EV & Hybrid Vehicle Servicing

An A/C System Service for Hybrid Electric vehicles, includes system testing and report, R134a or HFO 1234yf  Refrigerant, and HYBRID PAG Oil to manufacturers specification.

Our Technicians here at Bee Cool have undergone IMI Electric Vehicle Level 3 Training to ensure the quality of our work. We are also able to offer full service & Repair on all EV Vehicles.

Service Price:  £145.00 & VAT   (Up to 600gms)

Carried out at our ‘Workshop & Service Centre’ in Kettering, on a ‘While You Wait’ Service with no appointment required.

(Please note that pricing is for cars ONLY. HGV, Plant, Agricultural, etc will be subject to additional charges.)

The air conditioning compressors in hybrid and electric vehicles are operated by an electric motor instead of a drive belt.

The motor’s insulated windings are immersed in the compressor’s lubricating oil. The oils used in these compressors are formulated to have high dielectric properties, that makes them non-conductive.

Denso has recently produced a chart showing that as little as 1% contamination by improper oil can reduce the dielectric properties.

If a different type of oil gets into one of these compressors, and if the insulation on the windings has become damaged or compromised, a variety of problems may occur;

● The greatest risk of a Hybrid Electric A/C System is that if the incorrect type of PAG Oil is used, it may conduct high voltage to the compressor case or connected components. A person may receive an electric shock if they touch the compressor or engine and an appropriate ground, and components will be damaged.

●The A/C System on a Hybrid or Electric vehicle is not only there to give cabin comfort, the system is essential in providing cooling to both the Electric Motors and Axles, and the Battery Systems, both of which produce large volumes of heat in use, and without working, efficient A/C Systems will overheat and fail.

● Sensors in the compressor case can detect very small voltage leaks. Once a leak is detected, the control system will shut down the compressor.

Some hybrid vehicle manufacturer service bulletins suggest replacing all of the A/C system components if oil contamination has occurred.

And, some equipment used to repair R-134a systems may introduce unacceptable oil when it is also used to charge refrigerant into a hybrid vehicle with an electrically driven compressor. Residual incorrect oil may remain in the equipment’s hoses and internal plumbing, and be delivered into the hybrid vehicle during the charge process.

Over the years, equipment manufacturers have introduced new recovery/recycling/recharge (RRR) machines that are acceptable both for use on hybrid vehicles with electrically driven compressors and for use on conventional A/C systems.

These RRR machines have a separate SAE specification J2788H and are designed to prevent oil from mixing with the refrigerant during charging. J2788H machines do not have oil injection capability, thus preventing the possibility of oil being dispensed from the machine.

If an older, SAE J2210 (or a “non-H” J2788) machine is used for conventional A/C systems, it cannot be used to recharge the A/C systems on hybrid vehicles that use an electrically driven compressor.

What Work Will Be Carried Out?

An Air Conditioning service takes approximately 1 hour and consists of the following:

  1. Check pressures and vent temperature prior to servicing
  2. Check all controls including air distribution
  3. Analyse refrigerant, Evacuate system, measure system, Measure amount recovered. (All waste refrigerant will be recovered, and disposed of as required by the EPA Act 1990)
  4. Vacuum test for leaks. Pressure test system using OFN (Oxygen Free Nitrogen), if required, an additional fee will be payable (If a leak in the system is found, under current UK Law we cannot re-charge with refrigerant, and this will be discussed.)
  5. Add correct type of oil, as recommended by the manufacturer
  6. Visual check of condenser
  7. Visual check of all hosing (routing and condition)
  8. Visual check of compressor and mount brackets for security of fitting
  9. Visual check of compressor drive belt tension/condition
  10. Recharge system with correct refrigerant as recommended by manufacturer
  11. Check vent temperature and refrigerant pressures
  12. Check condenser fan operation
  13. Check all electrics and controls
  14. Check drain tube, (where possible)
  15. Optional microbiological treatment to eliminate bad smells caused by bacteria
  16. Update Service Records

Regular, low-cost air conditioning servicing saves money, and Bee Cool is a specialist in automotive air conditioning, we can advise you on all aspects of this important system in your car. Our vehicles are fully equipped with the very latest state of the art air conditioning servicing equipment and our technicians have undergone extensive specialised training.

You can rest assured that we offer an efficient, economical and environmentally safe service of your air conditioning system.