Servicing and repairing hybrid transmissions, replacing hybrid batteries, fixing electric motors, and all other significant aspects of hybrid vehicle maintenance
Electrically Powered AC Compressors for Hybrid Vehicles
The first hybrid vehicles on the market used conventional belt-drive AC compressors, which necessitated continuous use of the internal combustion engine.
Because the internal combustion engine in hybrid vehicles is built to switch off when idle automatically, this presented a problem when waiting at traffic signals.
Due to the development of the electric motor-powered AC compressor, the hybrid vehicle idle stop design could be maintained while the AC was still in use.
Additionally, it allowed the compressor to operate in any AC mode at the appropriate RPM for maximum efficiency without being impacted by the engine’s speed.
The driver can more precisely manage the temperature and humidity of the air from the vents thanks to electric AC compressors.
Some hybrid car AC compressors (in Honda hybrids) are driven by two pulleys rather than being electric.
An electric motor drives one pulley, and an internal combustion engine causes the other through a conventional belt.
This hybrid auto air conditioning system reduces fuel consumption because the compressor only uses the high-voltage electric motor while the car is stationary.
If you like to be more ‘hands-on’ with your vehicle, please browse our extensive library of manuals for your make and model
Electronic Control Module for the AC
The AC compressor motor is under the supervision of the electronic control module.
The air conditioning system’s sensors, connected to the ECM, provide information on factors including humidity, solar load, and cabin air temperature.
When the compressor needs more power from the electric motor, the ECM analyzes this data to determine when it does.
Issues with the air conditioning system in hybrid vehicles frequently involve the ECM.
Auto AC Hybrid Recharge
For lubrication, hybrid car air conditioning systems need polyol ester oil (POE).
In hybrid systems, the polyethylene glycol oil (PAG) used in a standard car AC recharge is insufficient for insulating or preventing electrical leakage.
Even a tiny amount of PAG will result in irreparable harm to the system, making it impossible to start or necessitating the replacement of the entire AC system.
To avoid contamination, a high-quality vehicle repair facility must either have specialized hybrid AC equipment or properly clean all equipment before transitioning between hybrid and non-hybrid A/C recharge services.
It includes cleaning the recovery, recycling, and recharging (RRR) machine’s hoses.
Detection of Auto AC System Leaks in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Leak detection in hybrid A/C systems also needs training and tools.
The liquid fluorescent dye used in traditional AC leak monitoring is prohibited in Honda and Toyota hybrid vehicles.
Finding and caulking leaks in electric cars and SUVs requires a competent hybrid AC mechanic.
