An expansion valve myth explored
July 26, 2022
I have encountered many tech calls where a technician had replaced an expansion valve because of a problem with an evaporator freezing up and was frustrated because that did not fix the problem.Read Article >
A/C not cooling fast enough
July 13, 2022
When a vehicle sits outside in direct sunlight, a tremendous amount of heat can build up inside. Even with relatively mild summer ambient temperatures (75° F to 80°F) vehicle interiors can easily reach temperatures of 125° F or more. Consider that this heat is not just in the air inside, but also in the seats, dashboard, floor board, roof, door panels, etc, (essentially the entire inside of the vehicle).Read Article >
It’s still not blowing cold enough
July 6, 2022
This customer came in with this car (he provided the vehicle information) and said it isn't blowing cold enough and wants me to make it blow colder. He just recently bought it and this is the first “hot spell” we’ve had since he’s had it.Read Article >
It isn’t blowing cold enough
June 29, 2022
"It isn't blowing cold enough.” Most any auto repair shop that does A/C work will often hear customers say this phrase. It can be the result of any number of things that can be wrong with an A/C system. Often it is a case of common things such as, a low refrigerant charge, a refrigerant overcharge, contaminated refrigerant, a blend door issue, a cooling fan problem, or maybe a weak compressor.Read Article >
A new refrigerant for Trucks?
May 4, 2022
EPA has listed HFO-1234yf under the Significant New Alternatives Policy Program for Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning in Non-road Vehicles and Servicing Fittings for Small Refrigerant CansRead Article >
The desiccant myth
April 12, 2022
There is a myth that exists involving A/C service work and driers that seems to come up from time to time. I have encountered it when handling tech calls and have seen it come up in A/C forums. Read more to find out what it is.Read Article >
Refrigerant reminders
March 1, 2022
It could be a challenging year keeping adequate supplies of R-134a on hand and it will be more expensive.Read Article >
The benefits of MAP-controlled thermostats
February 9, 2022
A customer driving a 2014 BMW 328i arrived at the college's 2nd-year electrical lab reporting his illuminated check engine light. The customer had no complaints other than the light. The vehicle had just over 82K miles showing on the odometer. A student (Phil) assigned to the BMW performed a review with a scan tool, and a single code (P0597 – Thermostat Heater Control Circuit Open) was present.Read Article >
Sometimes it is user error
February 8, 2022
I encountered a situation in the early days of recovery/recycling machines when they had just been introduced. I had set up a machine about four months earlier when the customer purchased it. I went to great lengths to cover proper operation of the unit and the shop owner even attended a certification clinic I conducted.Read Article >
MACS changes leadership
January 31, 2022
MACS is changing leadership. Elvis L. Hoffpauir, is stepping down at the end of January 2022 from his duties as MACS president and chief operating officer to enjoy retirement. Following a 42-year distinguished career at the Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS), Elvis will transition to past president and association advisor.Read Article >
Heater Insight
January 25, 2022
Recently, a customer brought in a 2006 Honda Insight with a heater that was blowing cold but had no other vehicle concerns. A local garage had informed the customer the head gasket had failed; however, the owner felt a second opinion was necessary.Read Article >
Air contamination in mobile A/C systems
January 18, 2022
We covered a base line test conducted with 0% air contamination and provided pressure and temperature information. This week we will provide pressure and temperature information experienced with 7.7% air contamination and 18.9% air contamination.Read Article >
