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AMT 43 Air Conditioning

Course Description

  • Prerequisite: AMT 30 and AMT 40
  • Corequisite: AMT 42
  • Recommended Prep: Employment in the automotive industry
  • AMT majors only

This course covers shop safety, training in specialty tools and equipment. Included are fundamental theories, diagnosis, and repair practices to automotive air conditioning systems. Presented in the course are the operation and function of the vacuum, electrical, refrigeration circuits, along with computer controlled climate control systems. Course includes live work.

Text and References

(Tom Birch) Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, Automotive Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems (Chek-Chart) Automotive Air Conditioning (Dwiggins), Manufacture’s Service Manuals, Mitchell Manuals, Chilton Manuals, Motor Manuals, shop manuals, handouts.

Course Goals

  • Goals are to prepare the student with the skills and competencies necessary to become a successful career as an automotive air conditioning technician;
  • to instill in the student work habits and attitude necessary to work in a highly competitive field;
  • to provide the student with the basic skills necessary to become a life long learner in order to keep abreast of the latest technological changes in the automobile.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of AMT 43, the student will be able to:

  • Work independently and inter-dependently in an automotive repair facility
  • Function safely in an automotive environment
  • Communicate effectively to gather and convey industry related information
  • Operate automotive equipment and specialty tools
  • Perform all of the NATEF tasks that are outlined in each section listed below. Refer to the NATEF task list on website for a complete list of individual tasks.
    1. AC System Diagnosis & Repair
    2. Refrigeration System Component Diagnosis and Repair
    3. Heating Ventilation and Engine Cooling System Diagnosis and Repair
    4. Operating System and Related Controls Diagnosis and Repair
    5. Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling and Handling

Module Names

  • Introduction, Safety, and Tools
  • Basic Theory
  • Refrigeration System
  • System and Components
  • Inspection and Diagnosis
  • Heating and A.C. System Service
  • Heating and A.C. System Repair
  • Engine Cooling System
  • Heating and Ventilation
  • Heating and A.C. Electronic Controls

Student Contributions

Physical ability: Requirements included the eye-hand coordination necessary to make precision repairs and to avoid unnecessary material losses and personal injury.

Teamwork: The students will be required to work in teams to complete tasks and live jobs. Failure to work with others will affect one’s grade.

Dress code: The AMT program requires that students dress to standards that of the automotive industry. Students will be expected to be work ready at all times. More detailed dress requirements will be discussed on the first day of class.

Tool requirements: The students will be responsible to bring the AMT basic tool set and other required tools to school when instructed. Failure to comply will affect students grade.

Attitude: Students will be expected to have a learning attitude. The students with or without automotive experience shall be treated equally.

Grading Policy

Attendance: Students will maintain a time card per NATEF requirements. Each tardy (to class and from breaks) and absence will result in point deduction from final accumulated grade points. Three tardies will equal one absence. Absence of three days will result in a failing grade.

Point system: All assignments – homework, worksheets, and quizzes are to be tabulated into final points. All work turned in late will result in a 50% deduction in points. No make–up will be possible on certain lab work. Add in statement at the end of the Point system; Any score below 65% on the final written or practical exam will not be allowed and result in a failing grade regardless of student progress, no make up exams allowed and student must retake course.

Final Grading

  • 60 % Lab work and exercises
  • 40% Classroom work and assignments

Grading Structure

  • A = 90 to 100%
  • B = 80 to 89%
  • C = 70 to 79%
  • F = Below 70%