Automotive Technology
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Program Description
The Automotive Technology program covers diagnosis, service, and repair of automobiles and light trucks.
The Basic Technical Certificate in Maintenance and Light Repair, offered in partnership with Ford Motor Company, offers a quick opportunity for students to enter the field of automotive service. Students will acquire the necessary skills to perform regular maintenance, minor or light repairs, and parts installation on automobiles and light trucks.
The Basic Technical Certificate in Automotive Technology 1 and the Intermediate Technical Certificate cover general principles and specific product information. Lab work emphasizes a hands-on orientation with extensive training on functional vehicles. In all cases, courses are oriented toward high levels of technical understanding to provide the skills needed for employment.
In addition to advanced technical theory in the classroom and lab, the Basic Technical Certificate in Automotive Technology 2 and the Advanced Technical Certificate include laboratory work in a practicum setting with local dealerships, independent garages, and specialty shops. In addition to the Advanced Technical Certificate, students may choose to continue their education by completing additional general-education requirements for the Associate of Applied Science degree.
The Automotive Technology program is fully accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and is a Master Automobile Service Technician program (MAST). The instructors are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Certified Technicians.
Prior to registering in AUTO 111 and AUTO 114, students must attend a program orientation. This will be an informative session to let prospective students know what is required in the Automotive Technology program. Students are offered entry into the program at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semester.
All students in this program must submit to a drug or alcohol test at the beginning of the program and at their own expense. See program web page or Department Chair for additional information regarding this policy.
A valid driver’s license will be required for the Automotive Technology program. A motor vehicle record check (for purposes of evaluating insurability) will be required for AUTO 276 Automotive Technology Capstone.
Note: Registrations for Automotive Technology courses are restricted to students within the major.
Degrees and Certificates
- Automotive Technology - Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
- Automotive Technology - Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
- Automotive Technology - Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
- Automotive Technology 1 - Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
- Automotive Technology 2 - Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
- Maintenance and Light Repair - Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
Automotive Technology (AUTO)
AUTO 111 Automotive Tech Fundamentals & Safety
(2 Credits, Fall/Spring)
An introduction to the automotive industry including safety practices, shop equipment and tools, vehicle subsystems, service publications, professional responsibilities and basic automotive maintenance. PREREQ: Program orientation, Automotive Technology major, completion of Units 1-2 (or placement into Unit 3 or higher) of MATH 095, and completion of or placement into ENGL 101+ (ENGL 100 & ENGL 101) or ENGL 101. COREQ: AUTO 114, AUTO 121, and AUTO 141.
AUTO 114 Auto Maintenance & Light Repair Fndmntls
(6 Credits, Fall/Spring)
This course is designed to develop introductory skilled technicians in the areas of Automotive Service/ Electrical/ Maintenance & Light Repair Fundamentals. Including shop & safety, tools and equipment, measuring, fasteners, under hood and under vehicle beginning maintenance; tires, suspension, brakes, power train, engine operation, and fundamental principles of automotive electrical systems. PREREQ: Program orientation, Automotive Technology major, completion of Units 1-2 (or placement into Unit 3 or higher) of MATH 095, and completion of or placement into ENGL 101+ (ENGL 100 & ENGL 101) or ENGL 101. COREQ: AUTO 111, AUTO 121, and AUTO 141.
AUTO 121 Electrical Systems
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, diagnosis, repair, replacement of electrical components, including battery, starting, charging, and lighting systems. Upon successful completion, the student should be able to properly use wiring diagrams and test equipment to diagnose, test, and repair wiring and lighting in accordance with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards. COREQ: AUTO 114 and AUTO 141.
AUTO 125 Automotive Electrical Systems 2
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Fundamentals of theory, diagnosis, and repair of simple and complex electrical accessories, power windows, power seats, gauges, entertainment systems, cruise controls, and other convenience systems. PREREQ: AUTO 121 and AUTO 141. COREQ: AUTO 131, AUTO 135, and AUTO 145.
AUTO 131 Brakes
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Fundamentals of theory, diagnosis, and repair of various automotive brake systems, power assist units, ABS systems, and stability control systems. PREREQ: AUTO 121 and AUTO 141. COREQ: AUTO 125, AUTO 135, and AUTO 145.
AUTO 135 Suspension and Steering
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Fundamentals of theory, diagnosis, and repair of chassis, suspension, wheel alignment, wheel and tire balance, and various types of steering gears. PREREQ: AUTO 121 and AUTO 141. COREQ: AUTO 125, AUTO 131, and AUTO 145.
AUTO 141 Engine Repair
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
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 successful completion, student should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures and service information in accordance with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards. COREQ: AUTO 111, AUTO 114, and AUTO 121.
AUTO 145 Manual Drivetrain and Axles
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Fundamentals of theory, diagnosis, and repair of manual transmissions, transaxles, drivelines, clutches, and differentials. PREREQ: AUTO 121 and AUTO 141. COREQ: AUTO 125, AUTO 131, and AUTO 135.
AUTO 250 Engine Management Systems 1
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Theory design, operation, and diagnosis of fuel, ignition, and emission control systems in automobiles and light trucks. PREREQ: AUTO 125 and AUTO 135. COREQ: AUTO 255, AUTO 260, and AUTO 265.
AUTO 255 Engine Management Systems 2
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Diagnosis of control systems in automobiles and light trucks. PREREQ: AUTO 125 and AUTO 135. COREQ: AUTO 250, AUTO 260, and AUTO 265.
AUTO 260 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Fundamentals of theory, diagnosis, and repair of automatic transmissions/transaxles. PREREQ: AUTO 125 and AUTO 135. COREQ: AUTO 250, AUTO 255, and AUTO 265.
AUTO 265 Heating & Air Conditioning
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring)
Fundamentals of theory, diagnosis, and repair of HVAC systems. PREREQ: AUTO 125 and AUTO 135. COREQ: AUTO 250, AUTO 255, and AUTO 260.
AUTO 276 Automotive Technology Capstone
(12 Credits, Fall/Spring)
This course is designed to provide supervised application of coursework. Capstone projects will be assigned by an instructor for each individual student and may take place within an industry or lab setting. This 16 week course is on-the-job style training. The course provides a real life experience as the student participates in the daily routine of an entry-level automotive technician. Students may perform tasks on many different levels and a wide variety of subjects such as, but not limited to the following areas: maintenance & light repair, brakes, steering & suspension, alignment, electrical, electronics, engine repair, transmission, transaxle, differentials, engine performance, heating and air conditioning. PREREQ: AUTO 250, AUTO 255, AUTO 260, and AUTO 265.