Spring is here and a new season of mobile air conditioning repair is
ready to begin. The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide
sent us this release to remind both service professionals and consumers
about the facts and fictions of A/C service. Some of these tips are highly technical,
as they are aimed at service professionals, but it's important that
even consumers read the bulletin, and it will help them understand why
their technician may recommend certain procedures.
Manufacturers
are now producing A/C systems that last longer and need less service.
Changes include improved hoses, better sealing materials, and more
robust connections. The goal, of course, is to provide consumers with
reliable air conditioning on demand.
United States federal law
requires anyone who opens the refrigerant pressure circuit "for
compensation" (usually pay, but also barter, etc.) to be certified
under Section 609 of the Clean Air Act. A shop can face serious fines
for allowing un-certified employees to do this work. Technicians must
have their certification available for inspection during the work.
The
same law prohibits venting any refrigerant to the atmosphere. All
refrigerant must be recovered. After recycling, it can be reused in a
vehicle. If not recycled in the shop, then the refrigerant must be sent
to a reclaiming facility.
Before beginning repairs, technicians
must always use a refrigerant identifier to protect the shop staff and
equipment. Not all refrigerants are the same, and mixing refrigerants
is prohibited. Each refrigerant must be recovered with a specific
machine into properly labeled tanks. Some gasses may also be flammable,
presenting another hazard to technicians.
Refrigerant in the
system does not need to be cleaned in the name of "maintenance." When
the system is recovered, the refrigerant will be cleaned by normal use
of refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment.
An operating
system does not need additional oil or conditioners. In fact,
additional oil may reduce cooling performance, and the use of incorrect
lubricants may cause expensive damage. Technicians should always check
the underhood label - most systems require a specific lubricant. A
"universal" lubricant may not meet all of the manufacturer's specific
requirements.
HFC-134a system lubricants are generally
PAG-based, and the use of other lubricants is not approved by vehicle
makers. However, POE lubricants are required for some electric
compressors used in hybrid vehicles, and using PAG lubricants in those
systems can result in mechanical problems and electrical hazards.
Read the label! SAE International has developed many industry
standards for products and chemicals. Always look for a label statement
that the product you are purchasing meets SAE standards.
Adding
too much refrigerant to a vehicle's A/C system can reduce cooling
performance. Many modern systems use smaller refrigerant charges than
before, and the only way to assure maximum cooling performance is to
maintain the correct charge. "Top-off" service is not the correct way
to go.
Vehicle manufacturers install and recommend the correct
products for their vehicles, and some systems now contain
industry-approved trace dyes to aid in finding leaks. Manufacturers do
not install other chemicals, system conditioners, or products intended
to stop leaks. Vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers and service
equipment makers have all tightened their warranty policies regarding
use of non-approved substances in their products. Chemical additives
and other products may cost your shop and your customer a lot of money.
As
the A/C system ages, some loss of refrigerant is unavoidable, and cabin
cooling will be reduced. A quality service shop will have the knowledge
and equipment to find the leak quickly and perform the correct repair.
Adding a sealer to a leaking refrigerant system may not be the answer.
Some aftermarket chemicals have caused damage to components and service
equipment. Adding any other chemicals into a customer's A/C system may
become a costly mistake.
Refrigerant leaks should be identified
and the leaking parts replaced with quality components. Adding
refrigerant to a leaking system does not make economic sense for the
customer and also contributes to atmospheric pollution. While some
consumers still want the low-cost option of constantly adding
refrigerant, it's up to shop professionals to convince them that the
bandage approach doesn't cure the real problem and may cost more if the
compressor ultimately fails. A professional service facility will
strive to provide the customer with cost-effective repairs that return
the system to reliability and preserve the environment.
Today's
newer, smaller, and tighter systems are just the beginning, and many
more changes are coming in the next few years. Technicians need to be
ready so they can offer the best possible service to their customers.
And customers need to be educated so they can better understand their
technicians when they explain about these complicated systems. Learn
more at www.macsw.org.
By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor
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