by silsautocom on May 24, 2011
Can a vehicle’s air conditioning (AC) system be topped up with refrigerant because the AC is not cold enough?
If your AC is running on R-12, you may not top up the system. If your AC is running on an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) such as HFC-134a or other halocarbon you may top up if a leak test has been performed to confirm there is no leak in the system. Once a leak test is performed, the system must be tagged with the results of the test, including:
- the date of the test,
- the name of the person who conducted the leak test,
- the ODP number and expiry date appearing on the person’s ODP card,
- the results of the test, and
- if there is a leak in the vehicles system, a statement that no refrigerant shall be added to the vehicles system until the leak is repaired
Is there a standard for the type of leak test that needs to be performed before a system can be tagged as not having a leak?
Leak tests are to be performed in accordance with the practices set out in the Environmental Code Of Practice. Tests consist of a visual inspection, nitrogen inspection, or electronic leak detection tracer method, and ultra light dye tracer methods. Depending on the experience level and skill of the facility some places may not have the proper equipment to detect a leak properly. Electronic leak testing is by far the most accurate means of testing and using a tracer dye as a back up after service is complete.
Can a refrigerant be used during a test?
Yes. Appropriately qualified people certified under s.34 of O. R.463/10 can use refrigerants while performing a leak test but they must follow the rules of the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) However, it is important to note that CFC-based refrigerants (e.g., R-12) cannot be used to refill mobile air conditioners. Any added refrigerant during the test must be removed upon completion.
What happens if no leak is found?
If no leak is found, then refrigerant may be added to the system after it has been tagged as having no leaks. Tracer dyes may be added to system to guide technician in future if a leak is to occur. Sometimes systems may no cool properly due to low refrigerant levels, but the leak may only occur under high pressure, very humid hot days. As technicians we strive to locate the fault so be aware when you system begins to fails and advise the shop of the conditions it occured under. In some cases with high pressure leaks locating them can be extremely challenging.
In other cases your system may not have a refrigerant charge level issue but electronic climate control problem, sensor problem, wiring problem or computer controlled circuit issue. So having the proper diagnostic scan tools will be a must with many air conditioning systems diagnostics.
Hope this helps.
Every season air conditioning seems to be a major issue. Remember air conditioning system are a luxury item and no matter what car you drive it may be costly to repair properly. Unlike other repairs air conditioning system need proper diagnosis, careful, clean, certified ODP technicians and good quality parts. DO NOT attempt to repair a/c systems yourself, high pressure refrigerant may cause significant harm to you. Be very careful of shops advertising alternative blends to HFC134a as some may be flammable or mixture blends that void many manufacture warranties. Used parts are not suggested in air conditioning repairs. They pose a vey high possibility of internal rust, debris or other foreign materials that will be costly to correct once installed and re diagnossed. Only suggestion is when a compressor is required to allow a drive belt to turn properly.
Carlo sabucco
Sils Complete Auto Care Centre
by silsautocom on April 25, 2011
Thanks to the wonderful work of Glenn Colling, his volunteer team and Care Force International the Auto Repair Shop in a Box has been set up. I had the opportunity to meet with Pastor Michel Ouedraogo and his wife Lydia from the Vilage of Hope in Burkina Faso, west Africa. Glenn provided an insighful and inspirational presentation as to what became of an empty storage container then filled with useful automotive equipment. I was educated on where this town came from, what transpired there and where it is today. It was a pleasure to see a project come from nothing to its full implementation stage. To see the final product, put a smile on my face and probably on the face of many others. I was pleased to help in any way with this program and applaude the support of NAPA auto parts and their support as well as the many other shops who brought Glenn’s project together.
Congrats and well done
Carlo Sabucco
by silsautocom on April 11, 2011
There is a difference!
In short, fluid changing is a process when the old fluid is removed from the vehicle either with a suction device or drained from the vehicle through a drain hole or access port. New fluid is then added to the vehicle. Advantage with this method of service – cost effective approximately $39-$79.00, no higher skilled labour required to perfom in many cases. Disadvantage. You only drain out a partial amount of the fluid sometimes only between 25-50% of the fluid. Thus resulting in old, worn, or dirty fluid still remaining in the system.
Proper Transmission flushing is a procedure where by a cleaning addivite is added to the system, then the system is run so the cleaner activates and works through all the components in the system. This loosens any deposits and suspends the deposits within the dirty fluid. The flushing equipment is then connected and with the use of that systems own pump, no added pressure, the fluid is all removed. The advantage is a flush allows fluids to be replaced that in some cases may not be accessible with a simple change procedure. The flush allows for 99% new fluid to be placed into the system. In many cases a proper flush will finish off with an additive being placed into the system to help fortify the fluid against friction, and wear. Disadvantage is that a skilled person is required as well as the proper equipment to perform the service. Services can go from $99.00 and up based on vehicle type.
Bottom line, by doing the service the best way possible the 1st time, helps reduce the possibility of costly component failure down the road
Common systems that are flushed are Power Steering, Transmission (both traditional and CVT), and Cooling Systems. Brake fluid system should be flushed properly versus a simple change procedue, however the use of cleaners and additives does not occur. Drive line fluids are commonly, done with a drain and fill procedure.
Go to this link to see what it about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zmxc9OWVtg
Any question dont hesistate to email carlo @ info@silsauto.com
Carlo Sabucco
Sils Complete Auto Care Centre
by silsautocom on March 21, 2011
Getting The Most From Your Service Provider
- Make an appointment whenever possible – delays are less likey if your service provider can schedule his or her time. Plan on leaving the vehicle for the day and arrange alternative transportation.
- Describe the symptoms your vehicle is experiencing. Give as much detail as possible and consider accompanying your service provider on a road test. Do not attempt to diagnose the problem, you may lead the technician on a wild goose chase costing you time and money then necessary.
- If you are new to the location, provide vehicle history service records.
- Never authorize work without receiving an estimate. Know what you’re buying before hand. Ask for an explanation if necessary as to charges and how services may be performed. Not all jobs are the same. Sometimes lowest price does not mean best quality. Ensure you compare apple to apples, especially with maintenance work.
- Don’t ask service provider for a “ball park” estimate, give him or her the chance to properly investigate your options. Allow for correct diagnosis of the problem.
- Expect to pay for diagnostic charges to properly identify your vehicles prblems. Short cuts taken often lead to ineffective and inefficicent repairs that could have been avoided. No doctor would ever perform a surgery with out diagnosing first.
- Communicate with your service provider once the vehicle is in the shop. Dont place un realistic deadlines to have your vehicle back if complicated or large vehicle services.
- Understand the warranty on the work that you have had completed. Go back to your service provider if you have any problems or are not satisfied. They dont mind. It’s their job to meet your expectations. All service facilities have problems, but it’s the good ones that promptly address your concerns. Keep cool and count on them to take the appropriate and necessary steps to solve the problem.
- Make sure you understand the repairs and service being perfomred. Used parts should be available to see if requested before hand.
- Providing your own parts usually results in weaker warranty coverages. Look to the experts to acquire the right parts for the job. Understand if you do provide your own parts and it’s incorrect there may be shop time charged for holding your car in a bay while you source another part.
- Make sure that youre service provider properly disposes of hazardouis materials from your vehicle.
- Build a strong lasting relationship with your service provider. Over time that will provide many benefits, such as priority service, after hours assistance or help when you need it.
Carlo Sabucco – Sils Complete Auto Care Centre
by silsautocom on December 17, 2010
Just finished playing Santa Claus at the Ontario Racquest Club Annual Salvation Army Toy Drive. With some families in need I know this will bring an extra smile to a childs face this Christmas Season. I encourage any of our clients or ORC members to drop off one toy at the ORC, on on your way by or to your work out. Childern need hope at Christmas and this the time of year to give them that. Merry Christmas and HO HO HO from Santa Carlo 
