1 Student Acworkbook
1 Student Acworkbook
Student Workbook
Acknowledgements
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Air Conditoning Systems
Name:
Student Workbook
AURETU001
Install Air Conditioning Systems
AURETU002
Recover vehicle refrigerants
AURETU003
Service air conditioning and HVAC systems
AURETU004
Diagnose and repair air conditioning and HVAC systems
AURETU005
Retrofit and modify air conditioning and HVAC systems
Blank page
Description Page
Student Instructions 4
Theory Questions
Theory Questions 6
Practical Tasks
Install A/C system on a simulator trolley 19
Testing system performance 1 22
Testing system performance 2 24
Scan tool 1 26
Trolley temperature tests 1 27
Retro-Fit Task - R12 to R134a 28
Student Instructions
This Student Workbook contains all the specific information, theory questions and
practical task instructions needed to prepare for the assessments in these units.
The information required to complete the theory questions in this book can be found
from the following recommended sources:
• Lecturer delivery
(Presentations, videos, handouts, demonstrations, class discussions)
• Further research
(Workshop manuals, textbooks, magazines, PC programs, websites, Apps,
Industry experience and contacts)
Refer to the recommended information source at the beginning of each theory question
section.
If you have any questions regarding any of the theory questions please ask.
The information required to complete the practical tasks in this book will be from a
combination of theory knowledge, experience, research and lecturer demonstration.
Student eLinks
Notes
AURETU003
Service air conditioning and
HVAC systems
Theory Questions
6. How does pressure affect the boiling point of a substance, and give an
example?
10. What is the function of the thermal expansion valve (TX valve)?
12. What is a fixed orifice tube and how is it different to the thermal expansion
valve?
15. Sketch a diagram of an air conditioning system and label all the components.
Indicate the high and low sides and where the change of states occur.
18. Explain how heat is transferred from the cabin to the exterior of the vehicle
using refrigerant gas.
22. What equipment can be used to clear the evaporator water outlet?
23. What are the two locations and inspection period of cabin air filters?
26. Using this pressure temperate chart, list what the low side and high side
gauge reading would be on a 30 degree day with R134A gas and what would
the expected vent temperature would be?
R134a
Ambient
Temp Low Side Gauge High Side Gauge Vent Temp
(˚C) (°C)
18 25-35 psi 135-155 psi 1-5
21 35-40 psi 145-160 psi 3-8
24 35-45 psi 150-170 psi 4-8
27 40-50 psi 175-210 psi 5-10
30 45-55 psi 225-250 psi 6-12
32 45-55 psi 250-270 psi 7-13
35 50-55 psi 275-300 psi 9-15
38 50-55 psi 315-325 psi 11-15
41 50-55 psi 340-345 psi 12-16
AURETU001
Install Air Conditioning Systems
1. Explain how a piston type compressor works.
7. What is the difference between single zone and multi zone air conditioning
systems?
8. List the five most common automotive compressor lubricant used in today’s
vehicles.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
16. List the equipment required to service, maintain and diagnose an A/C
system.
18. Sketch a diagram of an air conditioning system and label all the components,
Indicate the high and low sides and where the change of states occurs.
19. Using this pressure temperate chart , list what the low side and high side
gauge reading would be on a 35 degree day with R134A gas and what would
the expected vent temperature would be?
R134a
Ambient
Temp Low Side Gauge High Side Gauge Vent Temp
(˚C) (°C)
18 25-35 psi 135-155 psi 1-5
21 35-40 psi 145-160 psi 3-8
24 35-45 psi 150-170 psi 4-8
27 40-50 psi 175-210 psi 5-10
30 45-55 psi 225-250 psi 6-12
32 45-55 psi 250-270 psi 7-13
35 50-55 psi 275-300 psi 9-15
38 50-55 psi 315-325 psi 11-15
41 50-55 psi 340-345 psi 12-16
©South Metro TAFE 2020 15
Air Conditoning Systems
AURETU002
Recover vehicle refrigerants
1. What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when working on
air conditioning systems?
2. One of the important safety issues with working with any refrigerant is the
risk of frostbite. What is the boiling point for R134a?
3. What does the term carcinogenic mean in relation to some A/C lubrication
oils?
5. What class of fire would a flammable refrigerant create, and what type of
extinguisher would you use on this fire?
6. List the five most common automotive compressor lubricants used in today’s
vehicles.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
13. The ARCtick service decal sticker should include the name of the service
organisation, technician name and RHL, date of service and filter change and
three other important items of information. These are:
14. List four ways you can prevent loss of refrigerant to the atmosphere.
AURETU004
Diagnose and repair air
conditioning and HVAC
systems
2. One of the important safety issues with working with any refrigerant is the
risk of frostbite. What is the boiling point for R134a?
1.
2.
3.
4. What does the term carcinogenic mean in relation to some A/C lubrication
oils?
6. Are any refrigerants flammable, if so what are they and what firefighting
equipment would you use?
9. Explain how heat is transferred from the cabin to the exterior of the vehicle
using refrigerant gas.
18. What is the function of the thermal expansion valve and what is the difference
between the internally and externally equalised thermal expansion valves?
21. List the components on the low and high side of the A/C system.
23. What is the function of the temperature sensors within the A/C systems?
25. What is the function of the A/C relief valves on the receiver drier or on the
compressor?
26. List the five most common automotive compressor lubricant used in today’s
vehicles.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5
28. List the four most common automotive refrigerants used in today’s vehicles.
1.
2.
3.
4.
32. Discuss why when diagnosing a fault on a modern vehicle A/C system we
should use a scan tool?
30. What is the function of the heater core and heater hoses?
33. Explain what heater controls do and how they work in conjunction with the
ventilation system levers and vents.
34. Explain how the following A/C faults will affect the low and high side
pressure readings and cooling.
1. Low refrigerant charge
4. Blocked TX valve
AURETU005
Retrofit and modify air
conditioning and HVAC
systems
1. Which PPE items would most likely be required when working on or
modifying HVAC systems?
1.
2.
3.
3. Are any refrigerants flammable, if so what are they and what firefighting
equipment would you use?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
11. What range can a variable displacement compressor vary its displacement
to?
1.
2.
3.
15. What switches, valves and sensors do we find in heating and air conditioning
systems list 2 of each?
Switch
Switch
Valve
Valve
Sensor
Sensor
18. What are the key legal requirements when working on an automotive air
conditioning system?
(Using the Australia Automotive Air Conditioning Code of Practice what do the
regulations state about the following)
3. Topping up refrigerant
5. Receiver drier/accumulator
6. O-rings
19. Following Australian standards and regulations for your state, is it possible to
retrofit from R134a to R1234yf?
If so what parts would you change or adapt?
20. Following Australian standards and regulations for your state, is it possible to
retrofit from R134a to blends of R290 and R600a? If so what parts would you
change or adapt?
Ambient temperature
Vent temperature
Condenser vapour & liquid
Suction line of the compressor
22. What service checks can be made on heating and air-conditioning systems
within the inside of the cab?
Explain how you would check or test these items.
Temperature
Fan speed
A/C and heating controls
Ventilation doors
Ducting
Notes
Practical Task 1
Install an A/C system on a trolley
Fit all hoses in the correct position, check the condition of the O rings and replace as necessary and
lubricate as needed. Leave the uncapping of the receiver drier until you are about to connect it, which
should be your last connection.
Lecturer Signature
Pressure Testing
Fit the manifold set leaving the low side disconnected to protect the gauge from high pressure.
With the manifold taps turned off, connect the yellow hose to the nitrogen regulator, unwind the regulator
and then turn on the bottle tap half a turn.
Wind in the regulator until the gauge reads 110psi, wind out the second regulator and then use the
manifold set to control the flow into the system.
Leave the system under pressure for 15 minutes, recheck the gauge to see if the pressure is still at the
starting point. If the pressure has dropped check for leaks.
Vent the nitrogen to atmosphere through the manifold set slowly so you don’t blow out the O ring.
Connect the vac pump and draw down on the Low side; once you see the High side gauge pull a vacuum
you can open both sides. After 5 minutes turn off the both gauge set taps and wait 5 minutes to see if
system maintains vacuum.
After 30 minutes; isolate the system and then turn off the vac pump, wait 5 minutes and see if the system
hold vacuum.
Lecturer Signature
Put the charge bottle on the scales and record the starting weight. Connect the charge hose to the liquid
outlet with the hose tap off and then open the bottle tap.
Tare the scales and then open charge hose tap. Open the manifold taps to charge (See lecturer) into the
high side with the unit off.
Lecturer Signature
Close all the taps including the bottle but not the yellow charge hose tap. Start the unit up watching the
gauges for the low side to drop and the high side to rise.
Draw the gas from the charge hose into the system. With the high side tap closed slowly open the low side
hose and regulate the refrigerant into the low side of the system making sure the low side gauge doesn’t go
over 30psi.
Close the Charge hose tap and disconnect from the bottle.
Disconnect the high side coupling from the system and then de-pressure the manifold set by sucking the
refrigerant into the AC unit through the low side manifold tap, using the tap as a regulator and keeping the
pressure below 30psi.
Lecturer Signature
Run the system for 5 min and then record the pressure readings for the high and the low gauges. Check the
centre temp vent with unit on maximum cold setting with the fan on speed 2. Check the ambient
temperature and then compare all your results against the pressure temperature chart.
Lecturer Signature
Check that the recovery unit is empty of oil; connect the recovery unit and start it. Open the low side gauge
keeping the high side closed until the pressure drops below 60psi then open the high side tap.
Lecturer Signature
Once recovered and disconnected check the recovery unit for recovered oil and note on report.
Disassembly
Remove all the hoses using two spanners and cap all open ends. Disconnect the receiver drier first and cap
the open ends. Place hoses in plastic box for that trolley.
Lecturer Signature
Practical Task 2
1. Before you connect the manifold gauge set to an A/C system we need to complete the table below.
2. The pressure temperature chart indicates that the low side pressure should be approximately 10 –
15 % of the high side. Example 25 deg C the high side pressure should be 1130 – 1400 kPa or
162-200PSI this should give a low side reading of 113 – 160 kPa or 16 – 22 PSI. This should have a
vent temperature 4-9 deg C.
3. You will be required to complete the visual inspection of the system and complete the check list
5. Explain the procedure for connecting a manifold gauge set to the system and list all the tools and
equipment used for checking the system operation.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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Air Conditoning Systems
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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6. Performing an operation test. Start the engine and set the idle speed to 1500-1800 RPM. With the
A/C on MAX Cold the vent on recycle – low to Med fan speed. Note the A/C clutch must be
engaged while completing these low & high pressure tests.
7. From the service information specifications and the reading you obtained from testing is this
system:
Is it serviceable? Yes or No
If yes why _________________________________________________________________________
If the system is not serviceable what is/are the fault/s?
__________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What are your recommendations to make this system serviceable?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Practical Task 3
1. Before you connect the manifold gauge set to an A/C system we need to complete the table below.
2. The pressure temperature chart indicates that the low side pressure should be approximately 10 –
15 % of the high side. Example 25 deg C the high side pressure should be 1130 – 1400 kPa or
162-200PSI this should give a low side reading of 113 – 160 kPa or 16 – 22 PSI. This should have a
vent temperature 4-9 deg C.
3. You will be required to complete the visual inspection of the system and complete the check list
5. Explain the procedure for connecting a manifold gauge set to the system and list all the tools and
equipment used for checking the system operation.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
©South Metro TAFE 2020 40
Air Conditoning Systems
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
6. Performing an operation test. Start the engine and set the idle speed to 1500-1800 RPM. With the
A/C on MAX Cold the vent on recycle – low to Med fan speed. Note the A/C clutch must be
engaged while completing these low & high pressure tests.
7. From the service information specifications and the reading you obtained from testing is this
system:
Is it serviceable? Yes or No
If yes why _________________________________________________________________________
If the system is not serviceable what are the fault/s?
__________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
What are your recommendations to make this system serviceable?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Practical Task 4
1. Using a scan tool, correctly connect it to a workshop vehicle and draw a flow diagram of
how you retrieved the fault codes related to the air conditioning system from the vehicle.
2. Connect a scan tool to the vehicle and source A/C system data information.
List the data and information from the menu.
3. Disconnect an A/C sensor/s operate and run the engine and A/C system determine that a
DTC code has been set record the code number/description of fault.
Practical Task 5
Using a correctly operating air conditioning system use a thermometer to measure various parts of
the A/C system.
5. The evaporator vent temp when the clutch switches on and off ______________________
Practical Task 6
Following the “Sanden’s procedure for conversion” use a parts catalogue (Cool Drive/Highgate) to
find the correct part numbers for the replacement parts to retrofit from R12 to R134A.
1. If the R-12 vehicle air conditioning system is optional, run it at idle with the A/C blower on
high speed for five (5) minutes to maximize the amount of oil in the compressor.
2. Recover all R-12 refrigerant from the vehicle's A/C system.
3. Remove the compressor from the vehicle.
4. Remove the compressor oil plug and then drain as much mineral oil as possible from the
compressor body.
5. Drain mineral oil from the cylinder head suction and discharge ports while turning the shaft
with a socket wrench on the clutch armature retaining nut.
6. Remove the existing R-12 receiver-drier or accumulator-drier from the vehicle and discard.
Allow as much oil as possible to drain from the A/C hoses.
7. A flush of the system at this time is recommended.
8. Change any O-rings on the receiver-drier or accumulator-drier joints to approved HNBR
O-rings; replace any other O-rings that have been disturbed.
9. Replace the receiver-drier or accumulator-drier Universal with a new R134a compatible
one containing XH7 or XH9 desiccant.
10. If a CCOT system is being repaired due to compressor damage, or foreign material is
found in the oil drained from the system, this foreign material must be removed from the
system. At this time an inline filter should be installed in the liquid line. Allow as much oil as
possible to drain from the A/C lines when installing the filter. Change any O-rings disturbed
in the installation of the filter to approved HBNR O-rings.
11. Perform any necessary repairs to the compressor or A/C systems.
12. Using the original refrigerant oil quantity specification, add SP-20 or SP-10 oil to the
compressor (SP- 10 for TR, SDV-710, SDB-705, SDB-706 and SDB-709; SP-20 for all
other SD compressors). Or a PAO oil.
13. Replace the compressor oil plug O-ring with an HNBR O-ring.
14. Reinstall the compressor oil plug. The plug seat and O-ring must be clean and free of
damage. Torque the plug to 11-15 ft·lb (15-20 N·m, 150-200 kgf·cm)
15. Change any seals at the compressor ports to approved HNBR seals.
16. Reinstall the compressor to the A/C system. Evacuate the A/C system for at least forty-five
(45) minutes to a vacuum of 29 in. Hg, using R-12 equipment, to remove as much R-12 as
possible from the residual mineral oil.
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Air Conditoning Systems
17. Remove all R-12 service equipment and disable the R-12 service fittings to prevent any
refrigerant other than R134a from being used. Permanently install R134a quick connect
service fittings to the A/C system.
18. Connect R134a service hoses and other equipment. Re-evacuate the system for thirty (30)
minutes using the R134a equipment.
19. Charge the A/C system with R134a. Generally, about 5% (by weight) less than the R-12
charge amount is required. Leak check the system per SAE J1628 procedure.
20. If the A/C system is a CCOT type, which has been repaired due to damage or the
discovery of foreign material in the oil drained from the system, run the system for sixty
(60) minutes to capture this material in the filter installed in step 9. Recover the refrigerant,
remove and dispose of the filter, reconnect the lines, evacuate for at least forty-five (45)
minutes, and recharge the A/C system. This step should not be necessary for TXV
systems, since the drier is fitted with an internal filter.
21. Check the A/C system operating parameters. The system should function correctly within
acceptable limits of temperatures and pressures. This will ensure that the correct amount
of R134a has been charged.
22. In extreme circumstances when expected cooling performance cannot be achieved and
high discharge pressures are experienced, it may be necessary to add more condensing
capacity to the A/C system. An electric fan(s) and/or larger capacity condenser can be
used.
23. Replace all R-12 compressor labels with retrofit labels per SAE J1660 in order to provide
information on the R134a retrofit which has been performed.