A/C Systems Diagnosis

[DanW.]

The other day I listened to a fellow service writer talking to a customer about the A/C inspections we did for him. He explained the process of evacuating and recharging and that we injected dye into the system. The system held vacuum and we didn't find a leak that day. He then told the customer to make an appointment for us to take a second look at the A/C system, to find the leak. However he told the customer to make that appointment after the system goes warm.

 

After the customer left I asked him why he made the "When the system goes warm" recommendation because, I have always recommended that the customer returned in 3-4 weeks for the UV dye inspection. He told me that the owner of our shop said that it was stupid, to have the customer come back if they were not experiencing a problem, hence when the system becomes warm again.

 

What is the process at your shop?

 

 

[flacvabeach]

We tell them to come back if the system fails. I don't want/need to look at it if it's working OK. As a side note, our techs are required to soap test the ports after servicing. It's amazing how often you create a leak just by putting your hoses on the ports.

[ScottSpec]

We explain how we added the dye and to return if the AC stops cooling. Like the post above, there is no point in the customer returning if the AC is functioning ok.

 

Scott

[Gonzo]

I soap test after installing anything under pressure. That includes any hydraulic lines. (just picky I guess) But, any and every A/C job has a disclaimer on it. Which states "To avoid loss of excessive amounts of refrigerant we recommend returning in two weeks (or if it stops cooling within the two weeks) for a FREE leak check. Any problems found at that time (as far as leaks) can be diagnosed and estimated for further repair."

 

Found lots and lots of leaks that way, but... I wouldn't wait for it to stop cooling, unless it is within the two weeks. Besides, as most people do, they'll put things off until it's "convenient" by then the oil/dye has dried up and it makes it harder to spot the leak.

[lmcca]

Having freon levels drop over several years is normal and doesnt mean there is anything wrong, it will permeate thru the seals and is nothing to worry about. Add dye, top it off and, come back if it gets warm again, that way, you will know its something more.

[jfinn1976]

I recommend 2-4 weeks. It's a quick check and if dye shows up, you have a potential sell. If you tell them to wait it may be a slow leak, leaks over winter when they don't know and comes back in the spring and you have to recharge and dye it again, will the customer be happy?