Category: How Tos
Over the past thirty years environmental regulations have wholly directed the refrigerant industry. Regulations have controlled the use of refrigerants since they have tended to be substances which either depleted the ozone layer or contributed to global warming. Included in this oversight has been the phase-out of specific refrigerant classes and the phase-in of their
A lot of factors must be considered when buying new merchandise to stock a retail establishment. The experts at FJC can help you successfully navigate these factors, but in the meantime here are some considerations to get you thinking strategically. Merchandising Strategy Generally speaking there are two contrasting Mechandising Strategies: whether to carry a large
As the “heart” of the A/C system, the compressor performs a critical duty in the cooling of your vehicle. A compressor is a rotating pump which circulates refrigerant throughout the A/C system. Symptoms of a bad A/C compressor include: The A/C compressor won’t turn on, or stutters on and off The A/C is blowing warm
If you’ve ever shopped for DIY refrigerant products, you’ve undoubtedly read some product descriptions which sound similar— Refrigerant with ……”Stop Leak”, “Leak Stop”, “Leak Sealer”, “Leak Sealant”, “Conditioners”, “Kwik Seal”, “Quick Stop”, etc. Are these all the same? Are they different? Which is better? Which could harm your system? Inquiring minds want to know! In
At FJC we understand that all booster cables are not the same, but—then again—neither are all users. Learn about important considerations for this invaluable tool and always be sure to read all instructions and follow all safety rules before using. Length The length of the cables determines how close you need to be to another
A vacuum pump is a literal workhorse in aftermarket air conditioning. Once you’ve chosen and purchased the right pump, your goal should be to protect and maintain your investment. Because it removes moisture, acid and other contaminants from an A/C system, vacuum pump oil can become contaminated fairly quickly. Once the oil is compromised in
What is the difference between the various A/C compressor oils on the market, and do those differences really matter? As the EPA has introduced more environmentally-friendly regulations, the automotive industry has had to embrace more stringent vehicle engineering standards. This has affected the need for specific lubricants. We always recommend that you contact the manufacturer
O-rings are small but vital donut-shaped gaskets in an automotive A/C system. They are seated in such a way as to create a leak-free area at each connection where the hard metal and soft O-ring meet. O-ring lubricants and conditioners extend the life of O-rings by creating a surface film which seals the o-ring and
So, you’ve determined your vehicle’s A/C needs a charge…..but the choices on the shelf seem confusing. Do you need a leak stop? Red or UV dye? A performance booster? Let our Interactive Refrigerant Finder help you determine the correct product for you. If the hyperlinks are active on your device, click through at the end
Over the years many people have noticed price volatility in the refrigerant market. Price fluctuations can make users feel concerned about whether they are getting fair pricing on their refrigerants, and wonder why the prices are not more stable. The reason can be answered with a simple sentence, “Refrigerant prices fluctuate because they are a
When an automotive A/C compressor failure occurs, debris from the failed unit can scatter throughout the system. These particles can clog up passages in the system and cause problems after you’ve replaced the failed compressor. Even tiny particles can cause big problems with the system. In fact, it takes less than 1/10th of a tsp
Service port caps are the primary seal for a vehicle’s A/C system’s service ports. Once again, FJC is on the forefront of the automotive air conditioning market by being one of the few providers of R-1234yf high and low side service port caps. We offer a variety of sizes, post lengths and provide each with
Ah, Spring! As the days get longer, moods elevate and people are ready to get out and enjoy the fresh air and awakening scenery. For many of us that includes car rides to and from our location, and increasingly in this Covid world, the ride sometimes becomes the destination. Before you head out on
Automotive air conditioning is a self-contained system which cools the cabin of a car by changing the phase of refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again by applying and releasing pressure on it. Each part of the system is connected by tubing or hoses which form a closed loop through which the refrigerant flows.
One of the most common problems causing a mobile A/C to blow warm, especially after a long winter or period of non-use, is a refrigerant leak. While it can be a DIY repair, diagnosing and fixing an automotive A/C system that is not blowing cold air takes a multi-faceted approach. Begin with a visual inspection.
It’s a New Year—so out with the old and in with the NEW! Well, how about we keep some of the “old” and bring in some “cutting edge”? That’s more in keeping with the FJC tradition of being on the forefront of the automotive A/C aftermarket industry! Here are 21 exciting tips for 2021 from
It’s good to know…. Air conditioning system doesn’t only cool the air, it also conditions it by drying and filtering it. Operating your vehicle’s A/C during colder months can prolong the life of your vehicle’s system and, even more importantly, can actually help keep you safer on the road by increasing driver visibility. Your vehicle’s
Refrigerant and DIY tools for Automotive A/C repair are readily available at any auto parts store. While this “ease of access” somewhat translates into “ease of use,” it is imperative to be aware at all times of the potential risks of working on an A/C system and to minimize those risks from the get-go. Be
So, 2020 is (finally!) in the rear view mirror and the year ahead is an open road, waiting to be travelled. We know you’ve got big plans for 2021….and if you keep up with these “Vehicle Resolutions” you can be sure your car will be there to take you for the ride. RESOLVE to make
FJC carries PAG, POE, Zerol and mineral oils in a variety of viscosities to service every type of automotive air conditioning system. Choosing the correct lubricant for your Air Conditioning system can be confusing. We always recommend that you check your vehicle manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that the correct lubricant is
O-rings, gaskets, sealing washers, caps, keyways, shims, fittings, valve cores, orifice tubes and other service items are the lifeblood of every A/C Service Technician. These are the small parts and pieces a tech reaches for over and over throughout the course of his day, and it is imperative he’s got the right parts for the
[pdf-embedder url=”https://fjcinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Blog-AC-Pressure-Chart.pdf” title=”Blog – AC Pressure Chart”] LMK2020
It’s a question we hear all the time at FJC. “Do I REALLY need to change my vacuum pump oil?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes—for the sake of your vacuum pump AND your system!” Vacuum pump oil is a special oil used to lubricate a vacuum pump. Because a vacuum pump removes moisture, acid
Under normal conditions you should never have to recharge you automotive A/C with refrigerant. The system is, after all, a closed loop through which the refrigerant flows ad infinitum. So what does it mean if your system starts blowing warm air? If the warming of your AC output has happened slowly over time, it is
When you’re in need of heavy-duty air conditioning products, tools, equipment and refrigerant, think FJC HD! FJC is committed to supporting and advancing the commercial vehicle industry. To that end, we carry an extensive inventory of A/C products, tools, equipment and refrigerant for the trucking industry to help drivers keep cool while the wheels of
When a mobile A/C system needs to be repaired, the first step taken is usually to recover the refrigerant from the system for reuse later. An A/C vacuum pump is used to remove unwanted air and water vapor when it is under service. Moisture and air in the system can potentially damage the system. Air
A vehicle’s air conditioner keeps the cabin cool and comfortable on hot days. To do that effectively, it requires the correct level of refrigerant in the system. Since refrigerant is not “consumed” or used up in the normal process of cooling a vehicle, If a system is low on refrigerant it’s because there is a
During the current lock down, it may not be possible to bring your vehicle into a shop for maintenance/repair. However, if (like many of us) you find yourself with extra time on your hands, and can tackle simple maintenance like a needed oil change, replacing worn wiper blades, etc, this may be a great time
Is there water pooling inside or outside of your vehicle? While there are a few potential causes, the culprit may likely be an A/C water leak. A/C water leaks are very different from the A/C refrigerant leaks that we often speak about. Read further to learn what causes car A/C water leaks and what to
Spring is right around the corner, and right after that we’ll be hit with the stifling heat of summer. FJC’s distributors are already purchasing their refrigerant, tools and equipment for the upcoming season so they’re prepared. It’s equally important for drivers to be prepared in advance of summer as well. The heat, dust, and stop-and-go
It’s been 27 years since Lynn Parnell established FJC (short for Fruit Jar Chemist), creating A/C flushes in his NC garage. We’ve come a long way since then—we’ve expanded our product line, our staff, and our footprint— now filling two warehouses and offering streamlined logistics capacity to serve all of North America. We’ve also become
You might have noticed that FJC offers O-ring Lubricant (Part #2206). You may have also read the description pf this convenient aerosol spray: Use FJC O-ring Lubricant to decrease the surface friction of the O-ring, helping to prevent abrasion, pinching or cutting of the O-ring during installation. Lubrication also helps to seat the O-ring properly
Although many techs know (or suspect) this, it may surprise DIYers to know that service port caps are THE primary seal for a vehicle’s A/C system’s service ports. Many erroneously believe the Schrader valve provides the seal for the ports, but in fact the valve merely provides access to the system and still requires the
Component/Design Differences One of the compelling reasons R-1234yf was overwhelmingly chosen to replace R-134a in automotive air conditioning systems is because there are not really many differences between the way the systems are designed and work. There are a couple minor component changes in the Thermal Expansion Valves (replace orifice tubes or expansion valves) and
Travel emergencies can happen at any time. Clearly there are steps we can all take to reduce the likelihood of a travel emergency, which will be covered in a future post. However this post contains advice about how to plan in advance so you are prepared when an emergency inevitably strikes (despite having taken your
Let’s face it, no one likes getting into a vehicle that’s frozen over, however many of us still use the “tips and tricks” of yesteryear to heat our vehicles despite the fact that these are no longer recommended today. In winters past, vehicles needed to “warm up” in frigid temperatures to allow the correct mix
The following checklist for inspecting an automotive A/C system has been developed from the recommendations of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) An annual A/C inspection is recommended, ideally during the Fall or Spring seasons. Many use the change to or from Daylight Saving Time as an inspection reminder. Note: Always use extreme caution when
ABSOLUTE ZERO – The lowest theoretically possible temperature: complete absence of heat; believed to be -459.67°F (-273.15°C). AIR CONDITIONING – A system for controlling temperature, ventilation and humidity in a vehicle through condensation. Typically used to maintain a cool atmosphere in warm conditions. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE – Temperature of the surrounding air, or outside air temperature
MUSTY OR DIRTY AIR COMES THROUGH DASHBOARD VENTS A musty odor, or dirty air coming through the dashboard A/C vents and into the cabin is likely caused by a dirty or moldy A/C evaporator drain hose. As a first line of defense, FJC has two simple products designed to remedy this issue. Part # 5909
“Righty, tighty Lefty loosy.” is a common axiom to help remember which direction tightens and which direction loosens a screw, nut, bolt, etc. To tighten, you must turn it to the right (clockwise). To loosen it, therefore, you turn it to the left (counter-clockwise). The adage works ALMOST all of the time….except when there is
Before servicing a vehicle, confirm system refrigerant type. Cross contamination of refrigerants can cause damage to A/C system, service tools and equipment. GENERAL MANIFOLD INFORMATION: The right (red) side of the manifold is the high side and the red gauge is the high pressure gauge. The left (blue) side of the manifold is the low
When an automotive A/C compressor failure occurs, it’s best practice to flush out the system before installing the new compressor. Many times when a compressor fails it sends small metal particles throughout the A/C system. These particles can clog up passages in the system and cause problems after you’ve replaced the failed compressor. Even tiny
As the coolant in your cooling system increases in temperature, the pressure in the system also increases. Normal operating temperature of a cooling system is around 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly higher than the boiling point of water. The pressure of a cooling system is controlled by the radiator cap which generally holds the
An automotive air conditioning system is a closed loop. As the refrigerant moves through the system it is subject to pressure variations. This pressure changes the phase of the refrigerant from liquid to gas and back again. As these phase changes occur, the temperature also changes, heat is released, and “air conditioning is made”. Because
Automotive air conditioning is a self-contained system which cools the cabin of a car by changing the phase of refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again by applying and releasing pressure on it. Each of the parts of the system is connected by tubing or hoses to form a closed loop through which the
Choosing the correct lubricant for your Air Conditioning system can be confusing. The move to more eco-friendly refrigerants and more stringent vehicle engineering standards has led to a number of regulations to manufacturer requirements for A/C compressor oils over the past two decades. For that reason, we always recommend that you contact the manufacturer to
There are some car odors which are indicative of a mechanical issue that needs your attention. For example, a burned rubber smell may indicate that your brakes or clutch need attention, a burning oil smell may indicate an oil leak, and a strong, sulfur smell may indicate a problem with the catalytic converter. But if
You never want your little one to be too hot! If your baby is overheating a number of things may happen. At the very least he will be uncomfortable, his sleep may suffer, and he may get heat rash, but there are also other more serious complications. So now, before summer approaches, we’ve compiled ten
Most people assume if their A/C is blowing warm that they are low on refrigerant. However, this is not always the case. Therefore, when charging A/C systems it is recommended to evacuate the system before adding refrigerant. This is because one of the most important factors in the performance of an A/C is the amount
At FJC we understand that all booster cables are not the same. So don’t grab those cables from the bargain bin just yet! First be sure read this informative blog before making that well-intentioned impulse purchase. Learn about important considerations for this handy tool and, of course, always be sure to closely follow instructions and
Diagnosing an automotive A/C system that is not blowing cold air takes a multi-faceted approach. One of the most common problems causing a mobile A/C to blow warm, especially after a long winter or period of non-use, is a refrigerant leak. But how exactly does one determine if this is the actual issue? (1) Always
Winter is quickly approaching, and for many drivers that often means several months without running their car air conditioning. However, operating the AC in your vehicle during these colder months can actually prolong the life of your vehicle’s system and, even more importantly, help keep you safer on the road. Your car’s air conditioner does
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
FJC
101 Commercial Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115
FJC is a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of quality automotive air conditioning parts and service accessories.
