MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE
Faculty are required to have the outline submitted to the Academic Affairs Office. The
course outline is the form used for approval of new courses by the College-wide
Curriculum Committee.
DEPT.: Auto
COURSE NO.: AUTO1121
COURSE TITLE: Fundamentals of Air Conditioning
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course covers the theory, principles, diagnosis, testing, and repairs of the air
conditioning and heater systems operations.
2 Cr (1 lect/pres, 1 lab, 0 other)
AUDIENCE: First year Auto students
FULFILLS MN TRANSFER CURRICULUM AREA(S) (Leave blank if not applicable)
Area : by meeting the following competencies:
Area : by meeting the following competencies:
Area : by meeting the following competencies:
PREREQUISITES OR NECESSARY ENTRY SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE: NA
LENGTH OF COURSE: 16 days @ 3 hours a day = 48 hours
THIS COURSE IS USUALLY OFFERED:
Every year X Every other year
Fall
Spring X Summer Undetermined
Four goals are emphasized in course at Minnesota West Community & Technical
College:
ACADEMIC CONTENT: The goal of this course is
to enable the student to properly service automotive
air conditioning systems. Included will be
diagnosis of problems, system theory and repair,
customer satisfaction, and safety.
THINKING SKILLS:
A. To use different situations to diagnose & troubleshoot problems in air conditioning
system.
B. To be able to think through how all of the parts of the air conditioning system work
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS:
A. Participation in class discussion.
B. Complete written reports and assignments
C. To improve oral communications skills through class presentations
HUMAN DIVERSITY:
A. To understand the roles of the technician in communicating with a diverse
population.
B. To work effectively in teams comprised of diverse backgrounds.
C. To express personal philosophies on diverse issues.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
Air conditioning fundaments
Air conditioning systems
Testing and repairing of air conditioning systems.
LIST OF EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES:
LEARNING/TEACHING TECHNIQUES used in the course are:
X Collaborative Learning
X Problem Solving
Student Presentations
Interactive Lectures
Creative Projects
Individual Coaching
X Lecture
X Films/Videos/Slides
X Demonstrations
X Lab
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS FOR THIS CLASS INCLUDE:
X Reading
X Tests
X Individual Projects
Oral Presentations
X Worksheets
Collaborative Projects
X Textbook Problems
Papers
Portfolio
Group Problems
Term Paper
Other (describe below)
EXPECTED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
Manage resources, skills and information
Solve problems
Work interdependently
Use technology
Experience and pursue rigorous learning and complete performance standards
Be able to diagnose and repair air conditioning systems.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
For every task in Heating and Air Conditioning, the following safety
requirement must be strictly enforced:
Comply with personal and environmental safety practices associated with
clothing; eye protection; hand tools; power equipment; proper ventilation;
and the handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals/materials in
accordance with local, state, and federal safety and environmental
regulations.
VII.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
A. A/C System Diagnosis and Repair
1.
Identify and interpret heating and air conditioning concern;
determine necessary action.
2.
Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as
heating and air conditioning system operation, vehicle service
history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
3.
Locate and interpret vehicle and major component identification
numbers (VIN, vehicle certification labels, calibration decals).
4.
Performance test A/C system; diagnose A/C system malfunctions
using principles of refrigeration.
5.
Diagnose abnormal operating noises in the A/C system;
determine necessary action.
6.
Identify refrigerant type; conduct a performance test of the A/C
system; determine necessary action.
7.
Leak test A/C system; determine necessary action.
8.
Inspect the condition of discharged oil; determine necessary
action.
9.
Determine recommended oil for system application.
VII.
2.
P-1
P-1
P-1
P-2
P-1
P-1
P-2
P-1
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
B. Refrigeration System Component Diagnosis and Repair
1. Compressor and Clutch
1.
Diagnose A/C system conditions that cause the protection
devices (pressure, thermal, and PCM) to interrupt system
operation; determine necessary action.
2.
Inspect A/C compressor drive belts; determine necessary action.
3.
Inspect, test, and/or replace A/C compressor clutch components
and/or assembly.
4.
Remove and reinstall A/C compressor and mountings; measure
oil quantity; determine necessary action.
1.
P-1
2. Evaporator, Condenser, and Related Components
Determine need for an additional 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.
P-2
P-2
P-2
P-1
P-3
P-2
3.
Inspect A/C condenser for airflow restrictions; perform necessary
action.
Remove and reinstall receiver/drier or accumulator/drier;
measure oil quantity; determine necessary action.
Remove and install expansion valve or orifice (expansion) tube.
Inspect evaporator housing water drain; perform necessary
action.
Remove and reinstall evaporator; measure oil quantity; determine
necessary action.
Remove and reinstall condenser; measure oil quantity; determine
necessary action.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
VII.
P-1
P-1
P-2
P-3
P-3
P-3
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
C. Heating, Ventilation, and Engine Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1.
Diagnose temperature control problems in the heater/ventilation
P-2
system; determine necessary action.
2.
Perform cooling system, cap, and recovery system tests
P-1
(pressure, combustion leakage, and temperature); determine
necessary action.
3.
Inspect engine cooling and heater system hoses and belts;
P-1
perform necessary action.
4.
Inspect, test, and replace thermostat and housing.
P-1
5.
Determine coolant condition and coolant type for vehicle
P-1
application; drain and recover coolant.
6.
Flush system; refill system with recommended coolant; bleed
P-1
system.
7.
Inspect and test cooling fan, fan clutch, fan shroud, and air dams; P-1
perform necessary action.
8.
Inspect and test electric cooling fan, fan control system and
P-1
circuits; determine necessary action.
9.
Inspect and test heater control valve(s); perform necessary
P-2
action.
10.
Remove and reinstall heater core.
P-3
VII.
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
D. Operating Systems and Related Controls Diagnosis and Repair
1.
Diagnose malfunctions in the electrical controls of heating,
ventilation, and A/C (HVAC) systems; determine necessary
action.
2.
Inspect and test A/C-heater blower, motors, resistors, switches,
relays, wiring, and protection devices; perform necessary action.
3.
Test and diagnose A/C compressor clutch control systems;
determine necessary action
4.
Diagnose malfunctions in the vacuum and mechanical
P-2
P-1
P-1
P-2
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 A/C-heater ducts, doors, hoses, cabin filters and outlets;
perform necessary action.
Check operation of automatic and semi-automatic heating,
ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) control systems;
determine necessary action.
5.
6.
7.
8.
VII.
P-3
P-3
P-3
P-3
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
E. Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Handling
1.
Perform correct use and maintenance of refrigerant handling
equipment.
2.
Identify (by label application or use of a refrigerant identifier) and
recover A/C system refrigerant.
3.
Recycle refrigerant.
4.
Label and store refrigerant.
5.
Test recycled refrigerant for non-condensable gases.
6.
Evacuate and charge A/C system.
P-1
P-1
P-1
P-1
P-1
P-1
"This course will cover the characteristics of hazardous wastes and its safe handling,
storage, and disposal."
Veteran Services: Minnesota West is dedicated to assisting veterans and eligible family
members in achieving their educational goals efficiently. Active duty and reserve/guard
military members should advise their instructor of all regularly scheduled military
appointments and duties that conflict with scheduled course requirements. Instructors will
make every effort to work with the student to identify adjusted timelines. If you are a
veteran, please contact the Minnesota West Veterans Service Office.
To receive reasonable accommodations for a documented disability, please contact the
campus Student Services Advisor or campus Disability Coordinator as arrangements
must be made in advance. In addition, students are encouraged to notify their
instructor.
This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by
contacting the Student Services Advisor or by calling 800-658-2330 or
Minnesota Relay Service at 800-627-3529 or by using your preferred relay service.
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