AFM 171 - Climate Control Systems

4 Credits, 6 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 3 lab periods
Construction, operation, diagnosis and repair of modern heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) and climate control systems common in automobiles and light truck applications.

Prerequisite(s): AFM 101  and AFM 161  
Information: Students who successfully complete this course may receive Service Technician Specialty Training credit from Ford Motor Company for Advanced Climate Control Diagnosis.  

1. Explain automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning fundamentals.
2. Describe climate control systems theory and operation.
3. Demonstrate comprehension of automotive HVAC electronic componentry theory and operation
4. Appraise climate control systems diagnostics.
5. Compare climate control systems leak detection methods and principles.
6. Diagnose climate control system-related malfunctions.

1. Heating and Air Conditioning Fundamentals
   1. Principles of refrigeration
      1. States of matter
      2. Heat transfer
      3. Pressure and temperature relationship
      4. Refrigerants
      5. Lubrication oils
      6. Basi refrigerant cycle
      7. High and low sides
   2. Automotive Air Conditioning Systems
      1. Pumps/Compressors
      2. Condensers 
      3. Flow metering devices
      4. Evaporators
      5. Receiver Driers
      6. Accumulator Driers 
      7. Blower fans
      8. Thermostatic switches
      9. Pressure and temperature sensors
      10. Hoses, Lines, Mufflers
      11. Service Valves
   3. System Design Variants
      1. Fixed orifice
      2. Thermostatic expansion
   4. Heating Systems
      1. Engine cooling system fundamentals
      2. Hoses
      3. Heater core
      4. Blower fans
      5. Controls
   5. Heating and Air Conditioning Controls
      1. Actuators
         1. Vacuum
         2. Electronic
         3. Mechanical
      2. Ducts and vents
      3. Filters
   6. Climate Controlled Seats
      1. Heated
      2. Heated and Cooled
   7. Heated Steering Wheels\ Thermo-electronic devices
   8. Auxiliary Systems
   9. Hybrid Systems

2. Heating and Air Conditioning Diagnosis, Service, and Repair
   1. Inspections
   2. Fault detection
   3. Monitoring system pressures and temperatures
3. Refrigerant safety and chemical hazards
4. System Performance Testing
   1. Manifold gauges
   2. Mode 1 (Datalogger)
5. Recovery, Evacuation, Recycling and Recharging
   1. Refrigerant identification
   2. Leak sealant detection
   3. Service connections
   4. Service equipment operation
   5. Leak detection
      1. Dyes
      2. Electronic samplers
6. Common system faults
   1. Evaporators
   2. Condensers
   3. Driers
   4. Metering Devices
   5. Lines and hoses
7. System service
   1. Evacuation
   2. Flushing
   3. Component replacement
      1. Recovery and addition of oil
   4. Service Rules
   5. EPA 609 certification preparation