AUTO 237 - Heating and Air Conditioning Advanced

Credits: 2
Instructional Contact Hours: 4

Practices the diagnostic procedures and repair of vehicle HVAC systems. Practices ASE Education Foundation tasks to AST (Automotive Service Technology) level and MAST (Master Automotive Service Technology) level related to HVAC systems.

Prerequisite(s): ASEP 106 or AUTO 106 and ASEP 107 or AUTO 107 with a minimum grade of "C".
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 30 Lab Hours: 24
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

1. Diagnose and complete advanced ASE Education Foundation tasks as listed below:

A. Research vehicle service information, including refrigerant/oil/fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and recalls including vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

B. Identify heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components and configurations.

C. Retrieve and record DTCs, OBD monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes and data when directed.

D. Perform A/C system performance test; interpret results; determine needed action.

E. Identify abnormal operating noises in the A/C system; determine needed action.

F. Leak test A/C system; determine needed action.

G. Identify and interpret heating and air conditioning problems; determine needed action.

H. Identify refrigerant type; test for sealant; select and connect proper gauge set/test equipment; record temperature and pressure readings.

I. Inspect condition/quantity of refrigerant oil removed from A/C system; determine needed action.

J. Determine recommended oil and oil capacity for system application and component(s) replacement.

I. Refrigeration System Components related Tasks:

A. Inspect, remove, and/or replace A/C compressor drive belts, pulleys, tensioners; determine needed action.

B. Inspect for proper A/C condenser airflow; determine needed action.

C. Inspect evaporator housing condensation drain; determine needed action.

D. Inspect, test, and/or service A/C compressor clutch components and/or assembly; determine needed action.

E. Remove, inspect, reinstall, and/or replace A/C compressor and mountings; determine recommended oil type and quantity.

F. Remove and inspect A/C system mufflers, hoses, lines, fittings, O-rings, seals, and service valves; determine needed action.

G. Remove, inspect, and replace receiver/drier or accumulator/drier; determine recommended oil type and quantity.

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

I. Diagnose A/C system conditions that cause the protection devices (pressure, thermal, and/or control module) to interrupt system operation; determine needed action.

J. Determine procedure to remove and reinstall evaporator; determine required oil type and quantity.

K. Remove, inspect, reinstall, and/or replace condenser; determine required oil type and quantity.

II. Heating, Ventilation, and Engine Cooling Systems related Tasks:

A. Inspect engine cooling and heater systems hoses and pipes; determine needed action.

B. Inspect and test heater control valve(s); determine needed action

C. Diagnose temperature control problems in the HVAC system related to the engine cooling system, including electric heating; determine needed action.

D. Determine procedure to remove, inspect, reinstall, and/or replace heater core; properly refill system.

III. Operating Systems and Related Controls related Tasks:

A. Inspect HVAC system ducts, doors, hoses, cabin filters, and outlets; determine needed action.

B. Identify the source of HVAC system odors.

C. Inspect and test HVAC system blower motors, resistors, switches, relays, wiring, and protection devices; determine needed action.

D. Diagnose A/C compressor control systems; determine needed action.

E. Diagnose malfunctions in the vacuum, mechanical, and/or electrical components and controls of the HVAC system; determine needed action.

F. Inspect, test, remove and/or replace HVAC system control panel; determine needed action.

G. Check operation of automatic HVAC control systems; determine needed action.

IV. Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Handling related Tasks:

A. Demonstrate awareness of the need to recover, recycle, and handle refrigerants using proper equipment and procedures

B. Use and maintain refrigerant handling equipment according to equipment manufacturer's standards.

C. Identify A/C system refrigerant; test for sealants; recover, evacuate, and charge A/C system; add refrigerant oil as required.

D. Recycle, label, and store refrigerant.