Ford Focus LW Condenser Replacement

by Toni | Feb 15, 2019 | Air Conditioning, Condenser, Ford, Job Spotlight

Today we completed a Ford Focus LW Condenser Replacement.

This Ford Focus LW came into us because the air conditioning wasn’t working. After pressure testing the system and inspecting for leaks we discovered the condenser needed replacing.

The condenser is a device used to change the high-pressure refrigerant vapour to a liquid. It is mounted in front of the engine’s radiator, and it looks very similar to a radiator. The vapour is condensed to a liquid because of the high pressure that is driving it in, and this generates a great deal of heat. The heat is then in turn removed from the condenser by air flowing through the condenser on the outside.

Your car air conditioning system is made up of lots of loads of working parts like

Compressor
Condenser
Receiver Drier
Expansion Valve
Evaporator
Hoses
Cabin Filter

Once we replaced the Condenser we completed an AC Service which includes a re-gas with R134A gas and UV dye. Now the Ford Focus LW has icy cold air conditioning.

Ford Focus LW Condenser Replacement

New vs Old Condenser

Old Condenser Being Removed

Check out our Air Conditioning Services here

Learn how your car AC System works

Ford Ranger PX3 In-Cab Dual Battery System Installation

by Toni | Feb 15, 2019 | 4WDs, Accessory Installs, Dual Battery System, Ford, Ford Ranger, In Cab, Job Spotlight

Recently we fitted this custom Ford Ranger PX3 In-Cab Dual Battery System.

On this Ford Ranger PX3 In-Cab Dual Battery System we installed:

100 A/hr LEAD CRYSTAL® Slimline Battery
Redarc 1240D 40amp DC-DC charger
3x Anderson plugs and battery monitor in the rear tub
Red Anderson on the roof racks for solar input
Cigarette Socket and Anderson Plug in the rear of the cab

What are the advantages of our In-Cab Dual Battery System?

This is the ultimate solution for Utes and Dual Cab vehicle that can’t fit a battery under the bonnet. We have engineered a complete dual battery system that can fit behind the rear seat. For the ultimate performance system, we can fit a Lead Crystal® 100 Ah battery, a Redarc 40 amp BCDC, an 8 circuit fuse box, Solar input and Anderson connected to your charge system to charge the battery while you’re driving (check out the photos below)

This solution is perfect as it mounts behind the rear seat and is wired to your charge system to charge the battery while your driving. We can also run cable to plugs or sockets anywhere in the vehicle to power any of your devices (fridges, work lights etc.)

Why use Lead Crystal® Batteries?

Lead Crystal® Batteries will charge 3 times faster than a standard AGM and will handle regular discharging much better than a standard AGM. This system will excel in running a fridge, compressor and any other accessories.

Bang for buck the Lead Crystal® Battery represents great value. If you look at the cycle life versus the cost, it is a clear winner over Deep Cycle AGM Batteries. This amazing battery delivers remarkable cycle life (6000 cycles @ 20% and 3800 cycles @ 50% depth of discharge and 1400 cycles @ 80% depth of discharge).

We can customise a Dual Battery System to suit your vehicle and your needs. Whether it is under-bonnet, under-tray, in-cab, portable or fixed, we have a solution to keep you powered up on the road and off the beaten track.

Ford Ranger PX3 In-Cab Dual Battery System

Behind the Seat before Install

After fill and paint

Bracket and Battery being Installed

Battery Installed without Rear Seat

Lead Crystal Battery

New Location of the Jack

Anderson Plugs and Fuse Box

Redarc BCDC1240

Cigarette Socket and Anderson Plug in Rear

Solar Input on Roof Racks

Anderson Plug Outputs & Battery Monitor in Tub

With Rear Seat Back In

Ford Ranger PX3 Dual Battery System

Check out our 3 Part Dual Battery System Series

More info on In-Cab Dual Battery Systems

Subaru Impreza RV Condenser Replacement

by Toni | Feb 8, 2019 | Air Conditioning, Condenser, Job Spotlight, Subaru

Today we completed a Subaru Impreza RV Condenser Replacement.

This Subaru Impreza RV came into us because the air conditioning wasn’t working. After pressure testing the system and inspecting for leaks we discovered the condenser needed replacing.

Your car air conditioning system is made up of lots of loads of working parts like

Compressor
Condenser
Receiver Drier
Expansion Valve
Evaporator
Hoses
Cabin Filter

Once we replaced the Condenser we completed an AC Service which includes a re-gas with R134A gas and UV dye. Now the Subaru Impreza RV has icy cold air conditioning.

Subaru Impreza Condenser

Old vs New Condenser

Check out our Air Conditioning Services here

Learn how your car AC System works

Hyundai Santa Fe DM Towing Set Up

by Toni | Feb 8, 2019 | Accessory Installs, Electric Brake Controller, Hyundai, Job Spotlight, Towbar Plugs & Wiring

Today we completed a Hyundai Santa Fe DM Towing Set Up

For this Hyundai Santa Fe DM towing set up, we installed:

Redarc TowPro Elite Electric Brake Controller
Grey Anderson Plug

The Redarc Towpro Elite is a very popular towing device, The Electric Brake controller works by monitoring how hard the vehicle is braking and applies a proportional amount of braking to the trailer to suit that application at the time. You can read more about the Tow-Pro Elite here!

The grey Anderson plug is used for the charging circuit that runs cables from the vehicle to the caravan. This connection used to charge the batteries in the caravan via the car’s starting battery while driving. The batteries are separated via a relay which protects the vehicle’s starting battery from going flat when the vehicle is not running. To read more about Anderson Plugs, click here!

No matter what you tow, we can find a solution to suit your vehicle. Whether its a full towing setup with all the bells and whistles or just replacing a single plug on your towbar. Just drop us an email or phone call and ask for a quote!

To see more of Accelerate Auto Electrics follow our Instagram, Facebook and Youtube!

Hyundai Santa Fe Towing Set Up

REDARC TowPro Elite Dial

Anderson Plug

Hyundai Santa Fe During Install

Why you should get your towing plugs and wiring professionally installed

Check Out Our Other TowPro Elite Installations

How Your Car’s Starting System Works

by Toni | Feb 5, 2019 | Accelerate Auto Electrics Blog, Battery, Starter Motor

Hi there, Briohny here from Accelerate Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning on the Sunshine Coast. We don’t usually think much about how our car starts up every morning until the day it doesn’t. In today’s video, we’re going to look at your car’s starting system. We’ll also cover how the different components work together to get you up and running every day. Lastly we will give you some examples of common starting faults and how to identify them.

Battery

We’ll start with the backbone of your vehicle’s electrical system, the battery.

Essentially, your battery is there to store power for your starting system. Your battery supplies power to the ignition and starting system. It also delivers extra power when the electrical load exceeds the supply of the alternator.

Alternator

The alternator, on the other hand, is your car’s electrical charger. Most people think that their car’s electrical energy comes from their battery, when in fact it’s the alternator that keeps everything powered up. The alternator takes mechanical energy of the car and turns it into electrical energy.

The various components of the alternator are contained in an aluminium housing and generate current for recharging your vehicle’s battery. It’s also responsible for powering the electrical engine components like your ignition coils, fans, lights and parts of the fuel injection system. It also keeps all the creature comforts in your car running, like your air con and radio.

Starter Motor

When it’s time to get your vehicle up and running this is where the starter motor comes in. The starter motor is usually located on the back of the engine or the front of the transmission, depending on your vehicle. In contrast to the alternator, the starter motor uses electrical energy of the car and turns it into mechanical energy.

This energy is used to trigger the ignition, starting the crankshaft to turn, which gets your vehicle up and running. If there’s a problem when any of these three main components of your starting system, chances are you won’t be getting very far.

Common Starting Faults

Some common signs that there is an issue with your starting system are:

The engine cranks but doesn’t start, it’s usually an ignition system or immobiliser.
You turn the key, and nothing happens, it can be a battery or starter motor.
If it takes a long time to crank over, it’s generally a battery or starter motor.
If the battery light is lit up on the dash, it’s generally alternator.
If the car loses power while you’re driving, or your radio or AC stops, it’s usually your alternator.
If you notice any of the signs we’ve mentioned, it’s best to take your vehicle into an auto electrician as soon as possible.

We have a great video that shows examples of these common faults. You can watch it here.

Here at Accelerate Auto Electrics, we offer a free start and charge test which can identify which component of your car’s starting system is in need of repair or replacement.

If you have any questions about your car’s starting system or you want to find out why your car won’t start, give us a call on 1300 227 353, contact us online or comment below.

Check Our More of Our Videos Here

Learn More about Your Car's Electrical System

Holden Cruze JG Compressor and Drier Replacement

by Toni | Feb 1, 2019 | 4WDs, Air Conditioning, Compressor, Job Spotlight, Toyota 75 Series Landcruiser

Recently we completed a Holden Cruze JG Compressor, Drier and TX Valve replacement

This Holden Cruze JG came into us because the air conditioning wasn’t working. After pressure testing the system and inspecting for leaks we discovered the compressor and drier needed replacing.

The compressor is the workhorse of the air conditioning system. It is powered by a drive belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. When the air con system is turned on, the compressor pumps refrigerant vapour under high pressure to the condenser.

Your car air conditioning system is made up of lots of loads of working parts like:

Compressor
Condensor
Receiver Drier
Expansion Valve
Evaporator
Hoses
Cabin Filter

Once we replaced the compressor and drier, the technicians completed an AC Service which includes a re-gas with R134A gas and UV dye. Now the Holden Cruze JG has icy cold air conditioning.

If you are having problems with your vehicle’s air conditioning system, the team at Accelerate Auto Electrics can help. Our expert technicians can diagnose, repair or replace AC systems in all makes and models of vehicles.

Holden Cruze JG Compressor Replacement

Old vs New Compressor and Drier

Check out our Air Conditioning Services here

Learn how your car AC System works

Toyota Landcruiser 100 Series Dual Battery System Installation

by Toni | Feb 1, 2019 | 4WDs, Accessory Installs, Dual Battery System, Job Spotlight, Toyota Hilux, Under Bonnet

Recently we fitted out a Toyota Landcruiser 100 Series Dual Battery System and Electric Brake Controller

On this Toyota Landcruiser 100 Series Dual Battery System we installed:

Redarc BCDC1240D Battery Charger
Redarc TowPro Elite
2x Grey Anderson Plug
7 Pin Plug

The customer already had an existing battery system installed in the vehicle so the main task of this fit out was upgrading the wiring and accessories. To start we removed all existing wiring and sockets to begin again from scratch. Next, the technician installed the Redarc BCDC 1225D to charge the auxiliary battery.

To power the customer’s accessories, we installed 2 Grey Anderson plugs in the rear compartments of the vehicle. We also rewired the existing cigarette socket to ensure it was functioning correctly. A fuse box was also installed and all accessories were wired through it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

We also installed a Redarc TowPro Elite so the customer can safely tow their new caravan. The Redarc TowPro Elite is our Electric Brake Controller of choice for safety, ease of use and peace of mind when towing. Find out why we recommend it here.

On the towbar of the vehicle, we installed a grey Anderson plug, via an isolator off the start battery. This allows the customer can charge the batteries in their camper trailer while towing. We also fitted a 7 pin plug to suite their trailer.

We then fitted the UHF that was supplied by the customer, as well as a voltmeter to monitor battery levels, into the centre console.

If you have a dual battery system that doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to, or if you want to upgrade your existing system to a complete off-grid solution, get in touch today. We have technicians on hand who can come up with a customised solution to suit your 12 volt needs. You can call us at 5479 6652 or contact us online.

Toyota Landcruiser 100 Series Dual Battery System

Trailer Plugs

REDARC BCDC1240 and Battery

REDARC TowPro Elite Dial

Check out our 3 Part Dual Battery System Series

Check Out Some of our other Dual Battery Installations

Why Isn’t My AC Working? Common Causes of Car Air Conditioning Failure

by Toni | Jan 29, 2019 | Accelerate Auto Electrics Blog, Air Conditioning

When it comes to what causes car air conditioning failure, there are countless possible options. However, there are some issues that we see more regularly than others. In this post, we go over some of the most common causes of car air conditioning failure. We’ll also cover how to possibly prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Now just a reminder, AC systems vary from car to car and every car has a different history. So these suggestions may not apply to everyone’s situation. If your car’s air conditioning system isn’t working as well as it used to, it is best to get your vehicle inspected by a licenced technician.

Refrigerant Leaks

The most common cause of air conditioning faults is a leak in the AC system. The air conditioning system in your car is designed to be a completely sealed unit. So if the system is low on gas there is a leak or fault somewhere in the system. This is very common in older cars. Over time hoses, seals, valves and other components such as the condenser and evaporator can break down and develop leaks.

When your AC system is low on gas it may present as uneven temperatures across the vents, there may be a hissing noise or the air from the vents may not be as cold as usual.

A leaking seal in the system can be difficult to detect which is why we recommend getting your AC system serviced regularly. As part of the service, we pressure test the system and inspect thoroughly for leaks. We also use a UV dye in all our AC services to make identifying any leaks easier at future inspections.

Video: What We Do During An AC Service

Blocked Filters

If you notice a bad smell or reduction in airflow in your AC system, it could be a sign of a blocked cabin filter (also known as a pollen filter). Over time the pollen filter can become clogged with dust, leaves, twigs and residue from exhaust fumes. When the filter is blocked it can put unnecessary strain on your AC blower motor and evaporator. Left clogged or blocked, it could potentially cause costly problems to your vehicle’s AC system.

We inspect the cabin filter as part of our standard AC service. In most cases, we recommend replacing the cabin filter every couple of years, depending on how you use your vehicle.

Thermostat/Thermistor Fault

Uneven temperatures in the cabin can possibly be the result of a faulty thermostat or thermistor. Usually, this is repaired by replacing the faulty component. If you have an older vehicle with a manual AC system, uneven temperatures may also be caused by a faulty control switch, temperature sensor or pressure switch. If you suspect your thermostat may be faulty, we suggest getting your AC system tested by an auto electrician.

Compressor Fault

If there are some irregular noises coming from your vehicle when your AC is turned on this may be due to a compressor fault. If the system is low on gas or lubricant as a result of a refrigerant leak, this can affect the functionality of the AC compressor. If you suspect there may be an issue with your compressor it is best to get your AC system checked by a professional and licenced technician.

Video: How Your Car’s AC System Works

Electrical Fault

As cars become more advanced, more systems in the vehicle are controlled electronically. The AC system in your vehicle is no exception. Modern AC systems now incorporate more electronic components to improve performance, efficiency and passenger comfort. This has, in turn, increased the scope of many AC diagnosis and repairs. An Air Conditioning system may be perfectly fine mechanically, but an electrical fault may prevent it from functioning properly. If your AC system stops working suddenly it may be caused by an electrical issue.

Diagnosing AC System Faults

Unfortunately, AC issues are not always a cut and dry diagnosis. A car’s Air Conditioning System is made up of over 100 different components. This makes it very difficult to diagnose issues with 100% certainty. If your AC system is not performing as it should be, your best bet is to get your car inspected by a qualified auto-electrician as soon as possible.

At Accelerate Auto Electrics we specialise in all types of vehicle air conditioning systems so we can repair just about every type of system you can think of. All of our technicians are fully qualified Auto Electricians and licenced with ARCTick. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team has the knowledge and training to diagnose and repair all types of vehicle AC systems.

If you have any other concerns, issues or questions about your car’s AC, our technicians are on hand. Feel free to give the team a call on (07) 5479 6622 or contact us online here.

Book Your AC Service Here

Check Our More of Our Videos Here

Great Wall X240 Evaporator Replacement

by Toni | Jan 25, 2019 | Air Conditioning, Evaporator, Great Wall, Job Spotlight

Today we completed a Great Wall X240 Evaporator Box Replacement

This Great Wall X240 came into us because the air conditioning wasn’t working. After pressure testing the system and inspecting for leaks we discovered the whole Evaporator box assembly and TX Valve needed replacing. The customer wanted to source their own parts, so once they had the part, we proceeded with the repair.

The evaporator is another device that looks similar to a car radiator. It has tubes and fins and is usually mounted inside the passenger compartment behind the fascia above the footwell. As the cold low-pressure refrigerant is passed into the evaporator, it vaporises and absorbs heat from the air in the passenger compartment. The blower fan inside the passenger compartment pushes air over the outside of the evaporator, so cold air is circulated inside the car. On the ‘air-side’ of the evaporator, the moisture in the air is reduced, and the ‘condensate’ is collected and drained away.

Your car air conditioning system is made up of lots of loads of working parts like

Compressor
Condenser
Receiver Drier
Expansion Valve
Evaporator
Hoses
Cabin Filter

Once we replaced the necessary parts we completed an AC Service which includes a re-gas with R134A gas and UV dye. Now the Great Wall X240 has icy cold air conditioning for Summer.