STCC Course Descriptions for Automotive Technology

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

AUTO-109 - INTRODUCTION TO AUTO SERVICE  2 credits
Focuses on the safe use of shop tools and equipment in the service department and environmental concerns associated with proper disposal of hazardous waste. Routine preventative maintenance procedures such as fluid/filter changes, belt replacement, tire dismount/mount, thread repair, wheel balancing, brake bleeding/adjusting and safety inspections will be demonstrated and practiced. Safety will be emphasized using oxygen/acetylene torches, grinding/wire wheels, hydraulic floor jacks, vehicle hoists, drills and related power tools. Instruction will be given in reading micrometers/electrical schematics, fastener selection and soldering wire connections. Two lecture hours. PREREQUISITE: None
AUTO-112 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS  3 credits
This course combines lecture and laboratory hands-on activities focusing on the fundamentals of automotive electrical systems. Emphasis will be placed on direct current electricity, series and parallel circuits, power distribution, electrical measuring devices, and schematics reading. The course covers the operation, testing, and repair of starting and charging systems as well as a concise diagnostic approach to repairing automotive wiring concerns. Two lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-081 or placement in higher level mathematics.
AUTO-114 - CLIMATE CONTROL  3 credits
Emphasis is placed on the theory, operation, maintenance, and repair of manual, automatic, and electronic automatic temperature control systems, dual zone climate and auxiliary systems. Diagnostic assignments using refrigerant recovery and recharging equipment on laboratory vehicles provide practical experience while reinforcing safety and environmental considerations. Electronic engine controls that are integrated in the climate control system are also covered and diagnosed. Two lecture and 2 lab hours. COREQUISITE: AUTO-112
AUTO-115 - BRAKE SYSTEMS  3 credits
This course covers the design, construction, and operation of various disc and drum brake systems for both cars and light trucks. Also covered in the lecture is the theory, operation and diagnosis of various brake system components such as calipers, wheel cylinders, metering valves, proportioning valves, master cylinders, vacuum and hydraulic brake boosters. Machining and measuring drums and rotors is practiced using modern equipment such as on-car brake lathes. System diagnosis, service, bleeding and adjustment techniques are included and practiced in the lab while the students perform actual brake jobs. Operational and diagnostic procedures of four-wheel antilock brake systems, traction control systems, Advanced Trac and stability assist systems will be provided. Two lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITE: None COREQUISITE:AUTO-112
AUTO-200 - STEERING AND SUSPENSIONS  3 credits
This is a comprehensive classroom and laboratory study of the design, construction and operation of front and rear wheel drive suspension systems, steering systems, wheel alignment angles, and wheel balancing. Laboratory exercises will stress noise, vibration, harshness and steering drivability concerns related to these systems. State of the art HUNTER alignment and tire equipment, and an Electronic Vibration Analyzer are used throughout the semester in the lab. Electronic steering and electronic suspension operation and diagnosis using laboratory vehicles will be included. Two lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITE: AUTO-111, AUTO-112 COREQUISITE: AUTO-200L
AUTO-210 - GASOLINE ENGINE SERVICE  3 credits
This is a classroom and laboratory study of the principles of the four-stroke internal combustion engine involving construction, operation, identification of engine systems, trouble shooting, noise analysis, and overhaul techniques. The hands-on portion of the course will encompass engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measuring tolerances, servicing, and reassembly. Diagnosis of base engine drivability concerns using vacuum, compression, and leak down gauges is practiced during lab. Scan tools are also used to help isolate base engine concerns. Two lecture and two lab hours. PREREQUISITE: AUTO-109, AUTO-112
AUTO-212 - AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS  3 credits
In AUTO 212, the students build on the principles and concepts that were learned and developed in AUTO 112. They apply these principles to systems that use automotive microprocessors for control. The systems that are covered include electronic engine control, electronically controlled wiper and washer systems, illuminated entry, supplemental air bag, keyless entry, anti-theft systems, radio and entertainment systems, and electronic instrumentation message centers. The students will learn that by studying these systems and their operation, along with the use of a scan tool, the diagnosis can be greatly simplified. Two lecture and three lab hours. PREREQUISITE: AUTO-112 COREQUISITE: AUTO-210
AUTO-214 - ADVANCED CONTROL SYSTEMS  3 credits
This course focuses on the most up-to-date electronic computer-controlled systems used to monitor engine operating efficiency and emission compliance control devices. This is a course that the student will concentrate on drivability concerns that may or may not put on a CHECK ENGINE light or generate a diagnostic trouble code. These are some of the most challenging concerns to diagnose. Emphasis is placed on PCM strategy, and on the servicing and diagnosis of such systems as electronic distributorless ignition, coil on plug ignition, sequential fuel injection, air control, EGR systems, oxygen sensors, fuel trim tables and multiplexing as they relate to engine performance and drivability. Two lecture hours. COREQUSITE: AUTO 210 and AUTO 212
AUTO-325 - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TRANSAXLE  3 credits
The operation, diagnosis and repair of the modern front and rear wheel drive automatic transmissions and transaxles will be studied in a classroom laboratory format. Students learn the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical operation of the systems within the automatic transmission and how they relate to each other. Power flow through components is traced to determine how an automatic transmission shifts gears. The electronic controls and the PCM’s strategy as it relates to transmission operation and diagnosis is also examined using the scan tool to perform self tests and monitor electronic circuit operation in all gear ranges. Finally, students perform removal, disassembly, overhaul and reassembly of fully operational transmissions from laboratory vehicles while verifying the vehicles and transmissions proper operation on our state of the art Eddy Current Dynamometer. Two lecture and 3 lab hours. PREREQUISITE: AUTO-212
AUTO-345 - MANUAL TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE  3 credits
AUTO 345 combines lecture and laboratory hands-on activities focusing on the operation, diagnosis and repair of manual transmissions, manual transaxles and clutch assemblies. Students will learn to identify all major transmission parts, explain fundamental operation, trace power flow through gears, remove, disassemble and inspect, repair, reassemble and install manual transmissions and transaxles in laboratory vehicles. Clutch assemblies will also be studied including: operation, construction, design differences, trouble-shooting and complete installations of replacement assemblies. The course presents the students with a systematic, diagnostic and logical problem-solving approach to complex systems. AUTO 345 will also help students prepare for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Manual Drivetrain Certification Exam. Two lecture and 3 lab hours. PREREQUISITE: AUTO-212
AUTO-465 - DIESEL ENGINE TECHNOLOGY  3 credits
This course provides classroom and laboratory study of the fundamentals of operation and the latest developments in the diesel engine field, including engine control computers, fuel management and emission control systems. Course objectives will provide the student with diesel engine powertrain control system operation, diagnostic and repair procedures. Laboratory exercises will include evaluating worn or failed components and determining the cause/effect relationship on engine performance. Theory, operation and diagnosis includes fuel systems, injectors, low and high pressure oiling systems, glow plug, turbo chargers, boost control, intercoolers and powertrain control module strategies. Proper hazardous chemical and waste handling procedures are encouraged and reinforced throughout this course. Two lecture and 3 lab hours. PREREQUISITE: AUTO-210 and AUTO-212
AUTO-485 - DRIVELINE AND 4X4 OPERATIONS  3 credits
The main objectives of the AUTO-485 are the study of the operation and repair of four wheel drive (4WD or 4x4) transfere cases, all wheel drive (AWD) transfere cases and front and rear differentials. AUTO-485 Driveline and 4x4 Operations will also study driveshafts, halfshafts, automatic and manual wheel hubs and the electronic controls associated with all of the above components. Understanding component operations will be the focus in the classroom and laboratory hands-on activities that will provide diagnosis and repair procedures to be performed on lab vehicles. Scan tools will be used to perform self tests and monitor sensor and actuator performance tests on various systems. AUTO-485 will reinforce a systematic and logical, problem-solving approach, using electronic service publications to repair complex systems. Two lecture and 3 lab hours. PREREQUISITE: AUTO-212
AUTO-490 - AUTO DAMAGE APPRAISAL  4 credits    Course Offered Thru SCE Only
This course will cover nomenclature of auto body parts, collision technology, estimating, and painting analysis and techniques. It will include frame damage analysis and straightening procedures. Insurance company policies as they relate to auto damage costs will also be discussed. Four lecture hours.