Location

Air Conditioning Symptoms Check

Refrigerant: The "working" fluid of the A/C system. The refrigerant transports heat from one part of the system to another. It absorbs heat while turning into gas, gives off heat when becoming a liquid.

Evaporator: The component where the liquid refrigerant vaporizes, absorbs heat, and travels on to the compressor. The "cold" part.
Compressor: Pressurizes the refrigerant gas and pumps it to the condenser
Condenser: A small radiator that extracts heat from the refrigerant and converts (condenses) it from a gas to a liquid, then transports the liquid to the accumulator.
Accumulator/Receiver: A storage tank and filter for the liquid refrigerant. Excess fluid is stored here and moisture is removed.
Orifice Tube/Expansion Valve: Regulates the liquid refrigerant going to the evaporator. Here the liquid again changes back into a gas, cools the evaporator fins and gives off cool air that is blown into the car by the fan. The cycle then repeats itself.

Compressor Clutch: Engages and disengages the system.
Refrigerant Oil: The system lubricant.
Discharge: To remove system refrigerant.
Evacuate: To remove all system moisture and refrigerant.
Performance Test: A complete test of all operations of the climate control system.
Leak Test: A check of all system components and connections for refrigerant leaks.