Technical
Best practices for air conditioning service Tips for servicing today’s increasingly complex A/C systems Automotive A/C systems, once a stand-alone and relatively simple design, have evolved and continue to evolve, offering greater efficiency and reduction of atmospheric pollutants. However, due to increased regulatory mandates and a seemingly overwhelming system complexity, the need for updated service equipment and enhanced diagnostic and service training is critical.
By Mike Mavrigian
I
n order to better maintain their vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system between service visits, recommend the following to your customers: 1. Whether or not the customer feels the need to run the A/C system in terms of cabin comfort, recommend that they run the system at least once each week for perhaps 10 minutes or so. This helps to maintain a healthy system in terms of compressor function, and provides for longer life of system hoses and seals. 2. Run the defrost mode on occasion for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps remove moisture from the cabin, preventing mildew and reducing the chance for odors. 3. Remind them to use (exercise) the system once in a while during the winter. This helps to keep hoses and seals healthy and removes humidity from the interior. 4. Urge your customers to visit your shop for a complete A/C system check and service (refrigerant and lube change) at least every
two years to help avoid system problems. 5. A properly working A/C system should be able to obtain 42 degrees Fahrenheit cabin temperature (or lower). If cooling is not as effective as it should be, in addition to normal diagnostics, be sure to check the sealing of vent doors/flaps. Checking for proper door/flap sealing is sometimes overlooked.
Servicing modern A/C systems (Information courtesy of Eric Shultz, engineering manager for Mahle Service Solutions.) Have you had customers come to your aftermarket repair shop with vehicles that are factory filled with the new R1234yf refrigerant? If you haven’t yet, it is safe to say that you will see more of these types of vehicles in the very near future. R1234yf is the new worldwide A/C refrigerant that has entered the U.S. market. It is environmentally friendly with the intent of reducing the impact of global warming.
26 | ASP April 2018
