| Term | Meaning |
ACCUMULATOR/
RECEIVER: | A storage tank and filter for the liquid refrigerant. Excess fluid is stored here and moisture is removed. |
| COMPRESSOR: | Pressurizes the refrigerant gas and pumps it to the condenser. |
| COMPRESSOR CLUTCH: | Engages and disengages the system. |
| 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. |
| DISCHARGE: | To vent all system refrigerant. |
| EVACUATE: | To remove all system moisture and refrigerant. |
| EVAPORATOR: | The component where the liquid refrigerant vaporizes, absorbs heat, and travels on to the compressor. The "cold" part. |
| LEAK TEST: | A check of all system components and connections for refrigerant leaks. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| REFRIGERANT OIL: | The system lubricant. |
| PERFORMANCE TEST: | A complete test of all operations of the climate control system. |
