SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diagnose, service and maintain automobile air conditioning systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12226  Diagnose, service and maintain automobile air conditioning systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required for the people in the field of autotronics.

The learning outcomes of this unit standard also contribute to the exit levels outcomes required for the autotronics NQF4 level qualification.

Qualifying learners are able to diagnose, test, maintain and service automobile air-conditioning systems using product specific service manuals, circuit diagrams, work instructions and in accordance with procedures in a safe, aware manner. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This unit standard is designed as part of a progression.

The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner is competent at the relevant unit standard/s at the lower levels. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
The scope and level of this unit standard is determined by the ranges as indicated under specific outcomes.

The learner should be able to work autonomously. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Discuss and explain the basic operating principles of the refrigeration cycle 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Discuss and explain the basic operating principles of the refrigeration cycle and the function of air-conditioning components of an automobile air-conditioning system. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Components include compressor (axial type, scroll type, vane type) magnetic clutch, condenser, receiver-dryer, expansion valve, evaporator, blower (auxiliary and main), refrigerant, controls, pressure switch (high and low). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Results achieved:

1. Operation of an automobile air conditioning is explained
2. Automobile air conditioning components are identified and function explained
3. Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are correctly interpreted
4. Air conditioning system is maintained to specifications
5. Problems are correctly diagnosed and rectified
6. Relevant documentation is correctly filled in

Indicators:

1. Correct tools are utilised, cared for and stored
2. Safe working practices are adhered to when carrying out activities
7. Air conditioning system is discharged, evacuated, charged and tested in accordance to procedures
3. Air conditioner components are removed and fitted without vehicle damage
4. Air conditioner is recharged and operation tested
5. Procedures are followed

Understanding confirmed:

Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
1. Safety
2. Air conditioning systems
3. Manufacturers specifications and procedures
4. Air conditioning system maintenance
5. Refrigerant (old type versus new type) 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Read and interpret air-conditioning electrical circuit diagrams and component symbols 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Symbols include blower switch, relays, blower motor, fuses, circuit breakers, ignition switch, indicator lamp, air conditioner switch, magnetic clutch, pressure switches and sensors.

Circuits include radiator fan, evaporator fan and air-conditioner control circuits. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Results achieved:

1. Operation of an automobile air conditioning is explained
2. Automobile air conditioning components are identified and function explained
3. Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are correctly interpreted
4. Air conditioning system is maintained to specifications
5. Problems are correctly diagnosed and rectified
6. Relevant documentation is correctly filled in

Indicators:

1. Correct tools are utilised, cared for and stored
2. Safe working practices are adhered to when carrying out activities
7. Air conditioning system is discharged, evacuated, charged and tested in accordance to procedures
3. Air conditioner components are removed and fitted without vehicle damage
4. Air conditioner is recharged and operation tested
5. Procedures are followed

Understanding confirmed:

Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
1. Safety
2. Air conditioning systems
3. Manufacturers specifications and procedures
4. Air conditioning system maintenance
5. Refrigerant (old type versus new type) 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Maintain automobile air-conditioning systems 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Maintenance includes compressor belt drive tension, Hose, fitting, seals and connections, condenser, sight glass. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Results achieved:

1. Operation of an automobile air conditioning is explained
2. Automobile air conditioning components are identified and function explained
3. Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are correctly interpreted
4. Air conditioning system is maintained to specifications
5. Problems are correctly diagnosed and rectified
6. Relevant documentation is correctly filled in

Indicators:

1. Correct tools are utilised, cared for and stored
2. Safe working practices are adhered to when carrying out activities
7. Air conditioning system is discharged, evacuated, charged and tested in accordance to procedures
3. Air conditioner components are removed and fitted without vehicle damage
4. Air conditioner is recharged and operation tested
5. Procedures are followed

Understanding confirmed:

Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
1. Safety
2. Air conditioning systems
3. Manufacturers specifications and procedures
4. Air conditioning system maintenance
5. Refrigerant (old type versus new type) 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Service an automobile air-conditioning system 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Servicing includes discharge, evacuate, recharge and test the system.

Specialised equipment includes refrigerant recovery unit (manifold gauge set, compressor, oil separator with a sight glass and a recovery cylinder, gas leak detector, multimeter, test lamp, electronic thermometer). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Results achieved:

1. Operation of an automobile air conditioning is explained
2. Automobile air conditioning components are identified and function explained
3. Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are correctly interpreted
4. Air conditioning system is maintained to specifications
5. Problems are correctly diagnosed and rectified
6. Relevant documentation is correctly filled in

Indicators:

1. Correct tools are utilised, cared for and stored
2. Safe working practices are adhered to when carrying out activities
7. Air conditioning system is discharged, evacuated, charged and tested in accordance to procedures
3. Air conditioner components are removed and fitted without vehicle damage
4. Air conditioner is recharged and operation tested
5. Procedures are followed

Understanding confirmed:

Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
1. Safety
2. Air conditioning systems
3. Manufacturers specifications and procedures
4. Air conditioning system maintenance
5. Refrigerant (old type versus new type) 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Remove and fit automobile air conditioner components 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Results achieved:

1. Operation of an automobile air conditioning is explained
2. Automobile air conditioning components are identified and function explained
3. Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are correctly interpreted
4. Air conditioning system is maintained to specifications
5. Problems are correctly diagnosed and rectified
6. Relevant documentation is correctly filled in

Indicators:

1. Correct tools are utilised, cared for and stored
2. Safe working practices are adhered to when carrying out activities
7. Air conditioning system is discharged, evacuated, charged and tested in accordance to procedures
3. Air conditioner components are removed and fitted without vehicle damage
4. Air conditioner is recharged and operation tested
5. Procedures are followed

Understanding confirmed:

Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
1. Safety
2. Air conditioning systems
3. Manufacturers specifications and procedures
4. Air conditioning system maintenance
5. Refrigerant (old type versus new type) 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Diagnose automobile air conditioning problems 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Problems include: mechanical (gas) and electrical aspects. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Results achieved:

1. Operation of an automobile air conditioning is explained
2. Automobile air conditioning components are identified and function explained
3. Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are correctly interpreted
4. Air conditioning system is maintained to specifications
5. Problems are correctly diagnosed and rectified
6. Relevant documentation is correctly filled in

Indicators:

1. Correct tools are utilised, cared for and stored
2. Safe working practices are adhered to when carrying out activities
7. Air conditioning system is discharged, evacuated, charged and tested in accordance to procedures
3. Air conditioner components are removed and fitted without vehicle damage
4. Air conditioner is recharged and operation tested
5. Procedures are followed

Understanding confirmed:

Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
1. Safety
2. Air conditioning systems
3. Manufacturers specifications and procedures
4. Air conditioning system maintenance
5. Refrigerant (old type versus new type) 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Apply relevant safety practices when working with automobile air conditioning systems 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Safety includes work area, electrical safety, gas usage safety, work area safety and vehicle cleanliness restored. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Results achieved:

1. Operation of an automobile air conditioning is explained
2. Automobile air conditioning components are identified and function explained
3. Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are correctly interpreted
4. Air conditioning system is maintained to specifications
5. Problems are correctly diagnosed and rectified
6. Relevant documentation is correctly filled in

Indicators:

1. Correct tools are utilised, cared for and stored
2. Safe working practices are adhered to when carrying out activities
7. Air conditioning system is discharged, evacuated, charged and tested in accordance to procedures
3. Air conditioner components are removed and fitted without vehicle damage
4. Air conditioner is recharged and operation tested
5. Procedures are followed

Understanding confirmed:

Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
1. Safety
2. Air conditioning systems
3. Manufacturers specifications and procedures
4. Air conditioning system maintenance
5. Refrigerant (old type versus new type) 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
Discuss and report incidents and problems related to automobile air conditioning systems 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Discuss and report incidents and problems related to automobile air conditioning systems and compile fault finding reports and requisition forms. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Results achieved:

1. Operation of an automobile air conditioning is explained
2. Automobile air conditioning components are identified and function explained
3. Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are correctly interpreted
4. Air conditioning system is maintained to specifications
5. Problems are correctly diagnosed and rectified
6. Relevant documentation is correctly filled in

Indicators:

1. Correct tools are utilised, cared for and stored
2. Safe working practices are adhered to when carrying out activities
7. Air conditioning system is discharged, evacuated, charged and tested in accordance to procedures
3. Air conditioner components are removed and fitted without vehicle damage
4. Air conditioner is recharged and operation tested
5. Procedures are followed

Understanding confirmed:

Respond to "what if" and "why" questions covering:
1. Safety
2. Air conditioning systems
3. Manufacturers specifications and procedures
4. Air conditioning system maintenance
5. Refrigerant (old type versus new type) 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the MERSETA Education and Training Quality Assurer who has jurisdiction over this field of learning. My assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.

I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.

I will be assessed in the workplace but I can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.

I can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
1. Names and functions of:
  • Automotive air conditioning components
  • Personal and automotive protective equipment
  • Leakage tests
  • Discharging, evacuation and Recharging
  • Refrigeration cycle
  • Blower
  • Evaporator
    2. Purpose of:
  • Refrigerant
  • Manufacturers specifications and procedures
  • Air conditioning systems
    3. Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Refrigerant
  • Refrigeration cycle
    4. Sensory cues:
  • Use of sight when checking the system
    5. Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Implications of not using personal protection equipment
  • Implications of not disposing of the refrigerant correctly
  • Implications of not carrying out leakage tests
    6. Procedures and techniques:
  • Safety procedures
  • Testing procedures
  • Discharging, evacuation and recharging procedures
    7. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Regulations regarding working with compressors
  • Disposal of refrigerants
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental legislation
    8. Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Heat and heat transfer
  • Condensation
  • Conduction
  • Evaporation
  • Pressure laws
    9. Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of an automobile air conditioning system to other automobile operating systems 


  • Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Recognise situations that require action and correct when necessary 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others:
  • When servicing and maintaining an automobile air conditioning system 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • Apply the correct procedures for using, storing and looking after equipment, tools, test equipment, components and chemicals
  • Plan and prepare job function activities 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Use common names for tools and equipment
  • Fill in and use fault reports, requisition forms and job cards 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology:
  • Apply the principles of the refrigeration cycle
  • Apply the principles of heat transfer 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Relate the operation of automobile air conditioning systems to that of other air conditioners 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  22860   National Certificate: Autotronics  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2012-06-30  MERSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.