Automotive Air Conditioning Diagnosis & Repair

The air conditioning system in your vehicle provides comfort in the warm months. There is nothing enjoyable about getting into a hot car that has been sitting in the sun all day long and then realizing your A/C system is not working. Let us keep you and your passengers cool and comfortable with quality air conditioning diagnosis and repair. We are Sylvan Lake’s local experts on air conditioning.

Regular maintenance of your system can prevent being left with a non-functioning system at the most inconvenient times. We often see this just before heading out on a trip at the beginning of a heat wave. Unfortunately, this is always accompanied by a rush, and we often cannot fit every vehicle in during this rush. Completing a preventative check before the seasons rush is a great idea.

Our air conditioning check over verifies system operation, checks components and ensures that there is a proper charge in the system. This way you can have the confidence of knowing that your system will work when you need it. Give us a call today!

Diagnostic & Leak Detection Services

Most air conditioning repairs begin with a thorough and accurate diagnosis. If a system is not operating there are many items which can be the cause. A full inspection of the electrical system, mechanical components and also the electrical controls are necessary to ensure that all issues are found.

After the mechanical components are visually inspected, we evacuate and measure the amount of refrigerant in the system, as well as verify its purity. If the system is found to be very low or empty, then it is necessary to perform a leak inspection. The system is pressured with nitrogen and left to sit to verify integrity. If the system has a leak, finding it can prove very tedious. During the pressure test the system is checked with soap and water to see if any leaks can be noticed. Accessible components are soaked and visually inspected. If nothing is found through this process, then a partial charge is put in the system and all components are rechecked with a gas leak detector. Because of the difficulty of accessing some components, this is often easier said than done. Often extra time is required to locate a difficult leak.

If the system is charged or not low on refrigerant than it often required electrical diagnosis. The air conditioning is a complex system which is overseen and operated by the vehicles computer system. There are many sensors and actuators that must all work in conjunction with each other for proper system operation. A sensor in an unrelated system can cause the AC system to malfunction. It might not seem related, but something as simple as the outside air temperature sensor reading incorrectly can cause the system to shut down. The combination of our experienced technicians and high-end scan tools allows us to diagnose these issues as quickly as possible.

Common causes of leaks in the air conditioning system

Common leaks found in a/c systems include nearly all components. Hoses can rub and become ruptured, Air-conditioning condensers are often mounted in front of the radiator and can be prone to rock and debris damage. We often find that the seals on the compressor can leak, and the ac evaporator in the interior heater case can often develop a leak where it is crimped together. We often find failed O-rings and gaskets as well, given the high pressure of the system even a small leak can cause the system to become empty over time.

Compressor Replacement

Replacing the AC compressor is a complicated procedure, and it involves much more than bolting a new part in. Often access to the compressor is limited, and once removed it must be analyzed for failure. Depending on how the compressor has failed it can circulate contaminants and metal through the entire system. When this happens, the system must be flushed, and some components need to be replaced. Failing to do this is not only an improper repair but will be the source of a future failure. The AC system has a specific amount of oil in it, and this is used to lubricate the compressor. If there are contaminants for filings in the system they will also circulate through the new compressor.

Condenser / Evaporator replacement

The condenser is usually mounted in front of the radiator and helps cool the refrigerant after it comes out of the compressor. The increase of pressure in the system creates heat and cooling it off through the condenser helps the system operate more efficiently. The condenser can become plugged externally, have damaged fins which prevent airflow, or can leak. The latter two problems require replacement.

The evaporator is contained inside the heater case. It can sometimes leak or become plugged off externally. Unfortunately, because of the location, often the only way to access this part is to remove first the dash and then the heater case. This usually means evacuating the AC system and also draining the coolant as the heater core is also contained in there. Because of the intense labor, it is often recommended to replace both the evaporator and the heater core when this component is removed.

Belts & Hoses

Some vehicles have a separate belt for the air conditioning system. This belt can fail and not affect any other systems so it is possible that a broken belt could be the sole cause of an air conditioning system not working. If the belt has a tensioner, it is often recommended to replace them at the same time. Tensioner bearing failure is common and will often damage a new belt.

Hoses can leak or become damaged. It is not uncommon for them to rub and wear on another component which can cause a leak. We have many options from hose replacement to repair depending on the system. Sylvan Lake Autopro has many options and will recommend the best one for your situation.

Receiver Drier

The receiver drier is a component in the air conditioning system that often contains a desiccant to absorb any moisture and operates as a bit of a filter or trap for debris. It is required to be replaced when we change out a compressor to maintain warranty and help protect the new component.

Electrical & Computer Diagnostics

Vehicles are becoming ever more complicated, and the A/C system in today’s modern vehicles are no exception. The system can monitor many readings, temperatures and pressures. If it detects anything out for specification it will often disable the system. While it may be easy to see the reading that is not within range, often diagnosing the cause is a longer process. A low voltage on a pressure sensor can be anything from low pressure to a wiring issue, or even a failed computer module. Often, we are provided a detailed testing procedure that must be completed to accurately diagnose these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my vehicles AC system serviced?

While many shops might recommend having your AC system serviced annually, or even twice annually, we do not feel this is necessary. Our regular services check items such as cabin air filters and visual inspections of components. We feel that it might be a best practice to have the system checked over every few years, or if you feel like the system is not performing as it should.

What are the signs that my AC system needs repair?

Often the first signs of an AC system that is not working properly will be that it does not cool as well as it did previously. Sometimes you may notice that when you are sitting or driving slowly around town the system loses cooling. You might also notice things like poor airflow or hissing / gurgling noises that were not present previously. If you start to notice these things, then it is a good indication that your AC system needs some attention.

How long does an AC repair typically take?

It’s difficult to say, it can be a simple pressure test and recharge in an older vehicle that has simply lost its charge over many years, or as complicated as a multiple day project to remove a dash and heater case. Due to the expense of labor and components, you want to choose a shop that can accurately diagnose and backs their repairs with a warranty. At Sylvan Lake Autopro, repairs are often backed by our 2-year, 40,000 km nation wide warranty. Our service advisor will provide you with all the details regarding your repair.

Are there different types of A/C Refrigerant?

Yes, there are several types of refrigerants that have been used in the automotive industry. Originally R-12 refrigerant was used, and as it is no longer available, we have several alternatives to use in these systems. These older systems often require retrofitting the system to accept something newer.

The most common refrigerant is currently R-134, which is now being phased out for a newer alternative. R134 is likely the most common in today’s vehicles and is what we work with the most.

The newest refrigerant is R-1234. This has been introduced at different times depending on the manufacturer and seems to be the current trend. R1234 refrigerant is more expensive, requires special tooling and in general takes longer to work with. Sylvan Lake Autopro has invested in the best and latest tools and can service this along with all other refrigerants.

Can I charge my system with a DIY kit?

There are many DIY systems that are available over the counter. The problem with these systems is that they essentially contaminate the existing refrigerant. Because we need to use our machines to evacuate and recharge the system, we are unable to work on contaminated systems. Often trying to save by using these kits ends up creating more expense or even leaves us unable to work on the system. It is important to only use the proper refrigerant specified by the manufacturer.

Why Us?

We have been working on AC systems since 2006, have the newest equipment, and are constantly updating our training. Our professional technicians can efficiently and accurately diagnose and repair your air conditioning system. Give us a call today so you are ready for the warm weather!

Call Sylvan Lake Autopro today, we are your local experts in air conditioning repair!