Aircon 38 www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2025 Among the seasonal tasks facing the typical workshop is the service and repair of aircon systems, as owners find they have problems when they switch on and expect a rush of cool, fresh air, only to be greeted with a lukewarm and stale smelling one! To maintain a going concern, workshops need to have a broad range of skills and knowledge to service and repair vehicles. However, partly due to its traditional seasonality, which means it’s not a daily job, and also due to its inherent complexity, working on an AC system can often be a challenge. Fortunately, workshops are not left to flounder as AVA, part of the Nissens Group, is on hand with its Clever Fit concept to help simplify work for technicians. AVA has directly addressed one of the primary irritations for those that actually have to fit replacement parts, namely to have at hand all of the related components needed in a single box. Although an AC system comprises many important components, the condenser is one of the most critical and needs to be checked regularly and carefully. The condenser is relatively fragile, and its position at the front of the vehicle exposes it to harsh conditions, such as de-icing salts used in the winter, which can quickly lead to corrosion. Furthermore, mechanical damage from careless service, insects, dust and other debris, can limit the condenser’s heat exchange performance. Even if the part seems to be okay and is still partially working, a condenser in poor condition can lead to costly system failure. New for this summer, Nissens Automotive has released the most important AC service and diagnostics procedures in a 10-point checklist post for workshops. Basic function check: Measuring the air temperature at the air vents in the cabin using a thermometer. A healthy system should generate 5-10°C / 4050°F at an ambient temperature of 15-30°C / 60-90°F. Visual inspection: Before considering a complex repair and possible invisible problems, this initial control focuses on the visible, and it is highly efficient initial troubleshooting. It is often disregarded, but it can quickly reveal the root cause of severe malfunctions. System charge/static pressures: Check the system is charged correctly. The correct refrigerant charge is a key requirement for the optimal operation of the system and the health of the components. Operating pressures: This is one of the critical test procedures that reveals typical system failures, including malfunctioning key components and clogging. Operating temperatures: Temperature based component diagnostics is one of the basic methods for troubleshooting the system as it is easy, reliable and costeffective. Depending on the pressure side where AC loop components are located, each element has a nominal range of temperatures in which it operates properly. Loop inner cleanliness & flushing: The AC system must be clinically clean inside the loop to perform correctly. Simplifying the busy AC season Top tips for technicians
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