Professional Distributor - 31

AUTOMOTIVE INTELLIGENCE

help us assess operation of the VDC's.
The device connects in series with the
HVAC controller and the compressor.
This tool lets you monitor commands
from the controller and issue your own
if needed. Couple this with the ManTooth and you can make quick work
of assessing compressor performance.

ADVANCED INFRARED DIAGNOSTICS

LEAK DETECTION
Refrigeration leaks can be challenging
to identify. We've had cases where we
were able to find a leak visually with the
assistance of a black light and goggles
only after the vehicle was fully charged
and placed back into service for a short
period of time. See figure 6.

CASE STUDY
A 2015 VW came in with a complaint
that the A/C intermittently stopped
cooling. After verifying the absence of
fault codes, we performed pressure and
temperature checks using the ManTooth
and found that the system was working
properly. After requesting more diagnostic time, we connected the VDC tester to
monitor the control signal.
We noticed right away that the tester display was intermittently flashing.
I decided to connect the lab scope to
observe the raw signal. A moderate tap
to the HVAC control head resulted in
the signal intermittently dropping out.
After securing authorization to remove
the control head and check pin fitment,
we condemned the control head.

REFRIGERANT HANDLING
Most new vehicles come equipped with
R-1234yf. If you want to service these
vehicles, you'll need the proper RRR
machine along with a leak detector
certified to the new SAE J2843 standard. This new standard supports the
new refrigerant requirements due to
its flammability. During the recharge
process, you'll need to factor in about
20 minutes of additional time to complete the partial charge and evaporator
leak test procedure. Right now, 1234yf is

Fig 6 - Condenser leak source revealed.

quite expensive, but you should expect
the price to continue to drop as time
goes on.

CHALLENGES
The general public can purchase kits
that contain less than two pounds of
refrigerant. A lot of these smaller DIY
charge kits contain sealant, which can be
detrimental to your service equipment. I
know how painful it is to have a vehicle
contaminate an expensive RRR machine
with sealant. Here are a few ways
to ensure that your A/C service equipment doesn't get contaminated.
1.	 While interviewing your customer, request HVAC system service
history on their vehicle.
2.	 Look for the presence of sealant.
The visual sight glass could be
used, but it may not be as effective as the A/C Sealant Detection
System Quick Detect tester by RTI
Technologies).
3.	 Add a special filter to your service
equipment.
4.	 Keep in mind that the refrigerant
identifier is unable to detect stop
leak compounds.
As you can see, vehicle technology
continues to evolve, placing a greater
demand on the service technician.
Clearly, training and education is crucial in providing technicians with the
information they need to stay on top of
their trade.

DETECT HEAT BUILDUP AND
FLUCTUATION WITH ACCURATE
TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL

DUAL MULTI - SPOT PRECISE
WORKSITE
METERS SENSITIVITY TOUGH
IMAGING

5-COLOR PALETTE / AUTO-FOCUS
TOUCH-LESS TARGETING

TEL: (855) 288-3587 * USSUPPORT@AUTEL.COM
AUTEL.COM * MAXITPMS.COM * MAXISYSADAS.COM

©2021 AUTEL U.S. INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Professional Distributor

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Professional Distributor

The Past, Present, and Future of Battery Maintenance
Show Me Your Truck - Stocked to Sell
In Focus Products
Driving Sales - Safety Equipment & Personal Gear
Editor's Note - The Virtues of Mentoring
Most Wanted
Sneak Peek
Go Sell Something - Customer Relationship Marketing for the Mobile Jobber
Diagnostic Tech: Diagnostic Corner - Climate Control Systems
Tales From the Road - Ruler of the Rural Route
Professional Distributor - 1
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Professional Distributor - Editor's Note - The Virtues of Mentoring
Professional Distributor - 5
Professional Distributor - The Past, Present, and Future of Battery Maintenance
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Professional Distributor - Show Me Your Truck - Stocked to Sell
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Professional Distributor - Most Wanted
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Professional Distributor - Sneak Peek
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Professional Distributor - Go Sell Something - Customer Relationship Marketing for the Mobile Jobber
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Professional Distributor - In Focus Products
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Professional Distributor - Diagnostic Tech: Diagnostic Corner - Climate Control Systems
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Professional Distributor - Driving Sales - Safety Equipment & Personal Gear
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Professional Distributor - Tales From the Road - Ruler of the Rural Route
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