Course Outline for Automotive Technology 207
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 03/03/2021
Catalog Description:

ATEC 207 - Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

99.00 Hours

May be repeated 99 time(s)
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning including: Diagnosis, testing, adjustment, and repair of air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, heat and energy, air flow, refrigerant recycling, equipment and controls. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met. This course is a noncredit course that is equivalent to the ATEC credit course of the same title. Both options cover the same content and students will be enrolled in the same class at the same time. If a student chooses to move from noncredit to credit courses, please meet with ATEC faculty to discuss assessing equivalency and credit by exam. This course is part of a Certificate of Completion. Available Certificates can be found in the Chabot College Catalog.
Prerequisite: ATEC 250 or ATEC 50 (same as APAU 9724).
0948.00 - Automotive Technology*
Pass/No Pass/Satisfactory Progress
Type Hours
Lecture 27.00
Laboratory 72.00
Total 99.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this 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;
  16. inspect, test, and replace thermostat;
  17. determine coolant condition and coolant type; drain and recover coolant;
  18. inspect and test cooling system fan operation, both electrical and mechanical;
  19. inspect and test heater control valves;
  20. diagnose electrical malfunctions of heating, ventilation, and A/C systems;
  21. perform correct use of refrigerant recovery, recycling, charging, and handling equipment;
  22. participate in an air conditioning refrigerant handling certification program.
Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture):

  1. Fundamentals of air conditioning, cooling and heating systems
  2. Introduction to refrigeration
  3. Heat, temperature and transfer of heat
  4. Safety and shop procedures and practices
  5. Refrigerant identification, recovery, and recycling
  6. Air conditioning components and control devices
  7. 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)
  10. Hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel safety
  11. Hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel applicable systems awareness
  12. Soft Skills
     

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 Instruction:
  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Guest speakers
  3. Laboratory
  4. Field Trips
  5. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read chapter on "The Refrigeration Cycle"
  2. Complete review quiz at the end of chapter
  3. Complete laboratory assignments using service information, lecture materials, and text
  1. Class Participation
  2. Laboratory exercises
  3. Homework
  4. Quizzes
  5. Midterm Examination
  6. Final Examination
  7. Practical Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. check system for sealant;
  2. recover refrigerant, pull a vacuum on the system, leak test, add oil, and re-charge system;
  3. identify refrigerant types; select and connect proper gauge set; record pressure readings.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Halderman, James (2018). Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning (8). Pearson.
  • Safety glasses
  • Shop/safety clothing
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning including: Diagnosis, testing, adjustment, and repair of air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, heat and energy, air flow, refrigerant recycling, equipment and controls. This course is a noncredit course that is equivalent to the ATEC credit course of the same title. Both options cover the same content and students will be enrolled in the same class at the same time.
Prerequisite: ATEC 250 or ATEC 50 (same as APAU 9724).