The Motor Age Self-Study Guide for the A7 Automobile Heating & Air Conditioning ASE Test contains:

• Tips on preparing for and taking the ASE test.
• The A7 ASE Test Task List, which lists the knowledge that a technician must have to pass the A7 ASE test.
• Complete Refrigeration System, Heating System, Engine Cooling System, and Manual and Automatic Control System diagnostic information, symptom descriptions and probable causes, testing procedures, with the interpretation of test results; repair information, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, adjustment and assembly procedures.
• Detailed Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, Handling and System Retrofit procedures.
• A Practice Test, with all questions written in the ASE style. The answers to the Practice Test questions contain thorough explanations for each answer.
• A comprehensive Glossary, including all heating and A/C system-related terms used in the Study Guide.

In addition to the easy-to-read text, the Motor Age A7 Heating & A/C Self-Study Guide contains dozens of useful illustrations, and like all Motor Age Self-Study Guides, it is spiral bound, which allows the pages to lie flat for ease of use. You'll also find the Motor Age A7 Heating & A/C Self-Study Guide to be a handy reference manual that you can use on the job after you've taken the ASE test.

ASE A7 Auto Test Prep Study Guide - Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

A. A/C System Service, Diagnosis, and Repair (17 questions)
a. Identify system type and conduct performance test on the A/C system; determine needed repairs.
b. Diagnose A/C system problems indicated by system pressures and/or temperature readings; determine needed repairs.
c. Diagnose A/C system problems indicated by sight, sound, smell, and touch procedures; determine needed repairs.
d. Leak test A/C system; determine needed repairs.
e. Identify A/C system refrigerant and existing charge amount; recover refrigerant.
f. Evacuate A/C system.
g. Inspect A/C system components for contamination; determine needed repairs.
h. Charge A/C system with refrigerant (liquid or vapor).
i. Identify A/C system lubricant type and capacity; replenish lubricant if necessary.
j. Inspect and replace passenger compartment (cabin air, pollen) filter.
l. Disarm and enable the airbag system for vehicle service following manufacturers recommended procedures.
m. Read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and interpret scan tool data stream.
n. Read and interpret technical literature (service publications and information including wiring schematics).
o. Use a scan tool, digital multimeter (DMM), or digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) to inspect or test HVAC system sensors, actuators, circuits, and control modules; determine needed repairs.
p. Verify correct operation of certified equipment.
q. Recycle or properly dispose of refrigerant.
r. Label and store refrigerant.
s. Test recycled refrigerant for non-condensable gases.

B. Refrigeration System Component Diagnosis and Repair (10 questions)
Compressor and Clutch (5 questions)
a. Diagnose A/C system problems that cause the protection devices (pressure, thermal, and electronic controls) to interrupt system operation; determine needed repairs.
b. Inspect, test, and replace A/C system pressure and thermal protection devices.
c. Inspect, adjust, and replace A/C compressor drive belts, pulleys and tensioners.
d. Inspect, test, service, and replace A/C compressor clutch components or assembly.
e. Identify required lubricant type; inspect and correct level in A/C compressor.
f. Inspect, test, service or replace A/C compressor.
g. Inspect, repair or replace A/C compressor mountings/fasteners.

Evaporator, Condenser, and Related Components (5 questions)
a. Inspect, repair, or replace A/C system mufflers, hoses, lines, filters, fittings, and seals.
b. Inspect A/C condenser for proper air flow.
c. Inspect, test, and clean or replace A/C system condenser; check mountings and air seals.
d. Inspect and replace receiver/drier, accumulator/drier, or desiccant.
e. Inspect, test, and replace expansion valve(s).
f. Inspect and replace orifice tube(s).
g. Inspect, test, clean, or replace evaporator(s).
h. Inspect, clean and repair evaporator housing, and water drain.
i. Inspect, test, and replace evaporator pressure/temperature control systems and devices.
j. Identify, inspect, and replace A/C system service valves (gauge connections) and valve caps.
l. Inspect and replace A/C system high pressure relief device.

C. Heating and Engine Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair (4 questions)
a. Diagnose the cause of temperature control problems in the heater/ventilation system; determine needed repairs.
b. Diagnose window fogging problems; determine needed repairs.
c. Perform engine cooling system tests (pressure, electrolysis, concentration, and contamination); determine needed repairs.
d. Inspect and replace engine cooling and heater system hoses and pipes.
e. Inspect, test, and replace radiator, pressure cap, coolant recovery system, and water pump.
f. Inspect, test, and replace thermostat, by pass, and housing.
g. Identify, inspect, recover coolant; flush and refill system with proper coolant; bleed system as necessary.
h. Inspect, test, and replace fan, (both electrical and mechanical), fan clutch, fan belts, fan shroud, and air dams.
i. Inspect, test, and replace heater coolant control valve (manual, vacuum, and electrical types) and auxiliary coolant pump.
j. Inspect, flush, and replace heater core.

D. Operating Systems and Related Controls Diagnosis and Repair (19 questions)
Electrical (10 questions)
a. Diagnose the cause of failures in the electrical control system of heating, ventilating, and A/C systems; determine needed repairs.
b. Inspect, test, repair, and replace A/C heater blower motors, blower motor speed controls, resistors, switches, relays/modules, wiring, and protection devices.
c. Inspect, test, repair, and replace A/C compressor clutch coil, relay/ modules, wiring, sensors, switches, diodes, and protection devices.
d. Inspect, test, repair, replace, and adjust A/C related powertrain control systems and components.
e. Inspect, test, repair, replace, and adjust load sensitive A/C compressor cut off systems.
f. Inspect, test, repair, and replace engine cooling/condenser fan motors, relays/modules, switches, sensors, wiring, and protection devices.
g. Inspect, test, adjust, repair and replace climate control system electric actuator motors, relays/ modules, switches, sensors, wiring, and protection devices (including dual/multi-zone systems).
h. Inspect, test, service, or replace heating, ventilating, and A/C control panel assemblies.

Vacuum/Mechanical (2 questions)
a. Diagnose the cause of failures of the heating, ventilating, and A/C vacuum and mechanical control systems; determine needed repairs.
b. Inspect, test, service, or replace heating, ventilating, and A/C control panel assemblies.
c. Inspect, test, adjust, and replace heating, ventilating, and A/C control cables and linkages.
d. Inspect, test, and replace heating, ventilating, and A/C vacuum system actuators (diaphragms/motors), hoses, reservoir, check valve, and restrictors.
e. Inspect, test, adjust, repair, or replace heating, ventilating, and A/C ducts, doors, and outlets (including dual/multi-zone systems).

Automatic and Semi-Automatic Heating, Ventilating, and A/C Systems (7 questions)
a. Diagnose temperature control system problems; determine needed repairs.
b. Diagnose blower system problems; determine needed repairs.
c. Diagnose air distribution system problems; determine needed repairs (including dual/ multi-zone systems).
d. Diagnose compressor clutch control system; determine needed repairs.
e. Inspect, test, adjust or replace climate and blower control sensors.
f. Inspect, test, adjust, and replace door actuator(s).
g. Inspect, test, and replace heater water valve and controls.
h. Inspect, test, and replace electric and vacuum motors, solenoids, and switches.
i. Inspect, test, replace, and/or program Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) control panel and/or climate control computer/module.
j. Check and adjust calibration of Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system.
l. Diagnose data communication issues, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that affect A/C system operation.