AST 130 - Heating and Air Conditioning

Theory Hours: 15

Lab Hours: 90

Learning Outcomes:  

  1. Understand and demonstrate general air conditioning system operation, diagnosis and repair.

a) Identify and interpret heating and air conditioning problems; determine necessary action.

b) Research applicable vehicle and service information, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.

c) Performance test NC system; identify problems.

d) Identify abnormal operating noises in the NC system; determine necessary action.

e) Identify refrigerant type; select and connect proper gauge set; record temperature and pressure readings.

f) Leak test A/C system; determine necessary action.

g) Inspect condition of refrigerant oil removed from A/C system; determine necessary action.

h) Determine recommended oil and oil capacity for system application.

i) Using a scan tool, observe and record related HVAC data and trouble codes.

Applies to Automotive Service Technology, A.A.S.  and Automotive Service Technology, Certificate  Outcomes A, B, C, D, E, and F.

  2. Understand and demonstrate refrigeration system component operation, diagnosis and repair.

a) Inspect and replace A/C compressor drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners; determine necessary action.

b) Inspect, test, service or replace A/C compressor clutch components and/or assembly; check compressor clutch air gap; adjust as needed.

c) Remove, inspect, and reinstall A/C compressor and mountings; determine recommended oil quantity.

d) Identify hybrid vehicle A/C system electrical circuits and service/safety precautions.

e) Determine need for an additional A/C system filter; perform necessary action.

f) Remove and inspect A/C system mufflers, hoses, lines, fittings, O-rings, seals, and service valves; perform necessary action.

g) Inspect A/C condenser for airflow restrictions; perform necessary action.

h) Remove, inspect, and reinstall receiver/drier or accumulator/drier; determine recommended oil quantity.

i) Remove, inspect, and install expansion valve or orifice (expansion) tube.

j) Inspect evaporator housing water drain; perform necessary action.

k) Diagnose A/C system conditions that cause the protection devices (pressure, thermal, and PCM) to interrupt system operation; determine necessary action. 1) Determine procedure to remove and reinstall evaporator; determine required oil quantity.

m) Remove, inspect, and reinstall condenser; determine required oil quantity.

Applies to Automotive Service Technology, A.A.S.  and Automotive Service Technology, Certificate  Outcomes A, B, C, D, E, and F.

  3. Understand and Demonstrate heating, ventilation, and engine cooling system operation diagnosis and repair.

a) Inspect engine cooling and heater systems hoses; perform necessary action.

b) Inspect and test heater control valve(s); perform necessary action.

c) Diagnose temperature control problems in the heater/ventilation system; determine necessary action.

d) Determine procedure to remove, inspect, and reinstall heater core.

Applies to Automotive Service Technology, A.A.S.  and Automotive Service Technology, Certificate  Outcomes A, B, C, D, E, and F.

  4. Understand and demonstrate operating and control system operation, diagnosis and repair.

a) Inspect and test A/C-heater blower motors, resistors, switches, relays, wiring, and protection devices; perform necessary action.

b) Diagnose A/C compressor clutch control systems; determine necessary action.

c) Diagnose malfunctions in the vacuum, mechanical, and electrical components and controls of the heating, ventilation, and A/C (HVAC) system; determine necessary action.

d) Inspect and test A/C-heater control panel assembly; determine necessary action.

e) Inspect and test A/C-heater control cables, motors, and linkages; perform necessary action.

f) Inspect A/C-heater ducts, doors, hoses, cabin filters, and outlets; perform necessary action.

g) Identify the source of A/C system odors.

h) Check operation of automatic or semi-automatic heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) control systems; determine necessary action.

Applies to Automotive Service Technology, A.A.S.  and Automotive Service Technology, Certificate  Outcomes A, B, C, D, E, and F.

  5. Understand and demonstrate proper methods of refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling.

a) Perform correct use and maintenance of refrigerant handling equipment according to equipment manufacturer’s standards.

b) Identify and recover A/C system refrigerant.

c) Recycle, label, and store refrigerant.

d) Evacuate and charge A/C system; add refrigerant oil as required.

Applies to Automotive Service Technology, A.A.S.  and Automotive Service Technology, Certificate  Outcomes A, B, C, D, E, and F.