Your top 7 A/C service questions answered

June 24, 2021
From testing to new technologies, our experts have the answers
It’s hot outside and your shops are undoubtedly slammed with air conditioning repairs. A/C service is always a popular topic among our readers, so we decided to compile some of the most common questions we have received with answers from our panel of experts.
Q. How do you test an A/C system?
A. Let's review a good procedure for any time you test the A/C system, starting with the legal requirements. According to Federal Section 609 requirements for motor vehicle HVAC technicians, the first requirement when performing A/C work for consideration is to be Section 609 Certified.
Q. What are some new technologies in A/C systems?
A. Due to the climate crisis, manufacturers have been required to be more efficient with their oil charge and they have significantly reduced the amount of oil used in the A/C system. Before, 7 oz. of oil was used, and now 4 oz. is the norm.
Q. What to do if a Chevy Aveo's A/C blows hot air?
A. First, verify that the evaporator temperature sensor, engine coolant sensor, and high-pressure sensor readings are within specifications. If no problems are found, check the A/C compressor control valve in the back of the compressor for debris and make sure that the valve can move freely.
Q. How can a lack of A/C system maintenance cause poor HVAC performance?
A. Many shops neglect to think about how they may be able to prevent failures in a HVAC system by performing an annual maintenance service. You might consider whether your shop serves your clients better by repairing their vehicles to fix issues, or by maintaining them in an effort to prevent problems – or both.
Q. Are all air conditioning problems in the air conditioning system?
A. There are many situations where the air conditioner’s lack of cooling the interior may not be the air conditioner’s fault. Lets take a look at a few case studies to see what else cold be causing the issues.
Q. What do I need to know about changes in refrigerants and tooling?
A. Vehicles on the road today will primarily have R-134a refrigerant. However, OEs have begun to adopt use of a new refrigerant, R-1234yf, in response to the impact of refrigerants on the environment.
Q. What different service challenges do newer vehicles present over their predecessors when it comes to A/C repair?
A. Scott Brown provides the answer to this question and much more in this episode of the Torque Factor podcast with special guest Michael Ingvardsen from Nissens Automotive.
About the Author

Amanda Silliker

Amanda Silliker is the former editorial director of the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media. She oversaw five brands  — Motor Age, PTEN, Professional Distributor, ABRNand Aftermarket Business World. Prior to her tenure with Endeavor, she had over a decade in B2B publishing at Thomson Reuters, ranging from writing and editing content for print and web to managing awards programs and speaking at conferences and industry events. Connect with her on LinkedIn

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