ASE H7 HVAC (Transit Bus) study materials
ASE H7 HVAC (Transit Bus) study resources

ASE H7 HVAC (Transit Bus) flashcards

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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Refrigerant R-134a safety classification
R-134a is an A1 refrigerant per ASHRAE 34, meaning low toxicity and no flame propagation. It is heavier than air and can displace oxygen in confined spaces.
Section 609 certification
Section 609 of the Clean Air Act requires technicians who service motor vehicle air conditioning systems to be certified in refrigerant recovery and recycling.
Recovery cylinder fill limit
Never fill a recovery cylinder beyond 80% of its capacity by weight. Use a scale and follow DOT regulations to prevent hydrostatic rupture.
Evacuation vacuum level
A system should be evacuated to 500 microns (29.9 inHg) and held for 15-30 minutes to remove moisture and non-condensables before charging.
Compressor clutch air gap
The air gap between the clutch plate and pulley is typically 0.4-0.8 mm (0.016-0.031 in). Excessive gap prevents magnetic engagement.
High-pressure cutoff switch
A safety switch that disengages the compressor clutch when system pressure exceeds a set threshold (typically 400-450 psig) to prevent damage.
Condenser function
The condenser transfers heat from high-pressure refrigerant vapor to the outside air, causing the refrigerant to condense into a liquid.
Filter-drier location
The filter-drier is located on the liquid line between the condenser and expansion valve. It removes moisture and debris and must be replaced when the system is opened.
Superheat definition
Superheat is the difference between the actual refrigerant temperature and its saturation temperature at the same pressure. It indicates complete vaporization.
Orifice tube system
A fixed orifice tube meters refrigerant flow. It requires an accumulator on the suction side to store excess refrigerant and prevent liquid slugging.
Blower motor resistor
A resistor block reduces voltage to the blower motor for lower speeds. An open resistor causes loss of some blower speeds.
Thermistor operation
A thermistor is a temperature sensor whose resistance decreases as temperature increases (NTC). It is used to sense evaporator temperature.
Heater core function
The heater core uses engine coolant to warm air for passenger heating and defrost. A clogged core causes poor heat output.
Blend door purpose
The blend door controls the mix of heated and cooled air to achieve the desired temperature. A stuck door causes temperature control issues.
Performance test procedure
Measure vent temperature, ambient temperature, and humidity. Compare to specifications. Low vent temperature with normal pressures indicates proper operation.
Leak detection methods
Use electronic leak detectors, UV dye, or soap bubbles. Evacuate and recharge with trace refrigerant if needed to locate leaks.
PAG oil hygroscopicity
PAG oil absorbs moisture from the air. Keep containers sealed and use fresh oil to prevent moisture contamination in the system.
Refrigerant identifier
An SAE J177 or J2912 refrigerant identifier verifies the type of refrigerant in a system before recovery to prevent mixing.
Compressor oil type
R-134a systems use PAG oil. Adding oil requires knowing system capacity and compensating for oil removed with components.
Evaporator icing cause
Evaporator icing can occur if the expansion valve is stuck open or the evaporator temperature sensor fails, blocking airflow.
TXV superheat setting
The thermostatic expansion valve regulates refrigerant flow to maintain about 5-10°F (3-6°C) superheat at the evaporator outlet.
Pressure switch types
Binary pressure switches are on/off; analog switches provide variable signals. Both protect the compressor by cutting off at high or low pressures.
Defrost operation
Defrost directs heated air to the windshield. The A/C compressor may run to dehumidify air for faster defrosting.
Subcooling definition
Subcooling is the difference between the actual liquid refrigerant temperature and its saturation temperature at the same pressure. It indicates proper charge.
Recovery equipment certification
Recovery equipment must be EPA-certified and capable of recovering at least 80% of the refrigerant in a system.
Clutch coil resistance
The compressor clutch coil typically has a resistance of 2-5 ohms. Check for open or shorted coil if the clutch does not engage.
Suction line insulation
The suction line should be insulated to prevent condensation and heat gain. A cold suction line indicates proper operation.
Sight glass indication
A clear sight glass on the liquid line indicates a full charge. Bubbles indicate low charge or a restriction.
CAN bus termination resistance
The CAN bus should have about 60 ohms termination resistance. Incorrect resistance indicates wiring or module faults.
Cabin air filter
A clogged cabin air filter restricts airflow. Replace at recommended intervals to maintain passenger comfort.
Restriction diagnosis
A restriction causes a temperature drop across the restricted component (e.g., orifice tube or filter-drier). Identify by touch or temperature measurement.
System flush requirement
After compressor failure, flush the system to remove debris. Use approved flushing agent and replace the filter-drier.