Latest News

Sour AC smell caused by idle-stop

THE latest MACS Service Report from VASA’s counterparts in the United States includes an interesting piece that might help you solve customer complaints about a sour smell from their vehicles’ air-conditioning system. Although sour smells from AC vents are often linked to a dirty evaporator, modern vehicles fitted with fuel-saving idle-stop systems that automatically shut Continue reading Sour AC smell caused by idle-stop

Using scan tools in HVAC diagnosis

THE latest MACS Service Report from VASA’s counterparts in the United States is centred on a feature called “Diagnosing like a doctor, thinking like a module”. It covers the process from checking for diagnostic trouble codes on all vehicle modules to manually operating computer-operated functions to determine whether there is a mechanical or computer related Continue reading Using scan tools in HVAC diagnosis

Grant Hand talks variable-displacement compressors

AUTO-AC training guru Grant Hand says the first consideration when working on climate control systems with variable-displacement compressors is that they are linked to the entire engine and vehicle management system, meaning any existing fault codes must be diagnosed, fixed and cleared before AC system diagnosis can begin. “People need to know that they are Continue reading Grant Hand talks variable-displacement compressors

Electrical diagnosis guide inside your latest MACS service bulletin

THE February 2016 MACS Service Bulletin from VASA’S North American partners provides a handy best-practice guide to diagnosing electrical and electronic faults on automotive HVAC systems. It includes a case study on how different the diagnostic procedures can be between model years or, more specifically, generation-change vehicles with carryover drivetrains. The example given is a Continue reading Electrical diagnosis guide inside your latest MACS service bulletin

Computers on wheels in Las Vegas at CES

THE fact that car manufacturers and suppliers are now must-see exhibitors at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) highlights the huge, high-speed collision currently occurring between transportation and technology. Take a step back from the dazzling lights in Las Vegas and the 3600-plus companies clambering for attention, and the importance of IT skills and up-to-the-minute Continue reading Computers on wheels in Las Vegas at CES

Watch this: remote AC control

REMOTE vehicle services that allow drivers to remotely adjust their vehicle’s climate control settings were out in force at CES this year, with most car manufacturers presenting their latest systems. Among them was Audi’s free MMI connect app, which allows remote functions to be activated by devices such as a smartwatch or fourth-generation Apple TV. Continue reading Watch this: remote AC control

ARC joins refrigerant roadshow

THE Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has joined VASA, Refrigerants Australia and Refrigerant Reclaim Australia as a founding partner of future:gas, a roadshow of educational seminars that will take place across Australia and New Zealand this winter, aimed at building a broader understanding of new refrigerants R1234yf and R744 (carbon dioxide) and what they mean for Continue reading ARC joins refrigerant roadshow