If you’re about to go to bed and want to avoid nightmares, you might want to put off reading this until morning. If you’re about to get in the car, please read on. While Black Death is not the same as the deadly plague during the 14th century, a car A/C system experiencing Black Death will be infected like the plague. Black Death starts out inside the compressor after refrigerant breaks down. Since refrigerant acts as a working fluid much like how motor oil is the fluid which provides lubrication to protect the engine, a refrigerant breakdown will result in ugly wear, starting in the compressor. From there, the sharp and grimy metal particles created during compressor breakdown can then travel through the rest of your A/C system, wreaking havoc on the entire system. Before you know it, all cold air, and airflow for that matter, will be long gone. Cue the A/C grim reaper. The best protection from Black Death is an A/C Performance Check. We feel your pain and discomfort caused by weak airflow.

The sweat alone is enough to drive any of us crazy. However, there are a lot of factors at play. If you notice reduced airflow early on –rather than later– take the right step and have it looked at before other fatal A/C system damage can occur. Whatever’s the cause of your airflow problems, we have the answer. Schedule an A/C Performance Check. Typically, no, but some vehicles have Driver Information Centers (DIC) that may display the status of many vehicle systems. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for more information. There are several reasons an A/C system can lose its cool. Bring your ride to us as soon as you start noticing this symptom, it could mean the difference between needing a small repair, or worse, a large one. Here’s what can cause your cold air to lose its cool. Leaks can be devastating. When an A/C system develops a leak, you have what’s called an “open system.” If you or your technician discovers the leak early, your repair will be less expensive.

Unfortunately, if a leak has been affecting your cold air for a while, moisture will most likely have entered your A/C system and may have damaged other vital and expensive parts. Well, like many complicated stories, there’s never one simple answer. A/C systems are a fickle breed. Your best bet is to have us inspect your system for any of the following listed symptoms. Sounds like you have an odorific problem on your hands. There are a few issues that may be causing this smell. While we’re no C.S.I. unit, the ways to detect an A/C system leak are not far off from an episode of the ever popular investigation show.Rubber seals and hoses can also lose their elasticity over time and breakdown allowing Freon to escape and moisture to enter your vehicle’s A/C system. Moisture is the kiss of death for your A/C system, mixing with refrigerant and creating a system destroying corrosive acid. Quick fact: If moisture is present, it could damage your accumulator, receiver or drier.

Remember, these devices are responsible for removing moisture from the A/C system and will eventually stop functioning once they are exposed to an open system (leak or crack).Carl’s Corner – Auto Repair Help DIAGNOSE – A/C SYSTEM DOESN’T BLOW COLD AIR SYMPTOM SUMMARYThe air conditioning system is not cooling as expected. The air conditioning system may require an extended period of operation to reach the desired output. USUAL CAUSELow refrigerant level is the most likely cause of poor cooling from the air conditioning. hotel wall ac unitIf there is no cool air coming from the air conditioning system, an electrical malfunction could be the cause. average cost of residential hvac unitsA defective relay, compressor clutch coil or damaged compressor are all possibilities.hvac unit names

DIAGNOSISThe air conditioning system is equipped with safety switches that automatically turn the compressor off when the A/C refrigerant level becomes low. This prevents compressor damage, since the lubricant for the compressor is circulated through the system by the refrigerant. When the pressure switches are activated, power to the compressor is interrupted regardless of the position of the A/C dash switch. Recent regulations have prevented most consumers from doing the repairs. Special equipment is now used to remove the refrigerant, referred to as “evacuate” prior to opening the refrigerant system. Special leak detectors are used to detect leaks around hoses, fittings, and valves. Once pinpointed, the leak will have to be repaired once the existing refrigerant, if any, is removed. PRECAUTIONS, TIPS, and NOTESThe refrigerant system is under high pressure at all times. During operation, the high pressure side of the refrigerant system can reach pressures of over 275 PSI.

Use extreme caution when working around the A/C system. Never disconnect or vent the refrigerant to the atmosphere. Refrigerant can cause extreme frost bite or blindness if it comes in contact with your skin or eyes. Repairs to the A/C system are best left to trained service personnel using the proper test and service equipment. Repairs can be made by the consumer, however, the system should be evacuated using the proper equipment by trained service personnel prior to any component replacement. After the system is repaired, it will have to be recharged using the same type of equipment. A vehicle without AC can be a sweaty and uncomfortable ride. A properly working AC keeps you and everyone else in the vehicle comfortable and cool all the way to your destination. Jiffy Lube® Technicians can assess interior climate control issues and are highly trained in A/C evacuation and recharge. Vehicle AC Not Working Right? We Help You Keep Your Cool The function of your vehicle’s air conditioner is to cool the air coming into your vehicle’s passenger compartment using three main parts: the compressor, condenser and evaporator.

Calm, Cool and Conditioned After discussing faulty AC system symptoms with you, Jiffy Lube® technicians begin the service by visually inspecting the air conditioning compressor drive belt, serpentine belt and all accessible components for cracks, leaks or damage. Then they check the operation of the air conditioning compressor. If no leaks or damage are found, they evacuate the refrigerant from the system, vacuum test it, and recharge the air conditioning system using the appropriate refrigerant according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.Jiffy Lube does not recommend servicing systems with detected leaks or damage. The Jiffy Lube AC service is designed for periodic maintenance rather than AC repair, but rest assured Jiffy Lube can recommend the next steps to be taken to get your AC system up and running. Early detection of leaks or damage to your vehicle AC system can save you time and money, keeping you and everyone in your vehicle cool and worry free. Please note: Not all Jiffy Lube® service centers offer Air Conditioning Services.