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. 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. A. A/C System Diagnosis and Repair 1. Identify and interpret heating and air conditioning concern; determine 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; P-2 determine 6. Identify refrigerant type; conduct a performance test of the A/C system; determine 7. Leak test A/C system; determine 8. Inspect the condition of discharged oil; determine necessary P-2 9. Determine recommended oil for system application. B. Refrigeration System Component Diagnosis and Repair 1. Compressor and Clutch 1. Diagnose A/C system conditions that cause the protection P-2 devices (pressure, thermal, and PCM) to interrupt system operation; determine 2. Inspect A/C compressor drive belts; determine P-2 3. Inspect, test, and/or replace A/C compressor clutch components P-2 and/or assembly. 4. Remove and reinstall A/C compressor and mountings; measure oil quantity; determine 2. Evaporator, Condenser, and Related Components 1. Determine need for an additional A/C system filter; perform 2. Remove and inspect A/C system mufflers, hoses, lines, fittings, O-rings, seals, and service valves; perform P-2
3. Inspect A/C condenser for airflow restrictions; perform necessary 4. Remove and reinstall receiver/drier or accumulator/drier; measure oil quantity; determine 5. Remove and install expansion valve or orifice (expansion) tube. P-2 6. Inspect evaporator housing water drain; perform necessary 7. Remove and reinstall evaporator; measure oil quantity; determine 8. Remove and reinstall condenser; measure oil quantity; determine C. Heating, Ventilation, and Engine Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair 1. Diagnose temperature control problems in the heater/ventilation P-2 system; determine 2. Perform cooling system, cap, and recovery system tests (pressure, combustion leakage, and temperature); determine 3. Inspect engine cooling and heater system hoses and belts; perform 4. Inspect, test, and replace thermostat and housing. 5. Determine coolant condition and coolant type for vehicle application; drain and recover coolant. 6. Flush system; refill system with recommended coolant; bleed system. 7. Inspect and test cooling fan, fan clutch, fan shroud, and air dams; perform 8. Inspect and test electric cooling fan, fan control system and circuits; determine 9. Inspect and test heater control valve(s); perform necessary P-2 10. Remove and reinstall heater core. D. Operating Systems and Related Controls Diagnosis and Repair 1. Diagnose malfunctions in the electrical controls of heating, P-2 ventilation, and A/C (HVAC) systems; determine necessary 2. Inspect and test A/C-heater blower, motors, resistors, switches, relays, wiring, and protection devices; perform 3. Test and diagnose A/C compressor clutch control systems; determine necessary action 4. Diagnose malfunctions in the vacuum and mechanical P-2
components and controls of the heating, ventilation, and A/C (HVAC) system; determine 5. Inspect and test A/C-heater control panel assembly; determine 6. Inspect and test A/C-heater control cables and linkages; perform 7. Inspect A/C-heater ducts, doors, hoses, cabin filters and outlets; perform 8. Check operation of automatic and semi-automatic heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) control systems; determine 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. "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. A Member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer