California Code of Regulations
Title 16 - Professional and Vocational Regulations
Division 33 - Bureau of Automotive Repair
Chapter 1 - Automotive Repair Dealers and Official Stations and Adjusters
Article 8 - Accepted Trade Standards
Section 3366 - Automotive Air Conditioning

Universal Citation: 16 CA Code of Regs 3366

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 52, December 27, 2024

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any 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 in any form of advertising or on a 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;

(15) High and low side system operating pressures, as applicable, have been measured and recorded on the final invoice; and,

(16) The center air distribution outlet temperature has been measured and recorded on the final invoice.

(b) Whenever the automotive air conditioning work being advertised or performed does not involve opening the refrigerant portion of the air conditioning system, refrigerant evacuation, or full or partial refrigerant recharge, the procedures specified in subsection (a) need be performed only to the extent required by accepted trade standards.

1. New section filed 12-20-2000; operative 1-19-2001 (Register 2000, No. 51).
2. Amendment filed 6-12-2003; operative 7-12-2003 (Register 2003, No. 24).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 9882 and 9884.19, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Sections 9884.7(a)(7), 9884.8 and 9884.9, Business and Professions Code.

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