Standard

AUT 142 - CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS

Course Description

Introduces the theory and operation of automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Students attain proficiency in inspection, testing, service, and repair of heating and air conditioning systems and related components. Topics include: a/c system diagnosis and repair; refrigeration system component diagnosis and repair; heating, ventilation, and engine cooling systems diagnosis and repair; operating systems and related controls diagnosis and repair; refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling

Competency Areas		Hours
A/C System Diagnosis and Repair		Class	5
Refrigeration System Component Diagnosis and Repair		D. Lab	0
Heating, Ventilation, and Engine Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair		P. Lab/O.B.I.	3
Operating Systems and Related Controls Diagnosis and Repair		Credit	6
Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Handling
Prerequisite:	AUT 122
Corequisite:

Course Guide

Competency		After completing this section, the student will:	Hours
			Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.
A/C System Diagnosis and Repair			10		6
		Diagnose unusual operating noises in the A/C system; determine necessary action. Identify refrigerant type; conduct a performance test of the A/C system; determine necessary action. Leak test A/C system; determine necessary action. Inspect the condition of discharged oil; determine necessary action. Select oil type; measure, and add oil to the A/C system as needed.
Refrigeration System Component Diagnosis and Repair			10		6
		Diagnose A/C system conditions that cause the protection devices (pressure, thermal, and PCM) to interrupt system operation; determine necessary action. Inspect A/C compressor drive belts; replace and adjust as needed. Inspect, test, and replace A/C compressor clutch components or assembly. Remove and replace A/C compressor and mountings. Determine need for A/C system filter; perform necessary action. Remove and inspect A/C system mufflers, hoses, lines, fittings, o-rings, seals, and service valves; perform necessary action. Inspect A/C condenser for airflow restrictions; perform necessary action. Remove and install receiver/drier or accumulator/drier. Remove and install expansion valve or orifice (expansion) tube. Inspect evaporator housing water drain; perform necessary action.
Heating, Ventilation, and Engine Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair			10		6
		Diagnose temperature control problems in the heater/ventilation system; determine necessary action. Perform cooling system, cap, and recovery system tests (pressure, combustion leakage, and temperature); determine necessary action. Inspect engine cooling and heater system hoses and belts; perform necessary action. Inspect, test, and replace thermostat and housing. Determine coolant condition; drain and recover coolant. Flush system; refill system with recommended coolant; bleed system. Inspect and test fan, fan clutch (electrical and mechanical), fan shroud, and air dams; perform necessary action. Inspect and test electrical fan control system and circuits. Inspect and test heater control valve(s); perform necessary action.
Operating Systems and Related Controls Diagnosis and Repair			10		6
	Diagnose failures in the electrical controls of heating, ventilation, and A/C (HVAC) systems; determine necessary action. Inspect and test A/C-heater blower, motors, resistors, switches, relays, wiring, and protection devices; perform necessary action. Test A/C compressor load cut-off systems; determine necessary action. Diagnose failures in the vacuum and mechanical components and controls of the heating, ventilation, and A/C (HVAC) system; determine necessary action. Inspect and test A/C-heater control panel assembly; determine necessary action. Inspect and test A/C-heater control cables and linkages; perform necessary action. Inspect and test A/C-heater ducts, doors, hoses, and outlets; perform necessary action. Check operation of automatic and semi-automatic heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) control systems; determine necessary action.
Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Handling			10		6
	. Verify correct operation and maintenance of refrigerant handling equipment. Identify (by label application or use of a refrigerant identifier) and recover A/C system refrigerant. Recycle refrigerant. Label and store refrigerant. Test recycled refrigerant for non-condensable gases. Evacuate and charge A/C system.

Suggested Resources

Books

Duffy, J. E. (2000). Modern AutomotiveTechnology. South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox.

Erjavec, J. (2000). Automotive Technology (3^rd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar.

Erjavec, J. (2000). Automotive Technology Workbook (3^rd ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar.

Gilles, T. (1999). Automotive Service Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair (1^st ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar

Toboldt, W. K., & Johnson, L. (1995). Automotive Encyclopedia. South Holland, IL: Goodheart-Willcox.

Webster, J., & Owen, C. E. (2000). Basic Automotive Service & Systems (2^nd ed.).

Albany, NY: Delmar.