Care and Repair Tips for Your Customer’s Air Conditioning and Engine Cooling Systems

Author: Anonymous
Source: free-articles

LANSDALE, PA March 6, 2004–April is National Car Care Month and the beginning of the air conditioning season in many parts of the country. Are your customer’s A/C and engine cooling systems up to the long hot summer challenge?

Air Conditioning System

The air conditioning in your customers’ vehicles is a sealed, high-pressure system containing a refrigerant to provide cooling. As the refrigerant moves through the system, it absorbs heat and cools the air entering the passenger compartment. As long as the system has not developed a leak, and the related mechanical components are in good shape, the air conditioning should operate properly. There is no way to determine how much refrigerant is in a system unless the existing refrigerant is removed with proper recovery equipment and the proper amount is recharged into the system. The refrigerant removal must be done in accordance with federal law by a certified technician. If the system is providing cold air, there’s no need to worry about it.

โ€œThere’s a simple test for any A/C system,โ€ says Paul DeGuiseppi, manager of service training for the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide. โ€œSet all the controls for maximum cooling, close all the doors and windows, start the engine and run it for about five minutes. It’s important that you have the vehicle in the shade, or out of direct sun when performing this check. If the temperature from the panel outlets gets cold, there a good chance the system is operating properly. If you have a thermometer, place it in a center outlet, and if it’s a warm day and the temperature is below 50 degrees F, it’s a good sign that the system is cooling.

โ€œA healthy system that operates properly shouldn’t need additional maintenance,โ€ DeGuiseppi continues. โ€œConsumers should be very careful to avoid purchasing unnecessary parts or services if their car’s air conditioning is working well.โ€

If the system is operating properly there is no need to have the system serviced. The refrigerant doesn’t need to be cleaned or โ€œrefreshedโ€ and vehicle and A/C system manufacturers do not recommend the addition of other chemicals or so-called performance enhancing additives to the system. When in doubt about using another type of refrigerant or chemical additive, consult the vehicle’s service manual.

Anything other than the OEM recommended chemicals may void vehicle or parts warranties or cause a part to fail.

When repairs are needed, be well informed in advance. Every technician and mechanic performing A/C repairs is required by the U.S. Federal Clean Air Act of 1990 to have passed a certification test.

To reduce environmental damage from refrigerants, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has listed several refrigerants as acceptable for use in mobile air conditioning systems. However, only two are tested and approved by all vehicle manufacturers for use in their mobile A/C systems.

Vehicles made before 1994 most likely contain CFC-12 (R-12), a chemical that has been phased out of production because it depletes the stratospheric ozone layer that protects the earth against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Newer vehicles, after 1994, use HFC-134a (R-134a), which is less damaging to the atmosphere.

Older air conditioning systems can be switched over โ€” โ€œretrofittedโ€ โ€” to the newer chemical, but the change may be expensive and may require replacing components in addition to installing the new refrigerant. Although retrofitting is not required by law in the U.S. and the availability and use of R-12 is still permitted if the system is in good condition, a retrofit may prove worthwhile if expensive repairs are needed on an older vehicle.

All vehicle manufacturers and the Mobile Air Conditioning Society offer detailed technical information to service professionals on how to properly diagnose, repair and recycle refrigerants to minimize emissions and improve air conditioning performance.

Informed consumers can help reduce atmospheric pollution while keeping their cool during the hot summer months.

Engine Cooling System

When the A/C is operated, there is additional load placed upon the engine and engine cooling system. To prevent overheating the engine during operation of the A/C system, the engine cooling system fan(s) must be properly operating and coolant level must be correct.

If the coolant level is low it should be replenished. However, the days of just adding some green coolant are over. Today, the coolant is chemically different for many vehicles. Keeping a cooling system in chemical balance requires the proper coolant. The wrong coolant could result in costly coolant system and engine repairs.

Today there are many different colored coolants to help identify what’s in the system. And not only is the proper coolant required, but also the proper mixture of coolant and water.

To achieve long-life engine coolant chemical stability, follow the vehicle manufacturer recommended service procedures.

Founded in 1981, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) is the leading non-profit trade association for the mobile air conditioning, heating and engine cooling system segment of the automotive aftermarket. MACS represents 1600 members in North America and 47 countries around the world, and provides information and services to more than 60,000 industry shops, suppliers and technicians. The Society serves the industry through informational tools, self-paced educational materials, leader-led training clinics, advocacy and other member services. Since 1991, MACS has assisted more than 600,000 technicians to comply with 1990 Clean Air Act requirements for certification in refrigerant recovery and recycling to protect the environment. To learn more about MACS Worldwide and the upcoming 25th annual Convention and Trade Show, โ€œNow is the Timeโ€ to be held February 1-3, 2005 at the Las Vegas Hilton, visit our website at www.macsw.org

Stay Cool This Summer – Routine Maintenance Of Your Automotive Vehicle’s Air Conditioning

Author: Steamboat L. Salter
Source: isnare.com

Summers coming with its incessant heat. Now is the time and season for routine servicing or your air conditioning system of your vehicles – be they cars, trucks, vans or S.U.V.’s. Why wait for spring, or in this case summer?

It can be said that overall that the most important aspect of air-conditioning service is the maintenance of pure and adequate charge of refrigerant in your air conditioning system. A refrigeration system cannot function properly if a significant percentage of the charge is lost. Leaks are common as a result of the severe vibration and vibrations that both a frequent and common occurrence with most vehicles in everyday or worse hazardous and more default driving conditions on the roads and byways of the USA, Canada and Mexico. The jolts and bumps along the roadsides can easily cause sufficient cracking or loosening of the air condition fittings. As a result the extreme operating pressures of the air conditioning system force the vital refrigerant out. It’s all very similar to a pop bottle being left open and the fizz disappearing.

Looked another or alternate way, the problem and situation can be understood by considering what happens to the air conditioning system as it would operate with a steady and continuous leak. Refrigerant fluid leaks out, what is left begins to boil or vaporize. There is not enough refrigerant to complete the system, as if it a flow of liquid in a constant and regular ongoing cycle. The refrigerant fluid cannot flow in a constant and consistent manner in a regular flow. Thus the air conditioner cannot take away the heat , it cannot do “its job” and you now remain sweltering in a hot , rather than cool vehicle , much as would expect and like to.

Whets the answer – preventative maintenance of your air conditioning system long before summer’s heat arrives. Simple as that.

However it used to be a simple matter to simply visit your local mechanical garage, service station, automotive factory dealer or even a big box large retail store. It used to be – the key word is “used to be” as in the past, not the present, a most simple matter and procedure for a “top up” of air conditioning refrigerant. The process was to add additional air conditioning refrigerant to your sealed air conditioning system – much like you would add air, from a service station or auto dealer’s compressor air hose, simply to pump up your tire to adequate and safe vehicle tire air pressures.

Not so today. With concerns about the Ozone layer and layers high up in the atmosphere and the knowledge that loose fluoro-hydrocarbons in the atmosphere (in this case your evaporated and released air conditioning fluids), this is all a very different and very serious matter. It’s not a simple matter as before, and indeed a very serious offense if the procedure is not properly by trained and accredited mechanical auto refrigerant staff along with highly specialized auto air conditioning refrigerant equipment and tools.

The summary is that now is the time to take your vehicle with its air conditioning system, for a routine inspection and testing at a reputable and accredited automotive repair facility – be it a garage, service station or automotive factory outlet where they have the trained accredited staff and proper equipment, as well as the luxury of time to inspect your auto’s air conditioning system and bring it back to snuff it need be – all long before the hot sweltering summer. Why roast in the hot summer weather in your care when you can be safely driving in comfort? Take the time to visit your garage, service station or auto dealer now.

Winnipeg Car Dealer Wpg Auto Financing Winnipeg Car Guys Automotive Bid Link Directory

Seven Vital Facts About Your Car’s Air Conditioning System

Author: Steve Magill
Source: isnare.com

Air conditioning, which was once a great luxury, is now a common feature on most motor vehicles. While the servicing of modern car air conditioning systems is best left to professionals, you can get the most enjoyment from your ac system if you know a bit about how it works and what malfunctions you should be on the lookout for.

1. Odd smells coming from the air conditioning may be caused by bacterial buildups

As your car becomes older, or when the air conditioning system is used infrequently, bacteria, micro-organisms, mold and fungi may start growing, just behind the dash panel on the evaporator causing some very unpleasant odors. Some even claim this can result in headaches and flu like symptom sometimes referred to as “sick car syndrome.”

This problem can be solved by using an anti-bacterial treatment that destroys the bacteria growth and leaves your car smelling fresh again.

2. If you car does not feel cold enough, then you may need to recharge your system

If you feel that your car doesn’t feel as cold as your friend’s car, then your system may need servicing. The air conditioning system in your vehicle is not usually covered by most manufacturers servicing schedules and the refrigerant gas that is used to operate the system depletes over time. On average most vehicles lose up to 15% per annum. This leakage can be caused when then system is not used during the winter months. Thus allowing the small “O” ring seals to dry out resulting in a gradual deterioration in system performance. If this continues, eventually the system will not be able to operate at all.

Most problems of this type can be put right fairly easily by a leak check of your system followed by a complete refill of your air conditioning refrigerant, this is sometimes referred to as a re-gas.

3. Running your air conditioning year round will help maintain the system

If you run the air conditioning in the winter it will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak tight. This is because the refrigerant actually carries the oil that lubricates the system and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking which can lead to leaks.

4. Strange noises coming from the air conditioning should be attended to immediately

If your air-con system suddenly starts making noises you have not heard before it is very advisable to have a qualified vehicle air conditioning specialist to have a look at it.
Some noises could be early symptoms of a compressor failure (the compressor is the air conditioning pump).The compressor is usually the most expensive part on the system ranging from approximately ฃ230 to ฃ600+ and if the bearings in your compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it also means that other components can become contaminated with metal particles A flush of the system would then be needed as well as replacement of the compressor, the receiver/drier and the expansion valve – quite a hefty bill!

5. Don’t worry about a pool of water forming under your car after using the A/C

If you see a puddle of water on the ground, usually under the passenger area don’t be alarmed. This is a normal feature of the system as it is only water dripping from the air conditioning evaporator. The evaporator has a drain tube fitted to allow the condensation from the evaporator to drain away from the vehicle.

6. Excessive moisture inside the car can be fixed easily

Sometimes the drain tube from the evaporator may become blocked or detached allowing the condensation to build up inside your evaporator. If this occurs water will just build up inside your car to a point where there are damp carpets or misting / high humidity type problems. These problems can be solved with low-cost servicing.

7. Have your air conditioning serviced regularly, even if there are no visible problems

Just as the other systems of your car need servicing on a regular basis, the same is true for the air conditioning system. The compressor needs oil, or else it will seize up. The filter collects debris and moisture. If the filter becomes blocked, then the performance of the system will deteriorate and it can even quit working entirely (probably when you need it most!)

Normally the refrigerant gas in a car air conditioning system has to be recharged completely within four years from the manufacture date and thereafter every two to three years.

An annual servicing of your car’s air conditioning system will guard against malfunctions in the compressor and other vital parts of the system. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run and guarantee you comfort in the hottest months.

Seven Vital Facts About Your Car’s Air Conditioning System

Author: Steve Magill -
Source: articledashboard.com

Air conditioning, which was once a great luxury, is now a common feature on most motor vehicles. While the servicing of modern car air conditioning systems is best left to professionals, you can get the most enjoyment from your ac system if you know a bit about how it works and what malfunctions you should be on the lookout for.

1. Odd smells coming from the air conditioning may be caused by bacterial buildups

As your car becomes older, or when the air conditioning system is used infrequently, bacteria, micro-organisms, mold and fungi may start growing, just behind the dash panel on the evaporator causing some very unpleasant odors. Some even claim this can result in headaches and flu like symptom sometimes referred to as “sick car syndrome.”

This problem can be solved by using an anti-bacterial treatment that destroys the bacteria growth and leaves your car smelling fresh again.

2. If you car does not feel cold enough, then you may need to recharge your system

If you feel that your car doesn’t feel as cold as your friend’s car, then your system may need servicing. The air conditioning system in your vehicle is not usually covered by most manufacturers servicing schedules and the refrigerant gas that is used to operate the system depletes over time. On average most vehicles lose up to 15% per annum. This leakage can be caused when then system is not used during the winter months. Thus allowing the small “O” ring seals to dry out resulting in a gradual deterioration in system performance. If this continues, eventually the system will not be able to operate at all.

Most problems of this type can be put right fairly easily by a leak check of your system followed by a complete refill of your air conditioning refrigerant, this is sometimes referred to as a re-gas.

3. Running your air conditioning year round will help maintain the system

If you run the air conditioning in the winter it will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak tight. This is because the refrigerant actually carries the oil that lubricates the system and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking which can lead to leaks.

4. Strange noises coming from the air conditioning should be attended to immediately

If your air-con system suddenly starts making noises you have not heard before it is very advisable to have a qualified vehicle air conditioning specialist to have a look at it.
Some noises could be early symptoms of a compressor failure (the compressor is the air conditioning pump).The compressor is usually the most expensive part on the system ranging from approximately ฃ230 to ฃ600+ and if the bearings in your compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it also means that other components can become contaminated with metal particles A flush of the system would then be needed as well as replacement of the compressor, the receiver/drier and the expansion valve – quite a hefty bill!

5. Don’t worry about a pool of water forming under your car after using the A/C

If you see a puddle of water on the ground, usually under the passenger area don’t be alarmed. This is a normal feature of the system as it is only water dripping from the air conditioning evaporator. The evaporator has a drain tube fitted to allow the condensation from the evaporator to drain away from the vehicle.

6. Excessive moisture inside the car can be fixed easily

Sometimes the drain tube from the evaporator may become blocked or detached allowing the condensation to build up inside your evaporator. If this occurs water will just build up inside your car to a point where there are damp carpets or misting / high humidity type problems. These problems can be solved with low-cost servicing.

7. Have your air conditioning serviced regularly, even if there are no visible problems

Just as the other systems of your car need servicing on a regular basis, the same is true for the air conditioning system. The compressor needs oil, or else it will seize up. The filter collects debris and moisture. If the filter becomes blocked, then the performance of the system will deteriorate and it can even quit working entirely (probably when you need it most!)

Normally the refrigerant gas in a car air conditioning system has to be recharged completely within four years from the manufacture date and thereafter every two to three years.

An annual servicing of your car’s air conditioning system will guard against malfunctions in the compressor and other vital parts of the system. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run and guarantee you comfort in the hottest months.

Seven Vital Facts About Your Car’s Air Conditioning System

Author: Steve Magill
Source: articleage.com

Air conditioning, which was once a great luxury, is now a common
feature on most motor vehicles. While the servicing of modern
car air conditioning systems is best left to professionals, you
can get the most enjoyment from your ac system if you know a bit
about how it works and what malfunctions you should be on the
lookout for.

1. Odd smells coming from the air conditioning may be caused by
bacterial buildups

As your car becomes older, or when the air conditioning system
is used infrequently, bacteria, micro-organisms, mold and fungi
may start growing, just behind the dash panel on the evaporator
causing some very unpleasant odors. Some even claim this can
result in headaches and flu like symptom sometimes referred to
as “sick car syndrome.”

This problem can be solved by using an anti-bacterial treatment
that destroys the bacteria growth and leaves your car smelling
fresh again.

2. If you car does not feel cold enough, then you may need to
recharge your system

If you feel that your car doesn’t feel as cold as your friend’s
car, then your system may need servicing. The air conditioning
system in your vehicle is not usually covered by most
manufacturers servicing schedules and the refrigerant gas that
is used to operate the system depletes over time. On average
most vehicles lose up to 15% per annum. This leakage can be
caused when then system is not used during the winter months.
Thus allowing the small “O” ring seals to dry out resulting in a
gradual deterioration in system performance. If this continues,
eventually the system will not be able to operate at all.

Most problems of this type can be put right fairly easily by a
leak check of your system followed by a complete refill of your
air conditioning refrigerant, this is sometimes referred to as a
re-gas.

3. Running your air conditioning year round will help maintain
the system

If you run the air conditioning in the winter it will help to
keep the system well lubricated and leak tight. This is because
the refrigerant actually carries the oil that lubricates the
system and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the
seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and
cracking which can lead to leaks.

4. Strange noises coming from the air conditioning should be
attended to immediately

If your air-con system suddenly starts making noises you have
not heard before it is very advisable to have a qualified
vehicle air conditioning specialist to have a look at it. Some
noises could be early symptoms of a compressor failure (the
compressor is the air conditioning pump).The compressor is
usually the most expensive part on the system ranging from
approximately ฃ230 to ฃ600+ and if the bearings in your
compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it also
means that other components can become contaminated with metal
particles A flush of the system would then be needed as well as
replacement of the compressor, the receiver/drier and the
expansion valve – quite a hefty bill!

5. Don’t worry about a pool of water forming under your car
after using the A/C

If you see a puddle of water on the ground, usually under the
passenger area don’t be alarmed. This is a normal feature of the
system as it is only water dripping from the air conditioning
evaporator. The evaporator has a drain tube fitted to allow the
condensation from the evaporator to drain away from the vehicle.

6. Excessive moisture inside the car can be fixed easily

Sometimes the drain tube from the evaporator may become blocked
or detached allowing the condensation to build up inside your
evaporator. If this occurs water will just build up inside your
car to a point where there are damp carpets or misting / high
humidity type problems. These problems can be solved with
low-cost servicing.

7. Have your air conditioning serviced regularly, even if there
are no visible problems

Just as the other systems of your car need servicing on a
regular basis, the same is true for the air conditioning system.
The compressor needs oil, or else it will seize up. The filter
collects debris and moisture. If the filter becomes blocked,
then the performance of the system will deteriorate and it can
even quit working entirely (probably when you need it most!)

Normally the refrigerant gas in a car air conditioning system
has to be recharged completely within four years from the
manufacture date and thereafter every two to three years.

An annual servicing of your car’s air conditioning system will
guard against malfunctions in the compressor and other vital
parts of the system. Regular maintenance will save you money in
the long run and guarantee you comfort in the hottest months.

Solving Car Air Conditioning Problems

Author: Steven Magill
Source: articledashboard.com

Although many people regard car air conditioning units as a luxury, the truth is the majority of cars are now sold with air conditioning fitted at the factory. People travel for longer periods of time and personal comfort within a vehicle is becoming more and more important.

Unfortunately, many vehicle manufacturers don’t include servicing your car air conditioning system in their standard maintenance programme, so it’s important to know whether or not your car air conditioning unit is working normally, in order to avoid paying unnecessary and over-the-top fees for work and parts.

Probably one of the most common car air conditioning problems is that the car air conditioning unit installed in your car is not cooling the air properly.

Car air conditioning systems work by forcing the hotter air within a vehicle outside, thus lowering the inside temperature, cooling, drying, and clarifying the air in the process.

As time passes, the refrigerant used by car air conditioning systems diminishes by around 15% each year. During winter, when the car air conditioning unit is not being used, certain seals can dry out, causing the productivity of the air conditioning unit within the vehicle to gradually deteriorate, finally rendering it useless.

Luckily, this is more a frustrating problem than a serious one, and easily fixed by mobile auto repair and re-gas service companies , who can check for leakages and replenish refrigerant tanks quickly, easily, and affordably.

Another common car air conditioning problem is bacteria, which can build up when the air conditioning system within a motor car isn’t being used very often. If left untreated, fungi and micro-organisms can make their homes behind the dashboard, the spores of which are believed to contribute significantly to “sick car syndrome”.

Treatment by a SMART repair specialist can eliminate the growth and restore a fresh smell to the interior, in a relatively short amount of time and for a fraction of the price it would cost to replace the car air conditioning system within your vehicle.

Should you hear strange noises emanating from the air conditioning unit in your car, you should have it checked immediately.

A regular clicking sound may simply be the pump turning on and off. However, any sound that is irregular may indicate further damage to the car air conditioning compressor, which could cost in excessive of ฃ500 in some cases!

By getting a trained vehicle air conditioning specialist to look at your car air conditioning system when you think you might have a problem, you can ensure that any damage is caught at the earliest stage and treated immediately, lowering costs and possible inconvenience in the near future.

Of course some car air conditioning problems are not real problems at all. Water dripping under the car is simply the draining of the evaporation from the car air conditioning unit and a standard feature, so nothing to worry about.

Sometimes, the tube for this evaporated water drain can get blocked, in which case the condensation remains in the evaporator and the car becomes excessively misty or the carpets damp.

Again, a SMART car repair technician will be able to fix the problem quickly and effectively.

Even smaller models of such well-known manufacturers including Mercedes and BMW can benefit from having an examination of their car air conditioning unit by a mobile auto repair and re-gas service company, should their drivers sense that something is not quite right.

By tending to your car air conditioning problems early, you can save yourself a lot of time, money and frustration!

Seven Vital Facts About Your Car’s Air Conditioning System

Author: Steve Magill -
Source: articleage.com

Air conditioning, which was once a great luxury, is now a common feature on most motor vehicles. While the servicing of modern car air conditioning systems is best left to professionals, you can get the most enjoyment from your ac system if you know a bit about how it works and what malfunctions you should be on the lookout for.

1. Odd smells coming from the air conditioning may be caused by bacterial buildups

As your car becomes older, or when the air conditioning system is used infrequently, bacteria, micro-organisms, mold and fungi may start growing, just behind the dash panel on the evaporator causing some very unpleasant odors. Some even claim this can result in headaches and flu like symptom sometimes referred to as ย”sick car syndrome.ย”

This problem can be solved by using an anti-bacterial treatment that destroys the bacteria growth and leaves your car smelling fresh again.

2. If you car does not feel cold enough, then you may need to recharge your system

If you feel that your car doesnย’t feel as cold as your friendย’s car, then your system may need servicing. The air conditioning system in your vehicle is not usually covered by most manufacturers servicing schedules and the refrigerant gas that is used to operate the system depletes over time. On average most vehicles lose up to 15% per annum. This leakage can be caused when then system is not used during the winter months. Thus allowing the small ย”Oย” ring seals to dry out resulting in a gradual deterioration in system performance. If this continues, eventually the system will not be able to operate at all.

Most problems of this type can be put right fairly easily by a leak check of your system followed by a complete refill of your air conditioning refrigerant, this is sometimes referred to as a re-gas.

3. Running your air conditioning year round will help maintain the system

If you run the air conditioning in the winter it will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak tight. This is because the refrigerant actually carries the oil that lubricates the system and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking which can lead to leaks.

4. Strange noises coming from the air conditioning should be attended to immediately

If your air-con system suddenly starts making noises you have not heard before it is very advisable to have a qualified vehicle air conditioning specialist to have a look at it.

Some noises could be early symptoms of a compressor failure (the compressor is the air conditioning pump).The compressor is usually the most expensive part on the system ranging from approximately ยฃ230 to ยฃ600+ and if the bearings in your compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it also means that other components can become contaminated with metal particles A flush of the system would then be needed as well as replacement of the compressor, the receiver/drier and the expansion valve – quite a hefty bill!

5. Donย’t worry about a pool of water forming under your car after using the A/C

If you see a puddle of water on the ground, usually under the passenger area donย’t be alarmed. This is a normal feature of the system as it is only water dripping from the air conditioning evaporator. The evaporator has a drain tube fitted to allow the condensation from the evaporator to drain away from the vehicle.

6. Excessive moisture inside the car can be fixed easily

Sometimes the drain tube from the evaporator may become blocked or detached allowing the condensation to build up inside your evaporator. If this occurs water will just build up inside your car to a point where there are damp carpets or misting / high humidity type problems. These problems can be solved with low-cost servicing.

7. Have your air conditioning serviced regularly, even if there are no visible problems

Just as the other systems of your car need servicing on a regular basis, the same is true for the air conditioning system. The compressor needs oil, or else it will seize up. The filter collects debris and moisture. If the filter becomes blocked, then the performance of the system will deteriorate and it can even quit working entirely (probably when you need it most!)

Normally the refrigerant gas in a car air conditioning system has to be recharged completely within four years from the manufacture date and thereafter every two to three years.

An annual servicing of your carย’s air conditioning system will guard against malfunctions in the compressor and other vital parts of the system. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run and guarantee you comfort in the hottest months.

Air Conditioning Blows Hot Or Warm on One Side – Free Car AC Help

Author: Dennis Bandy
Source: ezinearticles.com

Car air conditioning systems that blow warm on one side and cold on the other side usually have one of two problems. In this short auto repair article, a master automotive technician shares his experience, derived from working on air conditioners in Florida for the last couple of decades. This free information can be equally helpful to the do-it-yourselfer as it is to a consumer that knows the value of being informed when it comes to dealing with car repair shops. Read on for free car A/C help when the air is blowing warm on ONE side.

Usually cars that blow cold on one side of the dash and warm on the other side, are typically equipped with a dual zone climate control system. Dual zone systems allow the driver and front passenger to adjust respective temperatures to their comfort levels. There are two common causes of a temperature difference when both sides are set at the coldest settings, lets cover the first one.

Low Refrigerant

Automotive air conditioners which use 134A, usually hold a small amount of refrigerant compared to older automobiles that use R12. Car and truck air conditioners today are much more efficient than their older counter parts. The fact that 134A systems use less freon, means that a leak can more quickly affect the performance of an HVAC (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system. Due to the design of dual AC systems, low refrigerant is the leading cause of drastic temperature difference from one side of the dash to the other. Even well experienced car mechanics may be surprised to learn that as little as 4 to 8 ounces undercharged of 134A can make such a huge difference. The temperature from the left vent to the right vent can vary 10 to 20 degrees. The easiest thing to try is to top off the system or better yet, remove all freon and recharge the unit with the factory specified amount. In most cases after the proper charge of Freon is in the car, the temp will blow equally as cold like it should on BOTH sides!

What if that didn’t help? Read on to learn of another possible cause of the problem.

HVAC Door Issue

Dual zones supplying different temperatures from vents on either side of the dash is achieved by the use of small doors within the HVAC housing. By controlling the doors, the temperature of the air on the left and right can be adjusted to the desired comfort level. Many times the motor (or actuator) that controls the door for either side can fail or the door itself can break and prevent the temp. from being adjusted. Diagnosing this problem is more complex and can be a subject for another article. Thanks for reading. Hopefully, the free information provided here will help to remedy the problem of “AC’s blowing hot or warm from one side of the dash.”

For information about charging car AC systems or puchasing air conditioning tools, like manifold gauge sets, vacuum pumps and other types of mechanics tools in the USA, please visit DenLorsTools.com.