Chapter 37

Heating and Air-

Conditioning System
Maintenance, Diagnosis,
and Service
 Heating System Diagnosis
and Service
• Thermostat replacement
• Heater core replacement
• Heater hose replacement
• Heater control valve replacement
• Control door and blend door service
• Blower motor service
• Heating and air-conditioning service
 Air-Conditioning System
Maintenance
• Inspect the drive belt.
• Inspect the compressor clutch.
• Check the condenser for debris.
• Check for leaks.
Air-Conditioning Diagnosis
and Service
• Testing air-conditioning safety
• Testing the air-conditioning
– Visual inspection
– System operation quick check
• Testing air-conditioning efficiency
– Air discharge temperatures
– Clutch cycling pressures
 Air-Conditioning Diagnosis
and Service (con’t)
• Testing pressure
• Connecting gauges
• Checking static pressure readings
• Operating performance test
• Checking the sight glass
• Stabilizing the system
• Checking the system operating pressures
• Detecting leaks – electronic, dye, and black light
 Air-Conditioning Diagnosis
and Service (con’t.)
• Compressor failures
• Compressor lockup
• Valve leakage
• Compressor clutch failures
• Overcharging
• Overheating
• Improper lubrication
 Air-Conditioning Diagnosis
and Service (con’t)
• Accumulator or receiver dryer service
• Refrigerant oil
• Choosing the right oil
1. PAG
2. Ester
• Expansion valve problems – stuck open,
stuck closed
• Orifice tube problems – plugged, poor seating
 Air-Conditioning Service
• Refrigerant recovery
• Refrigerant system evacuation
• Refrigeration system charging
• Refrigeration system of oil charging
• Charging by weight
• Charging by gauges
• Leak detection
Retrofitting R-12 to R-134a
• Retrofitting recommendations
• Compressor front seal
• Condenser replacement (some)
• Extra cooling fan
• Hose replacement
• O-ring replacement
• System flush
• Ester oil
 Retrofitting R-12 to
R-134a (con’t)
Differences – R-12 versus R-134a
• 30 to 60 psi higher on high side
• 3 psi lower on lower side
• Less charge by weight
• 15 percent less efficient