Professional_Tool_And_Equipment_News_February_2021 - 43

AUTOMOTIVE INTELLIGENCE

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

Fig 6 - Condenser leak source revealed.

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.
www.VehicleServicePros.com

FEBRUARY 2021

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

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