Behr Puts Vehicles to the Test in Climatic Wind Tunnel
Who knew it would be 110 degrees in mid-October in Troy,
MI? With nearly 45 percent humidity, that was the temperature inside the climatic wind tunnel at Behr’s North American headquarters. It’s where Behr brutalizes vehicles under simulated blaring sunlit conditions to see how well air conditioning systems will perform and how well HVAC systems will cooperate with engine cooling components.
Lexus RX 330 – Moaning Sound Heard at 1,100-1,400 RPM
Some 2004-’06 RX 330 owners may experience a moan noise heard at 1,100 rpm to 1,400 rpm with the A/C on. Applicable Vehicles: 2004-’06 model year RX 330 vehicles. Repair Procedure: 1. Verify the customer concern. a. Start the engine. b. Turn on the A/C. c. Hold the engine rpm between 1,100-1,400.
MACS Publishes New Mobile A/C Textbook
Proper education and training is the key to successful service and repair. To meet the training needs of the industry, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide is proud to introduce its new textbook, Modern Automotive HVAC Systems.
Registration is Now Open for MACS 2012 Convention and Trade Show
Registration is now open for MACS-I-MIZE! ENERGIZE!, the 32nd annual Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Convention and Trade Show.
Tech Tip: Acura A/C Compressor is Not Working
The A/C compressor on a 2005 Acura RL 3.5L is not working. The scan tool reads A/C compressor “ON” and the A/C compressor clutch relay does click.
Tech Tip: Nissan Low Airflow from HVAC Front Air Vents
If you confirm one of the above vehicles has low airflow coming from the HVAC front air vents due to evaporator freeze-up, and the HVAC unit surface temperature around the evaporator is about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, causing ice to form on the evaporator, follow the Service Procedure in this Tech Tip, which involves replacing the intake sensor with P/N 27700-ZC00A.
Tool Tip: BMW A/C System Leak Testing Procedure Update
The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic leak detector, no leak can be found. Before replacing parts, perform a nitrogen leak test to confirm the location of the leak.
Tech Tip: Subaru is Leaking Water from A/C Evaporator Drain Hose
If you encounter a customer complaint that there is water on the front passenger-side floor, there is the possibility that the evaporator drain hose is obstructed. The evaporator drain hose will need to be checked for obstructions and modified.
Tech Tip: Mitsubishi Incorrect Air Flow from Vents
Customers of some affected vehicles may complain about one or both of the following conditions: 1. Air flow from the HVAC air vents may randomly change direction and/or the temperature may briefly cycle from hot to cold, and then hot again. This condition is caused by the HVAC controller supplying an incorrect signal and will occur only when the exterior vehicle lighting is on and the instrument panel lighting is set to 70-80% illumination. 2. The direction of air flow may be stuck in one position. Changing the position of the mode dial has no effect on the air flow direction.
A/C Update: Servicing Saturn’s First Generation S-Series A/C Compressors
The 1994 Saturn A/C compressor, used on vehicle models produced from 1991 to 1994, is a variable displacement rotary vane-type pump. The rotor assembly houses five lightweight vanes that extend outward contacting the cylinder wall, creating the compression area. The compressor has an interior control valve that allows it to change its pumping capacity or displacement, reacting to heat loads on the A/C system.
Baja 1000 champion Joe Bacal to Keynote MACS 2012 Convention
For more than a decade, Bacal tested Toyota products at the company’s Technical Center and eventually became their lead off-road specialist
Tech Update: HVAC Diagnostics
Leave it to the OEMs to take a simple system like heating and air conditioning and turn it into an electronic jumble of wiring, sensors and computer components.