May 2019

48 AFTERMARKET MAY 2019 AIR CONDITIONING www.aftermarketonline.net climate control; systems that contain high- and low-pressure sides, compressors, condensers, evaporators and refrigerant, along with many more components. Most comfort systems now have some form of diagnostic capabilities, be it codes only, codes and data, or actuators. “When automatic air conditioning is working correctly, all of the components listed as actuators will be commanded by the control module to perform a given task. However, when a system is not working as it should do, that is where diagnosing automatic air conditioning is a difficult task. Using a diagnostic tool to actuate many of the components fitted in the system – like the blend motors, blower, hot and cold taps and other parts – is a must. These components are usually in very hard- to-reach places at the rear of the dashboard, making access incredibly difficult. Using the Snap-on VERUS Edge can aid you in the actuator test – you may visibly or audibly note the component moving during the given actuation period. “While running such actuators on the VERUS Edge it may not be possible to see or hear the actuation events, but one of the tool’s stand-out features is the ability to view the oscilloscope while using the scanner. This will assist you in diagnosing the automatic air conditioning system, running the actuator and viewing the scope monitoring the signal wire to a given component. The signal wire could be a simple pulse width modulation (PWM) or local interconnecting network (LIN)”. Snap-on’s spokesman adds: “That said, before rushing in with the diagnostic tools, it is important to make sure that the basics have been checked first – such as ensuring that the mechanical system is good, visually inspecting the system, checking the correct amount of refrigerant and PAG oil, referring to technical data and using the air conditioning service station. This can be achieved easily and safely.” Keeping cool does not just apply to the passengers in the cabin. Thermal management of liquid cooled systems is essential for optimal operation of modern drivetrains, including EVs and hybrids. Karl Ridings, UFI’s Aftermarket UK & Ireland Sales Manager comments: “A central element of a thermal management system is the heat exchanger that can be found in various areas of conventional internal combustion vehicles but also in hybrid and electric vehicles. They will be applied to the lubrication system, the transmission system and to the batteries of electrified engines where they need to meet the challenging demands of the car manufacturers as well as the ever more stricter regulations towards emissions.” Heat exchangers for hybrid and electric vehicles are designed to keep the electric batteries in its optimal operating temperature range. “The latest generation of UFI Filters heat exchanger for hybrid and electric vehicles allows multiple applications,” explains Karl. “Engine oil cooler stand alones are mounted directly on the engine and designed on the basis of the specific thermal requirements of each individual engine. Engine oil cooler on modules are integrated into the oil module together with the filter and, optionally, to the thermostatic valve and the electronic sensor. Transmission oil coolers are mounted inside modern automatic transmissions. They can be equipped with a thermostatic valve. UFI has become a leading provider of thermal management units especially for water-cooled and vacuum-brazed aluminium heat exchangers that are lighter, more robust, more efficient and cleaner.” On the impact of oil filtration on thermal management, Karl observed: “Over the last years, oil filtration has changed equally the media, the filter design or the integration of functions and components like the heat exchanger into one module. UFI’s heat exchanging products are highly complementary to our filtration. Examples of modules with integrated oil cooler are the ones recently introduced to the latest BMW 3.0 l engine, the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio.” Before rushing in with the diagnostic tools, it is important to make sure the basics have been checked first ”