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GM AC system receiver/drier with blue and red caps, showing pressure points.

GM AC System’s Pressure?

A/C Tips
(Photo is of low side and high side ports on GM applications, with the orifice tube in the center.) Let's talk about GM air conditioning pressure diagnosis. On some GM models, the high side service port is located after the condenser and before the orifice tube on the liquid line. This placement can make pressure…
Automotive AC clutch assembly, a common cause of car AC failure.

Common Reasons for Car AC Clutch Failure

A/C Tips
  Car AC clutch failures can happen for various reasons. It's crucial to identify the exact cause to fix the problem properly. Typically, clutch failure is due to high pressure, voltage issues, or both. How to Check for Car AC Clutch Failure: Check the Refrigerant Level: If the refrigerant charge is off, the pressure switches…
Old yellow compressor with a green wire attached, likely in need of repair

Compressor Failure – The Most Common Reasons

A/C Tips
Don’t just swap out the compressor — figure out why it failed in the first place, so it does not happen again Compressor failures usually happen because something else in the A/C system went wrong. This could be due to low refrigerant, issues with the electronic fan or fan clutch, a clogged condenser, voltage problems,…
Supercool Premium Synthetic PAG 46 R134a A/C lubricant oil bottle

A/C Oil is the Blood of the System

A/C Tips
  The right type and amount of oil are crucial for your A/C system's performance. Always check the manufacturer specifications, usually found on the under-hood decal, for oil and refrigerant charge details.   Why Oil is Essential for Your A/C System: Lubrication: The A/C compressor needs oil to reduce friction and prevent metal-to-metal contact. Proper…
Aluminum condenser fins and flush tools for AC repair

Air Conditioning Condensers in Late Models Cannot be Flushed

A/C Tips
Most modern vehicles use parallel flow style a/c condensers. Leading aftermarket suppliers have also updated original serpentine and piccolo air conditioning condenser styles to more efficient parallel flow replacements. Keep in mind, the refrigerant charge can vary based on condenser design, so you might need to adjust it if you're swapping a factory condenser for…
Car AC kit: compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and PAG oil

How to Install an Air Conditioning Compressor and Air Conditioning Kit

A/C Tips
How to properly install all the air conditioning components in our Air Conditioning Compressor Kits. At BuyAutoParts.com we have one of the largest AC Compressor Install Kit inventories in the country. Each kit comes with the correct parts to get the job done right the first time. Here are the directions on how to install…
Black 2002-2006 Honda CRV SUV parked outdoors with mountains in background

2002-2006 Honda CRV AC Black Death Repair

A/C Tips
[caption id="attachment_1850" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 2002-2006 HONDA CRV AC BLACK DEATH REPAIR[/caption] There are a lot of cars with a reputation for quart-million-mile reliability, aside from “that one thing”. Toyota pickups rust really easy, the Chevy 6.5L diesel has the PMD that overheats, and for a lot of Honda models, it’s the air conditioning. Owners and…
Air conditioning system flush can and vacuum pump for AC maintenance

How To Flush AC System

A/C Tips
The AC system includes the compressor, condenser, evaporator and accumulator/receiver-dryer. The key to the cooling function of an AC system is to maintain the pressure of the refrigerant either under high-pressure or low-pressure, as needed. As with any part of the automobile, the AC system can also get contaminated with impurities, making it function improperly.…
Infographic: How to keep AC cold, AC pressure readings, and troubleshooting

How Do I Keep My AC Cold? [Infographic]

A/C Tips
Air conditioning is like iced tea. Nobody ever said, “Wow, this lukewarm iced tea is awesome!” Same goes for your car’s AC system – it has to be cold. Tepid simply won’t cut it. With this in mind, we’ll review some ways to keep that AC air freezing (not quite see-your-breath cold, but darn close).…
Cabin air filter location in car, part of AC system maintenance.

Common Car Air Conditioning System Problems and How to Fix Them

A/C Tips
It’s 90 degrees outside. Things are really heating up. It’s an inferno out there. Now is not the time to experience car A/C issues. When you hit that little “A/C” button on the dashboard, you expect the cold air, and quick. When warm air arrives instead…well, it’s time to hit the “panic” button, right? Not…