Automotive Technology

Perry Technical Institute’s Automotive Technology program is designed to help students gain the necessary understanding of automotive principles through a variety of experiences including classroom learning, lab activities, working on customer vehicles, writing repair orders, and ordering parts.

The objective of the program is to provide students with a broad base of knowledge and the skills necessary for employment in the automotive industry. The eight recognized areas of automotive repair are addressed in the program: engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, and light vehicle diesel engines.

The Automotive Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the course reflects the national automotive training standards established by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Section 609 of the U.S. Clean Air Act of 1990 requires that all mobile service technicians opening the refrigeration circuit in automotive air conditioning systems be certified in refrigerant recovery and recycling procedures. The program prepares students to obtain Section 609 Certification through the Mobile Air Conditioning Society.

The goal for students who successfully complete the course is employment as entry-level technicians in the automotive industry. The Automotive Technology program is 12 months in length (four quarters). The student will earn 76.5 credit hours which are 1,344 clock hours. Tuition is payable on a quarterly basis. There are four quarters in an academic year.

This training program concludes with an externship off campus, or with the completion of a capstone project on campus. The student to instructor ratio for the Automotive Technology program is 18:1.

Program Outline

Quarter 1

Course NumberTitleClock HoursCredits
AU 110Intro to Automotive Technology
108

6.5

AU 111Automotive Engine Repair
120

7.0

AU 112Basic Automotive Electrical Systems
108

6.5

Totals:33620.0

Quarter 2

Course NumberTitleClock HoursCredits
AU 120Automotive Chassis Systems
200

12.0

AU 121Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems
136

8.0

Totals:33620.0

Quarter 3

Course NumberTitleClock HoursCredits
AU 131Automotive Climate Control Systems
95

5.5

AU 133Gasoline and Diesel Engine Management Systems
241

14.5

Totals:33620.0

Quarter 4

Course NumberTitleClock HoursCredits
AU 140Automotive Drivetrain Systems
215

12.5

AU 141 EExternship
121

4.0

Totals:33616.5

Total Clock Hours: 1344

Total Credit Hours: 76.5

Automotive Technology Book and Tool List

The book and tool list for students in the Automotive Technology program are intended to be a minimum requirement to complete the program. The book and tool list will be provided no later than the first day of class. For specifics on cost of books, training materials, uniforms, and tools, please refer to Tuition and Fees.

Automotive Technology Equipment List

Students in the Automotive Technology program utilize the following software and equipment:

ShopKey Pro online repair and estimating software

Identifix

Pro-cut on car brake lathe

Automotive fluid service equipment

Rotary vehicle hoists

Engine and transmission lifting equipment

Hunter undercar service equipment

Factory diagnostic tools

Snap-on diagnostic equipment

MotoLOGIC information system