Automotive Technology Course Descriptions

Prerequisite: AUTO 171

AUTO 106 (2 credits)
Automotive Service Fundamentals
This course presents an overview of the automotive industry, including an introduction to the automobile and its systems. Jobs in the automotive service field are covered as are shop work and service information and how to find it. Electronic information systems Mitchell 1 and ALLDATA are utilized. Safety in the auto shop, including the proper use of basic hand and common power tools, is demonstrated. Environmental protection is taught, including recycling and the proper use and approved disposal methods of common automotive shop chemicals are discussed. Demonstrations and hands-on training in common automotive shop practices, such as tube flaring and thread construction and repair. Fasteners, including torque to yield are thoroughly covered. Measurement systems, USC and metric, are discussed, including hands-on training using all common automotive precision measurement tools like micrometers, dial indicators, and torque wrenches. The theory and servicing of automotive rolling bearings are covered; wheel bearings are emphasized.

AUTO 111 (4 credits)
Internal Combustion Engine Service
This course covers the basic theory, design, and operating fundamentals of spark ignition piston engines. Extensive mechanical testing and diagnostic procedures are demonstrated, including compression and vacuum testing utilizing wave form analysis with lab scopes. Power balance, including both intrusive and non-intrusive are demonstrated. Running and snap-throttle compression testing are featured. Methods to check valve timing on pushrod and overhead cam engines are demonstrated. Engine lubrication systems and automotive lubricants are studied; diagnostic and test procedures are performed. Engine cooling systems, theory, and standard service procedures are also included. Machining of engine components and restoring of all tolerances are covered. Cylinder head servicing is performed, and the three-angle cut method is used. Complete disassembly, all precession measurements, component servicing, resealing and reassembly on actual engines takes place.
Prerequisite: AUTO 106

AUTO 116 (3 credits)
Chassis Service/Steering and Suspension
The basic theory and operating principles of automotive suspension and steering systems are studied; service, repair and diagnostic procedures are featured. Tire and wheel service and computer balancing are performed by students. The Hunter Road Force wheel balancer and vibration solver, Model 9700 is featured. Even the widest tires mounted on the newest custom wheels will be no problem when learning to use the Hunter Model TS3500 tire changer. The safe and proper method of airbag module handling is taught. Wheel alignment principles are covered, including both the simple basic maintenance wheel alignment and the more complicated diagnostic wheel alignment. Complex alignment factors such as tire scrub radius, included angle and steering axis inclination, is covered in depth. Hands-on tire and wheel servicing, pre-alignment inspections, and wheel alignment measurements are taken on live vehicles.

AUTO 156 (3 credits)
Automotive Brake Systems
Modern automotive brake systems and their operating principles are studied and standard repair and service procedures are performed. Drum, disc/drum, and four-wheel disc systems are featured. Power-assist systems and parking brake systems are included. An introduction to the theory and servicing of antilock brake systems, including first generation Bosch type and the newest non-integral systems, are covered. Trouble code retrieval and onboard diagnostics using scan tools is featured.

AUTO 161 (4 credits)
Automotive Electrical/Electronic Principles
The theory of electricity—including Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Law, series and parallel circuits, AC and DC current flow—is studied. Basic test meter procedures are featured, and solid state devices, integrated circuits, and on-board microcomputers are explained. Automotive wiring and common automotive accessory systems are studied, and servicing and repair procedures are performed. Automotive batteries, their construction, theory of operation, and standard service procedures are also included. Hands-on extensive electrical system service is performed using digital volt ohm meters and automotive lab scopes. The PDI DVOM, the Fluke 98 Series II, Vetronix Master Tech, and the cutting-edge Vetronix MTS 5100/5200 lab/ignition scopes are all featured. Low resolution amp clamps from Fluke and Vetronix allows students to experience the latest diagnostics using the latest amp-ramping diagnostic procedures. New material has been incorporated into the electrical and fuel and emissions courses after the instructors attended drive ability training/seminars hosted by such nationally recognized “gurus” as Jim Linder, Linder Technical Services, Indianapolis; Bill Fulton, Ohio; Jerry Truglia, New York; Dan Marrinucci, Motor Magazine; and Mac Vanden Brink, Michigan.

AUTO 166 (4 credits)
Engine Electrical/Electronic Principles
Cranking circuits and starter motors, charging systems, alternators and voltage regulators, and ignition systems (DIS & EI, including C.O.P./coil on plug) are studied. Simulators are featured to help students better understand system operation. Construction, theory of operation, standard service procedures, and system malfunction diagnosis are covered using the latest test equipment; the new Vetronix MTS 5100/5200 lab scope/engine analyzers, and the Fluke 98 series II is featured. Hands-on comprehensive testing procedures are performed on live vehicles. One of the major goals of this course is for students to gain skills in problem solving through the use of on-car testing and diagnostic procedures. This course culminates with each student performing comprehensive tests on the engine mechanical condition, battery, cranking system, charging system, and the complete ignition system. This is followed by a report analyzing good/bad results.
Prerequisite: AT 111

AUTO 171 (4 credits)
Fuel and Emission Systems
The principles of fuel systems are studied. Fuel delivery systems and fuel pump testing are covered. The history of emissions control systems, from their inception up to the present, is included. Control system theory and operating principles are studied. Service and testing procedures are demonstrated, and on-car tests are performed on all the major emissions systems. The latest evaporative leak tester smoke machines that use nitrogen is used for training. Standard and feedback carburetor operating principles are still briefly covered. Introduction to alternative fuels, electric, and hybrid vehicles are presented. Highlights of the latest Pennsylvania Emissions Testing procedures is featured, and the groundwork of 5-gas diagnostic testing is laid.

AUTO 206 (3 credits)
Advanced Engine Diagnosis
Covers the use of the Vetronix MTS 5100/5200 Engine Analyzer, Vacutec Leak Detector, and the Mustang Chassis Dynomometer. Theory-related instruction is given on 5-gas analysis and interpreting the results of the analyzer tests with special emphasis on how they relate to advanced diagnosis of ignition, carburetion, fuel injection, charging, cranking, and engine and emission control systems. Demonstrations on hookup and operation are followed by student practice on shop vehicles, and when possible, by repair of client vehicles. Prerequisite: AUTO 166

AUTO 211 (3 credits)
Advanced Chassis Service
The Hunter P611 four-wheel aligner featuring the DSP400 Series Sensors (cameras) and the DSP300 Series Sensors are used in this course. Theory-related instruction is given on alignment with special emphasis on 4-wheel alignment. Disc and drum brake machining along with applying non-directional finishes on the AMMCO brake lathe are covered. On-the-car rotor truing is covered featuring the Pro-Cut PFM-900 Smart Lathe. Demonstrations on hook-up and operation are followed by student practice on shop vehicles, and when possible, by repair of client vehicles.
Prerequisites: AUTO 116 and AUTO 156

AUTO 216 (3 credits)
Independent Diagnosis and Repair
Opportunity to diagnose and make repairs on client vehicles in a simulated dealership atmosphere. Experience acting as shop forepersons, using and writing repair orders, ordering parts, and keeping track of hours on the job and using materials. All repairs relate to the courses taken.

AUTO 223 (3 credits)
Pennsylvania Safety Inspection/Enhanced Emissions Inspection Certification
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Vehicle Equipment and Inspection Regulation /Enhanced Emissions Inspector manuals are covered, as per state requirements. A demonstration of the proper procedure for performing a safety inspection on a vehicle is given. Students practice on shop vehicles. Each student is given the opportunity to take the Pennsylvania Safety Inspection written and performance tests along with the Enhanced Emissions written test and computer-based training/tactile test. The Commonwealth, upon satisfactory completion of these tests, will grant a license for each.

AUTO 256 (2 credits)
Heating and Air Conditioning
Covers the theory of refrigeration and the operating principles of manual and automatic temperature control systems, with special emphasis on diagnosis, service, and repair. Refrigerant recovery, recycling, identification, and recharging techniques on R-12 and R-134a systems are covered in accordance with federal law. The Sun Air-Kare charging station, Everco EREC Recovery/Recycle station, and the Robinair Enivro Charge Combination are featured. Demonstrations given on hook-up, operation, and servicing, followed by student practice on shop vehicles, training aids (clutch and seal replacement) and repair of client vehicles.

AUTO 261 (3 credits)
Drive Train and Manual Transaxle Service
Basic operating principles of manual transaxles, differentials, clutches, and universal joints. C-V joints, drive axles, and drive shafts, along with diagnosis and basic service techniques. Demonstrations given on differential set-up, replacing universal and C-V joints, also clutch replacement and adjustment. Students practice disassembly, precision measurements, adjustments and assembly techniques on training aids and work on client vehicles when possible.

AUTO 266 (3 credits)
Advanced Engine Computer Control Analysis
Sensor-related theory, testing procedures, and waveform analysis are studied. OBD-II theory and the related testing procedures are covered. How to use shop manuals to follow manufacturers’ procedures for troubleshooting engine drivability problems on computer-controlled cars, along with lab scopes (Fluke 98 Series II), break out boxes, and the Master Tech 3100 hand-held scanner are used to recover trouble codes from the computer’s memory and reading sensor stream data. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and the interpretation of the results. Students practice on shop vehicles and repair client vehicles when possible.

AUTO 271 (4 credits)
Automatic Transaxle Service
Basic principles of automatic transmissions, including lock-up torque converters, diagnosis, and basic service techniques. Chrysler 40TE electronic transaxle theory is covered. Demonstrations given on pressure checks and shift points, using gauges and a chassis dynamometer. Students practice disassembly, precision measurements, testing, adjustments, and assembly techniques on training aids. Where possible, repair on client vehicles is included.

AUTO 276 (3 credits)
Fuel Injection Systems
The basic operating principles of the Bosch mechanical fuel injection system along with Chrysler and G.M. throttle body and port systems are covered in this course. Special emphasis is placed on diagnosis and service techniques. The EMI-TECH fuel system analyzer is featured. Cleaning a fuel injection system on the vehicle is covered featuring the Bilstein EFI-800 fuel system service center. Students practice on shop vehicles and work on client vehicles when possible. Prerequisite: AUTO 171