Pub. 3 Issue 2

12 www.glancda.org California Regulations on Air Conditioning Equipment & Service Requirements Background: California has regulations on virtually everything, including what to look for when you are fixing the AC in a car. The AC regulations have been around since 2003 with relative low compliance. Last year, California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) issued six-figure fines and ordered temporary suspensions of BAR license for failure to comply with California regulations, indicating that this is serious business. The awareness in the California dealer community on this issue is lacking so we have taken this step to inform dealers of this regulation and possible compliance steps. AC Servicing Requirements for California Shops The statute requires that any CA automotive repair dealer that advertises or performs, directly or through a sublet contractor, automotive air conditioning work and uses the words: • service • inspection • diagnosis • top off • performance check or any expression or term of like meaning on any form of advertising, written estimate, or invoice shall include and perform all of the following procedures as part of that air conditioning work: 1. Exposed hoses, tubing and connections are examined for damage or leaks; 2. The compressor and clutch, when accessible, are examined for damage, missing bolts, missing hardware, broken housing and leaks; 3. The compressor is rotated to determine if it is seized or locked up; 4. Service ports are examined for missing caps, damaged threads and conformance with labeling; 5. The condenser coil is examined for damage, restrictions or leaks; 6. The expansion device, if accessible, is examined for physical damage or leaks; 7. The accumulator receiver dryer and in-line filter have been checked for damage, missing or loose hardware or leaks; 8. The drive belt system has been checked for damaged or missing pulleys or tensioners and for proper belt routing, tension, alignment, excessive wear or cracking; 9. The fan clutch has been examined for leakage, bearing wear and proper operation; 10. The cooling fan has been checked for bent or missing blades; 11. Accessible electrical connections have been examined for loose, burnt, broken or corroded parts; 12. The refrigerant in use has been identified and checked for contamination; 13. The system has been checked for leakage at a minimum of 50-PSI system pressure; 14. The compressor clutch, blower motor and air control doors have been checked for proper operation;