What is the first step in servicing a mobile AC system?

The correct first step in servicing a mobile AC system involves recovering the refrigerant. This is a critical procedure that ensures safety and compliance with environmental regulations. When servicing an AC system, it is essential to remove the refrigerant before any repairs or replacements are made. This step is important for two main reasons: it prevents the release of refrigerant into the atmosphere, which can be harmful and is regulated under the Clean Air Act, and it allows for the proper inspection and maintenance of the system without the risk of exposure to pressurized refrigerant.

Recovering the refrigerant also prepares the system for any necessary repairs, such as checking for leaks or replacing components. By starting with this step, technicians can ensure they are working within safe environmental guidelines, and it ultimately helps in diagnosing any existing issues in the system without the complications that refrigerant presence might cause.

Other steps, such as replacing the refrigerant or checking electrical components, can only be performed once the refrigerant has been safely recovered. Handling electrical components or performing component replacements without first removing the refrigerant could lead to accidents, exposure, or complications later in the servicing process.