ACtion Magazine - June 2017 - 18

By Peter Orlando

echnicians need proper skills to work on today's climate control systems. It is up to industry professionals to ensure they are serviceready and have all the necessary certifications
and safety awareness training before they attempt any A/C service work on a vehicle.
We are required to perform a diagnostic system performance test to determine what diagnostic direction we will
take on the problem based on the customer's complaint.
Many times, we need to determine up front if a problem is
addressed by a Preliminary Inspection or TSB. If we don't,
we can waste many hours on a problem. Following proper
OEM test procedures is essential for achieving a job well
done, delivered on time and at the price agreed upon while
making a profit.
Climate control system analyses and diagnostics involves understanding everything on the system which
affects A/C system operation. This includes ensuring appropriate cooling system operation and proper engine performance. In addition, exploring CAN bus communication
issues, scanning for DTCs, and checking for any recent
collision work are just a few more of many concerns to be
addressed.
Problems should be broken down from MOST likely
to LEAST likely and follow a logical diagnostic process,
especially if the problem is found to be electrical.
One method I use is called A/C Diagnostic Forensics.
It involves applying wiring schematics to pre-diagnose
electrical problems and learning how to analyze A/C component circuits for deficiencies. Total thermal climate control systems are now common on today's cars and we must
certify that all systems are functioning as the manufacturing engineer intended.

ACTION * June 2017

Think about this common electrical check: Checking
available voltage to a component.
First, how can you test what the available voltage is
if you don't base line that voltage at the battery? How
would you know what voltage to expect ANYWHERE in
the vehicle WITHOUT checking what the battery voltage
is? Basics, YES but as basic as it is, it's often overlooked.
Lack of system knowledge and a thorough understanding
of the system in question is essential to proper diagnoses.
Think about this, as well. If you approach a problem
with added stress, your diagnosis will be stressed and possibly compromised. I would like to reduce my stress and
approach ANY electrical problem with confidence and capability. TENSION-FREE diagnostics means you must
possess the skills required for the task at hand.
Always perform your own tests, and based on your
test results, come to your own diagnostic conclusions. Be
certain if you are making a recommended test per OE instructions, that the test makes logical sense to you. How
can the results of the tests you perform make sense unless
the test itself makes sense? MAKE SENSE?
Today's Diagnostic Approach
* Make sure you're talking to the PRIMARY DRIVER
* 4Cs to successful, profitable repairs
1) Consult with the customer
2) Confirm complaint
3) Certify cause
4) Correct problem
5) Sorry, one more...make sure you
COLLECT your fees.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ACtion Magazine - June 2017