Description
Diagnose, service, and repair automotive air conditioning and climate control (HVAC) systems to restore safe, efficient cabin comfort.
- • Test drive vehicles and operate climate controls to verify A/C and heat performance.
- • Inspect A/C hoses, lines, condensers, compressors, and fittings for leaks or damage and document findings.
- • Recover, evacuate, and recharge refrigerant with certified equipment per EPA Section 609.
- • Perform leak detection using UV dye, electronic detectors, nitrogen, and soap solution.
- • Measure system pressures and vent temperatures and compare to manufacturer specifications.
- • Diagnose HVAC electrical faults with scan tools, oscilloscopes, and multimeters.
- • Test climate control modules, sensors, switches, and actuators for proper operation.
- • Replace or repair compressors, clutches, condensers, evaporators, receiver-driers or accumulators, and lines.
- • Replace expansion valves or orifice tubes and renew O-rings and seals.
- • Flush contaminated systems and add the correct type and amount of compressor oil and dye.
- • Service blower motors, resistors, fan controllers, and relay circuits.
- • Calibrate or replace blend door and mode door actuators and repair HVAC cases as needed.
- • Service heater cores, thermostats, and coolant flow components affecting cabin heat.
- • Program or relearn HVAC control modules and perform actuator self-tests.
- • Perform routine A/C maintenance including cabin air filter replacement and performance checks.
- • Estimate A/C repair costs and prepare written quotes.
- • Review work orders and discuss findings with service advisors or supervisors.
- • Communicate with customers about symptoms, recommended repairs, and preventive maintenance.
- • Follow diagnostic flowcharts, service manuals, and wiring diagrams to plan procedures.
- • Handle and store refrigerants safely and maintain accurate recovery and usage logs.
- • Retrofit and service systems using R-12, R-134a, and R-1234yf, following flammability precautions where applicable.
- • Inspect and adjust drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners and set compressor clutch air gaps.
- • Clean and disinfect evaporators and ducts to resolve odors and microbial growth.
- • Verify repairs by road testing and rechecking pressures, temperatures, and control operation.
- • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area and tools.
- • Service high-voltage A/C compressors on hybrid and electric vehicles using proper isolation and safety procedures.
- • Coordinate parts sourcing and validate component compatibility before installation.
- • Document labor operations, parts used, and warranty information.
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Supply Chain & Transportation
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
