Basic Automotive Air Conditioning Components

There are many different types of automotive air conditioning systems. You may have heard A/C gurus talk about CCOT systems, TXV's, VIR's, POA's etc.. Don't worry. It's not as complicated as it sounds. Unless you plan on servicing relics that are twenty-five or thirty years old, you won't have to remember all the three letter accronyms.

O.K. This is what you really need to know. For the most part, there are two common types of automotive air conditioning systems in use today.

CCOT - or - Cycling Clutch Orifice Tube

The CCOT system uses an Accumulator and Orifice Tube.

TXV - or - Thermal Expansion Valve

The TXV system uses a Receiver Drier and Expansion Valve.

At first glance, the differences are negligable and sometimes even overlooked. It's important to know what system you will be working with and the distinctions between the two. Listed on the left, you'll learn about the components which make up the typical automotive air conditioning system. Hopefully, by the time you reach the end of Basic Pressure Regulators you will know how to identify the type of system, and what makes each one different.