Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog from Pennsylvania, did not see his shadow this year, indicating an early spring if you believe the lore. But believe it or not spring is just around the corner, and with it will come warmer temperatures.
As the days heat up, drivers will begin to use the A/C in their vehicles. After not being used most of the winter, some systems will run into problems — and that’s where you come in. For automotive technicians, springtime is synonymous with A/C repair. Is your shop ready for the rush?
Having the proper tools and equipment to service A/C systems is essential. With the 2021 deadline approaching for newly built light duty vehicles to stop using 134a refrigerant, more automakers are switching to 1234yf, so a refrigerant identifier will come in handy if you’re not sure what type is in the vehicle you’re servicing.
A recovery/recycle/recharge (RRR) machine is another must-have item for shops servicing A/C systems. With the different refrigerant types on the market, your shop should have one that handles 134a and one that handles 1234yf — or one that can handle both.
On today’s advanced vehicles, a button or switch rarely offers direct control of any system. Instead, pressing a button or twisting a switch on the HVAC control panel sends a command to a computer, and the computer controls the different components to adjust the temperature, pressure, and direct the airflow where it needs to be. This added layer of complication and programming makes a scan tool a necessary component to many A/C repairs.
Don’t forget the hand and specialty tools that are needed to service A/C compressors and other underhood components. There are many specially designed tools available to streamline this type of work and make accessing parts and components less difficult.
When A/C troubles arise that are not easily remedied, an A/C system analyzer can help find the problem faster. Tricky A/C problems can be difficult to pinpoint, however, and sometimes knowledge — whether from training, prior experience, or both — can be the best tool. Check out this month’s Tool Briefing (p. 30) for ideas on how to use creative, outside-the-box thinking to diagnose a difficult A/C issue.
As we ease into the spring months, consider your A/C arsenal. What are your “secret weapons” when it comes to vehicle A/C service and repair?
