AU - Automotive Technology

This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials and environmental regulations, use of hand tools, service information resources, basic concepts, systems, and terms of automotive technology. Topics include familiarization with vehicle systems along with identification and proper use of various automotive hand and power tools. Upon completion, students will be able to describe safety and environmental procedures, terms associated with automobiles, and know how to use basic tools and shop equipment.

This course covers the theory, construction, inspection, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion engines and related systems. Topics include fundamental operating principles of engines and diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students will be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, diagnosis, repair, and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm’s Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students will be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

This course covers principles of operation and diagnosis/repair of manually and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Also included are the diagnosis and repair of hydraulic brake, drum brake, disc brake, and anti-lock brake systems. Upon completion, students will be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires and balance wheels, and demonstrate skills in hydraulic brake, drum brake, disc brake, and anti-lock brake systems.

This course covers electronic theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, diagnosis, repair and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students will be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic components.

This course covers the theory of refrigeration and heating, including manual and electronic climate control systems. Students will understand the importance of recovery and recycling refrigerant as well as adhering to safety and environmental regulations. Upon completion, students will be able to diagnose and safely service climate control systems using appropriate tools, equipment, and service information.

This course covers introduction, theory of operation, service and repair, as well as diagnostic procedures on today’s modern engines. Topics include computerized ignition systems, gasoline fuel injection systems, emission control systems, and on-board diagnostics. This training course also covers diesel fuels, modern diesel fuel injection systems, exhaust filtering and after-treatment systems. Related electrical and electronic systems such as module communication, Mode 6, and advanced diagnostic procedures will be taught. Students will also learn to work with laptop-driven scan tools and lab scopes. Upon completion of this course students will be able to service, diagnose and repair components related to gasoline and diesel engine management systems.

This course covers operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automatic transmissions/transaxles. Topics include hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical/electronic operation of automatic drive trains and the use of appropriate service tools and equipment. This course will also cover manual transmissions/transaxles, clutches, drive shafts, axles, and final drives. Topics include theory of torque, power flow, and manual drive train servicing and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students will be able to explain operational theory and diagnose and repair automatic and manual drive trains.

Students will learn advanced career planning practices and demonstrate skills and competencies in externship assignments. Students must have a “C+” or better in current coursework, and must complete and submit a regular lab work experience employer evaluation. The instructor may terminate industry work experiences at any time if students do not adhere to these requirements. If the student does not obtain an externship, completion of a capstone project is required.