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: 

Repair and maintain vehicle air conditioning systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244140  Repair and maintain vehicle air conditioning systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Vehicle Maintenance 
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  8 
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 
People in the field of manufacturing and engineering require the skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard.
The learning outcomes in this unit standard also contribute to the exit level outcomes required for various manufacturing and engineering qualifications.
The learners is able to diagnose, test, maintain and service vehicle air-conditioning systems using product specific service manuals, circuit diagrams, work instructions and in accordance with workshop and manufacturers manual procedures. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the learner has already learned the use of engineering hand tools, workshop equipment, power tools, and measuring equipment, measure and assess component parts for serviceability and to maintain a safe and productive working environment. 

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

All work is performed under supervision at regular intervals and according to workplace and workshop manual specifications and occupational safety, health and environmental legislation. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Explain the function of components in a vehicle 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 
A vehicle air conditioning system is explained in terms of its function and operating principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Vehicle air conditioning components are identified and explained in terms of the function performed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The refrigeration cycle is explained in terms of its basic operating principles. 

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 
    Air conditioning electric circuit diagrams are interpreted in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Symbols are identified and interpreted in terms of their function and meaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of using incorrect symbols or misinterpreting symbols is explained in terms of the impact on the work and interpretation of the system requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify vehicle air conditioning problems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Problems include:
  • Mechanical (gas) and electrical aspects. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Potential air-conditioning system faults are identified and explained in terms of their causes and possible solutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Air-conditioning system faults are identified in terms of their symptoms and the root cause is traced in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and equipment are used and cared for in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work is conducted in accordance with safe working practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work is conducted in accordance with flat rate time schedules. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Repair and maintain vehicle air-conditioning systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Repairing 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).
  • Maintenance includes compressor belt drive tension, Hose, fitting, seals and connections, condenser, sight glass. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Vehicle air conditioning system faults are repaired according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are used and cared for in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Components are adjusted and checked in accordance with manufacturer specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Vehicle air-conditioning systems are maintained in accordance with service schedule requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work is conducted in accordance with safe working practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Work is conducted in accordance with flat rate time schedules. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences of not correctly maintaining the air-conditioning system are explained in terms of the effectiveness of the system and potential repair costs. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the Unit Standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Automotive air conditioning components.
  • Personal and automotive protective equipment.
  • Leakage tests.
  • Discharging, evacuation and recharging.
  • Refrigeration cycle.
  • Blower.
  • Evaporator.

    Purpose of:
  • Refrigerant.
  • Manufacturers specifications and procedures.
  • Air conditioning systems.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Refrigerant.
  • Refrigeration cycle.

    Sensory cues:
  • What I see, hear, feel, smell during the process.

    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.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Safety procedures.
  • Testing procedures.
  • Discharging, evacuation and recharging procedures.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Regulations regarding working with compressors.
  • Disposal of refrigerants.
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental legislation.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Heat and heat transfer.
  • Condensation.
  • Conduction.
  • Evaporation.
  • Pressure laws.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of an vehicle air conditioning system to other vehicle operating systems.
  • Performing visual inspection of parts. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    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 a vehicle 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 effectively and critically:
  • 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 vehicle air conditioning systems to that of other air conditioners. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78883   Further Education and Training Certificate: Autotronics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  78525   Further Education and Training Certificate: Automotive Repair and Maintenance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  58539   Further Education and Training Certificate: Automotive Repair and Maintenance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-02-18  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.