Customer Reviews

Haynes Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Manual (Haynes Manuals)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this Haynes book thinking that it would give me the specific information I need to upgrade my cars to R-134a. I picked it because of the 2000 publication date. BUT it is clear that they took an old book and just added some new car models to the tables in the back and reissued it. The coverage of R-134a is totally inadequate. The varous pressure/temperature tables are unlabeled but presumably apply only to R-12. The instructions for charging are aimed at R-12 and only use the bulk containers. Charging with R-134a (which is legal) is addressed by telling you to drive to a commercial shop and paying them to do it. There is no info on charging from small cans. There is no comparison of liquid and vapor charging. Very disappointing. P.S. I love the Haynes manual for my Jaguar XJ6 so don't let me scare you off Haynes.

Another review led me to postpone buying this book. My loss. There is a fair amount of coverage for 134a systems, usually appended at the end of the chapters. It is evident the author has followed the trends in 134a conversions, as he discusses items (like hose replacement) that time and experience have shown not to be necessary. The benefits of this time and experience are in the version I received. Oil changes (necessary for 143a conversion) are demonstrated for the more common compressors. Many of the differences between r12 and r143a are not as great as once feared, and the author discusses this change in thinking. The book offers a good theoretical discussion of a/c principles. It also presents in-depth practical demonstations of GM, & Ford accumulator systems, in addition to the receiver-dryer systems used by other manufacturers. I found it very helpful.

The book was helpful for a novice like me. I got fed up giving my hard earned money to incompetent "technicians" telling me it needs recharging every so often. FYI...if it's got a leak, find and fix it, don't "charge it every so often"
It was better than usual for a Haynes manual and it saved me "competently" earned money.
PS Don't pay any attention to changing seals for 134A upgrade, just change out the dryer and you'll be cool.

I bought this book knowing I need information only for R-12 system, this is why I'm happy with this book.
it will not give you a lot of information on R-134 systems and will not give you the information how to build your own AC on your car, but will give you good help on fixing or understanding Auto AC R-12 system.

I got more than enough info about my 70s era AC system to ID parts and understand what the parts were and how they do what they do. This has made me confident enough now to seek further info on upgrading my system to modern standards and chemicals. Good job haynes. Several people have complained about this manual not having much info about newer ac systems but I found that before I tried to upgrade I had to know what I was upgrading from.
UPDATE- I found someone with this same book but their version does not contain the updates mine does on newer ac systems. I imagine that now only the updated versions are sold but who knows. This may be why some people have complained about the book being outdated.

I'm just getting started learning auto ac after the ac quit in my pickup. The book really helped me out learning the air conditioning as it explained the basics of how ac systems work. Book also explains how to troubleshoot & service systems in pretty good detail,with clear pictures & diagrams. Only drawback I can find is that the book is getting a little dated now.

The book is a good tool to help narrow down your A/C problem. The charts are outdated though.

Bought this for my husband who is a do-it-yourself person with respect to anything and everything. He says this is a very good book for the do-it-yourself or the learn to do-it-yourself person!

This manual goes into more details about automotive ac repair, but it was missing the main information I bought it for. The exact quantity of oil required during new compressor installation.
I went to my local Cadddy-Buick dealership and asked the service department. Even they were unsure. The manager asked one of his "certified" technicians and even this info wasn't clear.
It's no wonder this manual does not have the info.

Dosent say enough about clutch cylers and how to replace them
and were they are. Doesnt say enough about senors and where
their located. just a watse of money. Dont buy!