Recently released products in the AC servicing, maintenance and repair space include six newly designed refrigerant recovery and handling machinesfrom Mahle, three new air conditioning refrigerant capacity database cards from Robinair, a new kit for AC line repair from AirSept, and an electronic control valve tester from Techno Tools.
Welcome to Auto Service World’s Category Focus, looking at recent announcements from automotive aftermarket tool makers, parts manufacturers and distributors.
Valve tester
Techno Tools Corporation has launched the model EVDC100, a low-cost, OEM-approved, mobile air conditioner compressor electronic control valve tester. The device tests electronic control valves in variable displacement mobile AC compressors. It is placed in-line between the control valve and the wiring harness connector, so valve issues can be diagnosed before condemning a compressor. The electronic control valve regulates internal compressor pressure to change the compressor displacement. The tester regulates the input signal to the valve to verify the valve’s operation. In less than five minutes, the tester assists a technician in diagnosing mobile AC problems with external control valve compressors. By manually controlling the operation and function of the valve, it lowers repair costs and service time, and eliminates a compressor misdiagnosis and an unnecessary compressor replacement.
Line repair kit
AirSept has introduced Smart Splice PRO Series-A/C (part number 78020).
The newest kit in the company’s popular line of products for quick and durable line repair, Smart Splice PRO Series-A/C provides technicians with everything needed to fix a damaged metal line or hose for AC service in five minutes, with no line removal needed. It includes 18 repairs with Smart Splice SAE connectors for straight and 90-degree line-to-line repairs, line-to-hose repairs, and hose-to-hose repairs.
Smart Splice line repair products are superior to traditional compression fittings thanks to AirSept’s proprietary sealing technology that contributes to long service life. A unique HNBR seal sleeve dramatically expands the sealing surface and a high-tech anti-vibration tension ring ensures repair durability in heavy vibration automotive applications.
“With the air conditioning repair season right around the corner, we’ve put together a handy kit for automotive technicians who need an option for repairing metal lines that is not labor intensive or costly,” said AirSept president Aaron Becker. Smart Splice is OE-approved for line repair and is technician-friendly with no special tools or adhesives required. Smart Splice is burst tested to 2,600 psi to ensure durability in tough automotive applications.
AC recovery machine updates
Robinair has released three new air conditioning refrigerant capacity database cards that help ensure vehicle systems are charged with the correct amount of oil and refrigerant, per OEM specification. The databases – 34411-J, 34412-D and 34413-B – are compatible with a range of Robinair AC recovery, recycling and recharge (RRR) machines including the new AC1234-4, 34288NI, 34788NI, 34988NI machines and legacy Robinair machines.
34411-J R-134a vehicle A/C capacities database 2019:
Compatible with Robinair 34788, 34788-H and 34988.
Confirms A/C system charge capacities directly from Robinair A/C RRR machines for R-134a systems.
Includes charge amounts and component oil capacities for vehicle model years 1997-2018 using R-134a refrigerant.
34412-D R-134a vehicle A/C capacities database 2019:
Compatible with Robinair 34288NI, 34788NI, 34788NI-H and 34988NI.
Confirms A/C system charge capacities directly from Robinair A/C RRR machines for R-134a systems.
Includes charge amounts and component oil capacities for vehicle model years 1997-2018 using R-134a refrigerant.
34413-B R-1234yf vehicle A/C capacities database 2019:
Compatible with Robinair AC1234-4.
Confirms A/C system charge capacities directly from Robinair A/C RRR machines for R-1234yf systems.
Includes refrigerant charge and oil capacities for vehicle A/C system components for most 2013-2018 passenger vehicles using R-1234yf.
www.Robinair.com
AC Handling equipment
The next generation of ArcticPRO AC refrigerant handling systems from Mahle Service Solutions are now available from Mahle.
Two units (ACX2280 and ACX2250) are available to service vehicles that are factory filled with the new R1234yf refrigerant. Four units (ACX2180, ACX2180H, ACX2150 and ACX2120H) are available to recover, recycle and recharge vehicles equipped with R134a refrigerant.
“These ‘next gen’ units, as we like to call them, will serve as the hallmark of the Mahle Service Solutions equipment lineup for years to come,” said Rich Wolf, general manager, Mahle Service Solutions. “The technology that they bring to service providers offers features and benefits that are unrivaled by anyone currently in the AC machine space.”
The high-performance units are smaller in size than previous models taking up less space in automotive repair shops without compromising performance. One of the most popular features is an ergonomic, hinged cabinet service door for easy access to all internal component. The cabinet door is gas strut assisted and can be opened single-handedly for simple unit maintenance.
Five of the six new models feature a large 7-inch capacitive LCD touch screen and a state-of-the-art, intuitive user interface, so technicians can navigate menus with ease.
All units feature fully automatic operation, allowing them to run virtually unattended so technicians have extra time to perform other duties. A bright, easily visible LED indicator light at the top of the unit comes on during use to indicate machine status and when the vehicle service has been completed.
A convenient phone app, supporting IOS and Android devices, allows technicians to remotely mirror AC service sessions and other advanced functions like push notifications.
The added benefit of Wi-Fi capability ensures that the software on each unit is up-to-date with all the latest functional software and feature enhancements available. A remote technician screen control feature allows Mahle’s technical support team access to a unit over Wi-Fi for advanced troubleshooting and support.
Data management and reporting metrics are included on the new ACX models with touch screen. They can log activity and errors during services, allowing for analytics, proactive service reminders, refrigerant use optimization, warranty reporting and other functions
A refrigerant identifier to ensure that the proper refrigerant is being serviced is integrated on the ACX2280, while an internal identifier with a separate sample hose is available on the ACX2250 eliminating the risk of internal contamination of the unit. Both units service R1234yf vehicles.
Several models have an oil system management function to provide automatic weighing of recovered and injected oil, allowing accurate replenishment of oil removed during service. Built in network printing from the unit interface can generate full-page service reports or emailed reports for customers. Optionally, built in thermal printers are also available.
Mahle provides an industry leading two-year warranty, which includes a full one-year warranty and a second year for parts only. Every unit is easy to maintain either by the owner, through Mahle’s, nationwide service centers or with phone/Wi-Fi technical support coverage.
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