Chabot College
Fall 2012
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 7
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
Catalog Description:
7 – Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
2.5 Units
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning including: Diagnosis, testing, adjustment, and repair of
air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, heat and energy, psychometrics, air flow,
refrigerant recycling, equipment and controls. Prerequisite: Automotive Technology 50 (may be
taken concurrently) or equivalent. Strongly recommended: Automotive Technology 6A or
equivalent. 1.5 hours lecture, 4.0 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: Lecture 26.25; Laboratory 70.0]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course, the student should be able to:
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demonstrate safe working conditions and practices;
use common automotive shop equipment safely;
identify and recognize common automotive tools and equipment;
identify fasteners;
discuss automotive engine fundamentals;
perform vehicle fluid services;
access and use service information;
demonstrate proper use of metric and standard micrometers;
demonstrate proper use of a volt/ohmmeters;
select the appropriate automotive fluid for the selected application;
use appropriate methods for hazardous waste handling and disposal;
identify potential areas of employment in the automotive industry;
describe basic electricity;
complete work orders to meet industry and Bureau of Automotive Repair standards;
perform basic vehicle maintenance.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. identify and interpret heating and air conditioning concerns;
2. research vehicle and service information and technical service bulletins;
3. performance test A/C systems and diagnose A/C system malfunctions using appropriate
gauges and test equipment; evacuate and recharge A/C system;
4. identify refrigerant systems for sealers and refrigerant type;
5. leak test A/C system;
6. inspect condition of discharged oil and determine correct oil type for application;
7. diagnose A/C system protection devices;
8. inspect and replace drive belts;
9. inspect, test, and/or replace compressors, clutch, or complete assembly and determine
need for additional filters;
10. remove and inspect hoses, lines, fittings, O-rings, seals, and service valves;
11. inspect condenser for airflow restrictions;
12. remove and install receiver/drier or accumulator/drier;
13. remove and install expansion valve or orifice tube;
14. diagnose temperature control problems;
15. perform cooling system tests; check/inspect coolant, radiator, pressure cap, hoses, and
drive belts;
Chabot College
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 7, Page 2
Fall 2012
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inspect, test, and replace thermostat;
determine coolant condition and coolant type; drain and recover coolant;
inspect and test cooling system fan operation, both electrical and mechanical;
inspect and test heater control valves;
diagnose electrical malfunctions of heating, ventilation, and A/C systems;
perform correct use of refrigerant recovery, recycling, charging, and handling equipment.
optional: participate in an air conditioning refrigerant handling certification program.
Course Content (Lecture)
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Fundamentals of air conditioning, cooling and heating systems
Introduction to refrigeration
Heat, temperature and transfer of heat
Safety and shop procedures and practices
Refrigerant identification, recovery, and recycling
Air conditioning components and control devices
Laboratory practice in inspection, diagnosis, service, adjustment and repair of air
conditioning, cooling and heating systems
8. Hazardous material handling
9. Air conditioning refrigerant handling certification (optional with an additional fee)
Course Content (Laboratory)
1. Demonstrate proper shop safety and working practices, including tools and equipment,
and hazardous waste handling
2. Diagnosis and repair of heating system faults
3. Diagnosis and repair of air conditioning system faults
4. Service air conditioning systems
5. Perform refrigerant identification tests
6. Perform A/C component replacement
7. Perform A/C leak detection
8. Perform A/C fluid identification
9. Diagnose A/C controls for proper operation
Methods of Presentation:
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Lecture (utilization of multimedia)
Demonstration
Guest speakers
Laboratory
Field trips
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Read chapter on Refrigeration
b. Complete review quiz at the end of chapter
c. Complete laboratory assignments using service information, lecture materials, and
text
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Class participation
b. Performance on the laboratory projects
c. Homework
Chabot College
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 7, Page 3
Fall 2012
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Quizzes
Midterm exam
Final examination
Practical examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, 6th edition, Tom Birch, Pearson Automotive,
2012
Special Student Materials:
1. Safety glasses
2. Shop/safety clothing
KWS09282011
ATEC 7 course outline.doc