVID-19
November 10, 2020
By Ward Atkinson, MACS Technical Advisor, & Bill Hill, GM Retired Recent comments from government agencies on the COVID-19 virus issue indicate that even when a vaccine is available, our...Read Article >
Modern cabin heating
November 2, 2020
By Frank Tonon, Qualification and training director, CPA Montreal Cabin heating through the yearsThe evolution of climate control in the past century has gone through several changes. From heated stones,...Read Article >
Hazmats: Why should I care?
September 21, 2020
by Charlie Ayers Trivia question: what do R-134a, Lithium Ion batteries, air bag modules, and used fuel system components all have in common? Aside from the fact that these are...Read Article >
Bringing in business in tough times
September 11, 2020
By Angie Chabot, AAM As the world battles a pandemic, businesses, like yours, are battling to keep customers coming in the doors. Just when it seems that every penny must...Read Article >
Back to basics
September 9, 2020
by Steve Schaeber There is no doubt that when it starts getting hot outside, your shop gets slammed with customers asking for help with their A/C systems. Same thing happens...Read Article >
Understanding data lines (Part I)
September 8, 2020
By Larry Turay Data lines and multiplexing have been with us in the heavy-duty world since 1990. The increased use of ABS, electronic ICUs, and automated transmissions to name a...Read Article >
Are you a diagnostic detective?
September 3, 2020
By Pam Oakes, SME automotive professional If you consider yourself a diagnostic detective see if you can solve this cooling system mystery before the end of the article! Cooling Corner:...Read Article >
Spend some time with MACS president and coo Elvis Hoffpauir
July 24, 2020
Hello, and Welcome to MACS Worldwide’s YouTube Channel. We’re glad you’re here! Elvis Hoffpauir Pioneer Experience MACS History! Elvis Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer, was presented with a...Read Article >
MACS Live Chat (Richard Hawkins and Steve Schaeber discuss Service Port Location)
July 7, 2020
This live chat features Richard Hawkins, A/C Tech line specialist and MACS technical contributor. Like many of you are during this Coronavirus Pandemic, all of us here on the MACS...Read Article >
Name That Hybrid Water Pump
June 29, 2020
By Dave Hobbs, MACS Technical Correspondent While virtually every HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) has an ICE (internal combustion engine) along with one or more high voltage electric motors, not every...Read Article >
Meet MACS Member Joey Rosato of Texas Truck A/C
June 17, 2020
Joey Rosato is second-generation and Director of Marketing for family-run Texas Truck A/C in Dallas, TX. Joey tells us, “It all started in 1996, when Nick Rosato (Joey’s Dad) set...Read Article >
MACS Live Chat (John Duerr & Steve Schaeber discuss A/C Leak Detection Tracer dye & COVID-19 in NYC)
May 28, 2020
Hi everyone, and welcome to another MACS Live Chat, hosted by Steve Schaeber, manager of service training and technical editor for MACS publications like ACtion Magazine and the MSR (MACS...Read Article >
MACS talks to GDP’s Julian Hentze about mobile A/C parts, repair and more!
May 7, 2020
A conversation with MACS member Julian Hentze of GDPRead Article >
Stop complaining about the technician shortage…
April 8, 2020
…and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! By Elvis Hoffpauir C.O.O. MACS Worldwide That was the principal message from Peter Meier, Director of Training at Motor Age. Peter, along with MACS Technical...Read Article >
Helpful tactics to minimize the spread of Covid-19 in your service and repair shop
April 7, 2020
By Bill Snow, Radair Complete Car Care, Cleveland, OH With today’s concern about being exposed to COVID-19 shop owners need to take additional steps to protect their team members and...Read Article >