Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:09 PM AWST
22/07/2026 5:09 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Diagnose and repair air conditioning and HVAC systems
Diagnose and repair air conditioning and HVAC systems
Unit of competency
National Code
AURETU3004
AURETU3004
State Code
WF128
WF128
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/07/2013
Field of Education
030503 - Vehicle Mechanics
Original Release Date
19/07/2013
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair air conditioning systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems that are fitted to a range of vehicles and equipment for passenger convenience and comfort.The unit involves diagnosing deviations from correct operation, repairing vehicle air conditioning and HVAC system components and associated systems, and applying post-repair testing procedures.The unit also involves identifying and confirming work requirements; preparing for work; testing systems; identifying faults and causes and appropriate repair; retesting air conditioning and HVAC systems; and completing work finalisation processes, including clean-up and documentation.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with the relevant regulatory authority.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to diagnose and repair air conditioning and HVAC system
- 1.1. Workplace instructions are used to determine job requirements
- 1.2. Workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements are observed throughout the work
- 1.3. Procedures and information are sourced and interpreted
- 1.4. Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) code of practice is sourced and complied with
- 1.5. Options for diagnosing faults are identified and used, using appropriate tools and diagnostic techniques
- 1.6. Tools and equipment are identified for effective diagnosis and repair methods
- 1.7. Critical precautions in relation to working with air conditioning, refrigerant and refrigerant oils are observed
2. Diagnose air conditioning and HVAC system
- 2.1. Air conditioning and HVAC systems are tested to isolate faults according to workplace procedures and without causing damage to components or systems as a result of inappropriate testing procedures
- 2.2. Faults are identified from test results and causes of faults are determined
- 2.3. Diagnosis findings are reported according to workplace procedures, including recommendations for necessary repairs or adjustments
3. Repair air conditioning and HVAC system
- 3.1. Repair options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected
- 3.2. Appropriate tools and recognised techniques and materials are selected and prepared
- 3.3. Repairs and component replacements and adjustments are carried out without causing damage, according to workplace procedures and manufacturer and component supplier specifications
4. Retest air conditioning and HVAC system
- 4.1. Retests are carried out to ensure correct and safe air conditioning and HVAC system performance operation
- 4.2. Post-repair testing is carried out according to workplace procedures and relevant legislation
5. Prepare vehicle and equipment for delivery to customer after repair is completed
- 5.1. Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations
- 5.2. Vehicle is cleaned to workplace expectations and presented ready for use
- 5.3. Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures
- 5.4. Appropriate decal sticker is placed in engine compartment
6. Clean up work area and finalise work processes
- 6.1. Material that can be reused is collected and stored in the appropriate designated area and according to workplace sustainability practices
- 6.2. Waste and scrap are removed following workplace procedures and disposed of according to environmental regulations
- 6.3. Equipment and work area are cleaned and inspected for serviceable condition according to workplace procedures
- 6.4. Faulty equipment is identified, tagged and isolated according to workplace procedures and WHS regulations
- 6.5. Operator maintenance is completed according to manufacturer and component supplier specifications, site procedures and relevant industry codes of practice
- 6.6. Tools and equipment are maintained according to workplace procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Workplace instructions may include:
electronic or hard copy instructions
verbal instructions
written instructions
safe work procedures relating to refrigerant recovery and replacement.
Job requirements may include:
diagnosis and repair methods, processes and equipment.
Workplace health and safety requirements may include:
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
first aid kit
personal protective clothing and equipment
use of tools and equipment
safe handling of material
use of fire-fighting equipment
workplace safety policies and procedures
workplace first aid equipment
water shower or equivalent
hazard control, including control of hazardous materials and toxic substances.
Procedures and information may include:
verbal, written and graphical instructions
signage
work schedules, plans and specifications
work bulletins and memos
MSDS
diagrams and sketches
safe work procedures relating to the diagnosis and repair of air conditioning and HVAC systems
regulatory and legislative requirements relating to automotive industry
Australian Design Rules
engineer’s design specifications and instructions
workplace work specifications and requirements
instructions issued by authorised workplace or external persons
Australian standards
ARC code of practice
vehicle service requirements and repair manuals.
Options for diagnosing faults may include:
isolation of faults
component inspection and evaluation
use and application of air conditioning diagnostic tools.
Tools and equipment:
are to include the following specialist tools, which are mandatory under the ARC code of practice:
manifold and gauge set
recovery unit
vacuum pump
electronic leak detector
electronic scales
may include:
normal hand tools
nitrogen cylinder and regulator
digital vacuum gauge (vacrometer)
oil injector
infra-red thermometer (pyrometer)
electronic temperature probe
valve core removing/replacement tool
psychrometer (humidity detector)
various refrigerant hoses and couplers
digital multimeter
diagnostic scan tool.
Critical precautions may include:
dangers associated with working with refrigerants and lubricants, including:
frostbite (refrigerant boiling point -36.7ºC)
carcinogenic oil
care taken with some flammable refrigerants.
Air conditioning and HVAC systems may include:
single zone and multi-zone, including:
climate control
electric compressors
R12 systems
R134a systems
R1234yf systems
high and low pressure switches
pressure relief valve
temperature sensors
sunlight sensors
carbon dioxide sensors
zone temperature sensors.
Inappropriate testing procedures may include:
intrusive testing (which must not be performed as it is not a recommended test and repair method), which includes:
back probing terminals and connectors and fuse holders with inappropriate test probes
probing terminal and connectors with inappropriate test probes
pushing sharp probes and objects into wiring insulation.
Faults may include:
system containing atmospheric air with moisture
electrical sensor malfunction
dislodged temperature sensor or transfer valve
faulty pressure relief valve
vacuum leak
air flow restriction or blockage
receiver drier blockage
evaporator fan not working
electrical fault
electrical system fault.
Repair options may include:
component repair procedures, including:
removal, replacement and adjustment procedures
dismantle, repair, re-assembly and adjustment procedures.
Post-repair testing may include:
validating effectiveness of the repair action, including the following checks:
ambient temperature
centre vent temperature
condenser and suction line temperature
manifold gauge pressure readings
refrigerant leaks
confirming that reported fault has been rectified
confirming that no other faults are present as a result of the repair action.
Information on decal sticker must include:
name of the service organisation
quantity of refrigerant added
refrigerant and oil type
service date
technician’s licence number
vehicle odometer reading.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Workplace instructions may include:
electronic or hard copy instructions
verbal instructions
written instructions
safe work procedures relating to refrigerant recovery and replacement.
Job requirements may include:
diagnosis and repair methods, processes and equipment.
Workplace health and safety requirements may include:
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
first aid kit
personal protective clothing and equipment
use of tools and equipment
safe handling of material
use of fire-fighting equipment
workplace safety policies and procedures
workplace first aid equipment
water shower or equivalent
hazard control, including control of hazardous materials and toxic substances.
Procedures and information may include:
verbal, written and graphical instructions
signage
work schedules, plans and specifications
work bulletins and memos
MSDS
diagrams and sketches
safe work procedures relating to the diagnosis and repair of air conditioning and HVAC systems
regulatory and legislative requirements relating to automotive industry
Australian Design Rules
engineer’s design specifications and instructions
workplace work specifications and requirements
instructions issued by authorised workplace or external persons
Australian standards
ARC code of practice
vehicle service requirements and repair manuals.
Options for diagnosing faults may include:
isolation of faults
component inspection and evaluation
use and application of air conditioning diagnostic tools.
Tools and equipment:
are to include the following specialist tools, which are mandatory under the ARC code of practice:
manifold and gauge set
recovery unit
vacuum pump
electronic leak detector
electronic scales
may include:
normal hand tools
nitrogen cylinder and regulator
digital vacuum gauge (vacrometer)
oil injector
infra-red thermometer (pyrometer)
electronic temperature probe
valve core removing/replacement tool
psychrometer (humidity detector)
various refrigerant hoses and couplers
digital multimeter
diagnostic scan tool.
Critical precautions may include:
dangers associated with working with refrigerants and lubricants, including:
frostbite (refrigerant boiling point -36.7ºC)
carcinogenic oil
care taken with some flammable refrigerants.
Air conditioning and HVAC systems may include:
single zone and multi-zone, including:
climate control
electric compressors
R12 systems
R134a systems
R1234yf systems
high and low pressure switches
pressure relief valve
temperature sensors
sunlight sensors
carbon dioxide sensors
zone temperature sensors.
Inappropriate testing procedures may include:
intrusive testing (which must not be performed as it is not a recommended test and repair method), which includes:
back probing terminals and connectors and fuse holders with inappropriate test probes
probing terminal and connectors with inappropriate test probes
pushing sharp probes and objects into wiring insulation.
Faults may include:
system containing atmospheric air with moisture
electrical sensor malfunction
dislodged temperature sensor or transfer valve
faulty pressure relief valve
vacuum leak
air flow restriction or blockage
receiver drier blockage
evaporator fan not working
electrical fault
electrical system fault.
Repair options may include:
component repair procedures, including:
removal, replacement and adjustment procedures
dismantle, repair, re-assembly and adjustment procedures.
Post-repair testing may include:
validating effectiveness of the repair action, including the following checks:
ambient temperature
centre vent temperature
condenser and suction line temperature
manifold gauge pressure readings
refrigerant leaks
confirming that reported fault has been rectified
confirming that no other faults are present as a result of the repair action.
Information on decal sticker must include:
name of the service organisation
quantity of refrigerant added
refrigerant and oil type
service date
technician’s licence number
vehicle odometer reading.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to:
observe safety procedures and requirements, in particular the dangers associated with handling refrigerants
select methods and techniques appropriate to diagnosing and repairing an air conditioning system
complete preparatory activity in a systematic manner
diagnose and repair a range of vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:
climate control
single and multi-zone
electric compressors
apply safe operation of automotive refrigerant tools and equipment
record relevant details in relation to workplace and licensing requirements of the ARC code of practice
demonstrate understanding of the environmental regulations and refrigerant waste disposal procedures
conduct diagnosis and repair procedures according to workplace, manufacturer and component supplier requirements
present vehicle and equipment in a condition that complies with workplace requirements
complete workplace and equipment documents to ARC code of practice requirements
clean up work area and maintain equipment to workplace standards.
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment is to occur:
using standard workplace practices and procedures
following safety requirements
applying environmental constraints.
Assessment is to comply with relevant:
regulatory requirements
Australian standards
ARC code of practice.
The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:
workplace location or simulated workplace
vehicles with air conditioning and HVAC faults relevant to the qualification being sought
equipment appropriate for the diagnosing and repairing a range of vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems relevant to the qualification being sought, including:
manifold and gauge set
recovery unit
vacuum pump
electronic leak detector
nitrogen cylinder and regulator
digital vacuum gauge (vacrometer)
digital multimeter
electronic scales
oil injector
infra-red thermometer (pyrometer)
electronic temperature probe
valve core removing/replacement tool
psychrometer (humidity detector)
various refrigerant hoses and couplers
diagnostic scan tool
specifications and workplace instructions
service procedures for above equipment appropriate for the diagnosis, repair, replacement and adjustment of vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to:
observe safety procedures and requirements, in particular the dangers associated with handling refrigerants
select methods and techniques appropriate to diagnosing and repairing an air conditioning system
complete preparatory activity in a systematic manner
diagnose and repair a range of vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:
climate control
single and multi-zone
electric compressors
apply safe operation of automotive refrigerant tools and equipment
record relevant details in relation to workplace and licensing requirements of the ARC code of practice
demonstrate understanding of the environmental regulations and refrigerant waste disposal procedures
conduct diagnosis and repair procedures according to workplace, manufacturer and component supplier requirements
present vehicle and equipment in a condition that complies with workplace requirements
complete workplace and equipment documents to ARC code of practice requirements
clean up work area and maintain equipment to workplace standards.
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment is to occur:
using standard workplace practices and procedures
following safety requirements
applying environmental constraints.
Assessment is to comply with relevant:
regulatory requirements
Australian standards
ARC code of practice.
The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:
workplace location or simulated workplace
vehicles with air conditioning and HVAC faults relevant to the qualification being sought
equipment appropriate for the diagnosing and repairing a range of vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems relevant to the qualification being sought, including:
manifold and gauge set
recovery unit
vacuum pump
electronic leak detector
nitrogen cylinder and regulator
digital vacuum gauge (vacrometer)
digital multimeter
electronic scales
oil injector
infra-red thermometer (pyrometer)
electronic temperature probe
valve core removing/replacement tool
psychrometer (humidity detector)
various refrigerant hoses and couplers
diagnostic scan tool
specifications and workplace instructions
service procedures for above equipment appropriate for the diagnosis, repair, replacement and adjustment of vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W5074 | AURT322666A | Repair/retrofit air conditioning systems | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXD56 | AURETU004 | Diagnose and repair air conditioning and HVAC systems | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J392 | AUR30412 | Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology | Qualification |
| J371 | AUR20212 | Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology | Qualification |
| J383 | AUR21412 | Certificate II in Automotive Cooling System Technology | Qualification |
| J419 | AUR40612 | Certificate IV in Automotive Electrical Technology | Qualification |
| J391 | AUR30312 | Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology | Qualification |
| J373 | AUR20412 | Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology | Qualification |
| J405 | AUR31712 | Certificate III in Forklift Technology | Qualification |
| J842 | AUR31114 | Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Qualification |
| J399 | AUR31112 | Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Qualification |
| J394 | AUR30612 | Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | Qualification |
| J400 | AUR31212 | Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology | Qualification |