Automotive & Diesel Technology Programs

Students will gain knowledge of basic engine rebuilding procedures when given an exacting set of specifications (blueprinting). Small block domestic performance engines are disassembled, measured and reassembled with emphasis on high performance engine building techniques and practices. Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engines and their respective heads and valve trains will also be stressed, with emphasis on valve timing techniques for optimum performance.

Students will learn basic cylinder head design and the operation of a flow bench in improving cylinder head flow characteristics. Computer aided component selection and blueprinting procedures will be stressed along with proper block preparation and cylinder head assembly. Cylinder head designs, valve train geometry, roller rockers and lifters, and connecting rod angularity will also be explained during this course. Camshaft theory and operation with respect to lift, duration, lobe separation and valve opening/closing speeds will be discussed. Block decking, compression ratio calculations and varying bore/ stroke combinations will be covered.

Students will become aware of all aspects of building an engine to order and how the proper selection of components that complement each other will lead to satisfactory results.

Students will learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair clutch problems and driveline problems. Procedures for tearing down, inspecting, diagnosing and reassembling standard transmissions will also be covered. In addition, students will learn to tear down, inspect and reassemble drive-axle assemblies; diagnose and service four-wheel drive assemblies; and remove, disassemble, inspect, repair and reassemble manual transaxle assemblies.

Students will learn to diagnose and troubleshoot automatic transmission hydraulic systems, torque converters and internal transmission components, and how to perform the necessary adjustments. They will also learn how to disassemble, inspect, repair and reassemble an automatic transmission for testing on a transmission dynamometer.

Students will gain knowledge in the operation of dynamometer testing with emphasis on tuning and component selection for optimum performance. Dynamometer(s) are used to help students gain a better understanding of engine vs. rear wheel horsepower.

High performance induction, ignition and powertrain theories will be explained, with emphasis on using formulas to calculate correct header and carburetor size. Utilization of dynamometer data will help students understand what changes to an engine’s induction, exhaust and fueling systems do to the performance of the internal combustion engine.

Students will gain a working understanding of doing performance enhancements while keeping vehicle emissions legal. Five-gas testing for verification of emissions compliance will be covered along with monitoring air/fuel ratios under load utilizing a chassis dynamometer. Dynamometer-tested performance enhancements to the vehicles will include nitrous oxide, turbocharging, supercharging, fuel, ignition and exhaust upgrades.

Students will learn the processes and formulas involved in calculating proper fuel injector size based on application and horsepower. They will also learn proper ignition selection and gain an introductory knowledge of engine computer (PCM) programming. Emissions laws will be explained along with customer rights regarding modified vehicles under warranty. Turbocharger and supercharger selection and design comparisons will also be stressed along with nitrous oxide injection. All aspects of this training are based on maximum performance and emissions compliance on traditional V-8 equipped vehicles along with sport compact and factory turbocharged vehicles.

Students will learn the theory, operation, and testing of ignition, fuel, induction and exhaust systems as well as fuel characteristics and fuel testing. Students will learn about the effect that mechanical conditions can have on engine performance. Students will also learn to use the tools necessary for testing and diagnosing vehicle systems.

Students will learn to diagnose and troubleshoot emission components including sensors, fuel and ignition systems, air injection, and evaporative emissions systems. Procedures for using handheld scanners and retrieving vehicle trouble codes will be stressed. Students will also learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair drivability concerns on vehicles by understanding scan tool data that include OBD II diagnostic modes and diagnose systems and test vehicle components. Diagnosis and repair of vehicles using electronic test equipment will be performed.

Students will learn diagnostic techniques for today’s vehicles, using computers and computer aided systems. Vehicles and data retrieval systems will be used in lab exercises. Students will learn to perform various tasks using acquired computer skills for diagnostics and data retrieval. They will also learn to perform tasks using vehicle repair manuals (print and electronic) as well as conduct vehicle diagnostics using exhaust gas diagnostic equipment, dual trace oscilloscopes and commercial scan tools to diagnose drivability problems. Also covered will be procedures for diagnosing on-board diagnostic (OBD) problems using real world scenarios.

Upon completion of this course, students will learn the physical science and technology principles of automotive internal combustion engines through service and diagnosis of engine systems and sub systems. Topics rooted in natural and physical sciences include but are not limited to: Torque, horse power, friction, viscosity, operations and properties of engine components, cylinder displacement, compression ratio, and thermal efficiency. Students will gain experience in the use of technology and application of procedures to troubleshoot problems using specialized diagnostic tools. They will use measurement techniques, math and geometry to measure and refurbish engine blocks, inspect crankshafts and cylinder heads, inspect and repair valve trains, use repair and labor rate manuals, and understand cooling system theory.

Students will learn to diagnose and repair hydraulic assemblies, troubleshoot and repair drum brake assemblies, and troubleshoot and repair disc brakes. They will also learn techniques for diagnosing, inspecting and replacing power-brake assemblies; and inspecting ABS components.

Upon completion of this course, students will learn the technology principles of automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) through diagnosis and service of HVAC systems and sub systems, refrigerant systems, and electronic climate control systems. Students will learn safety procedures for working with refrigeration systems that include safe handling of refrigerants and refrigerant oil, identifying refrigeration components and following current EPA regulations. They will also learn to use leak detectors to inspect refrigeration systems and how to safely evacuate a system. Also covered will be procedures for retrofitting a vehicle with different refrigerant, diagnosing and troubleshooting a system using pressure readings and temperatures, diagnosing and repairing heater and vacuum systems, and diagnosing and repairing electrical and auto temperature control systems. Service and repair of A/C components in compliance with EPA Section 609 regulations will be emphasized throughout the course.

Upon completion of this course, students learn to diagnose and service electrical circuits, batteries, and starting/charging systems through physical science education using quantitative principles in electricity. Topics, rooted in natural and physical sciences include but are not limited to: Ohm’s law, Watt’s law, operations and properties of electrical circuits and components, magnetism/electromagnetism, and battery chemistry.

Students will receive an applied general education in physical sciences and technology. They will study the science of electronics, electronic principles and the related applications in automotive technology. Topics covered include principles of charging systems, electronic ignition and circuits that use sensors, actuators and microprocessors. Students will learn to troubleshoot problems in comfort-and-convenience systems and analyze information gained using digital multimeters, handheld scanners and oscilloscopes. Also covered will be the repair of charging and accessory systems and the diagnosis and repair of electronic ignition and engine management systems.

Students will learn preventive maintenance requirements and maintenance procedures that include replacement and disposal of vehicle fluids. They will perform tire and wheel inspections for safe operation, tire balancing and wheel alignment. Also covered will be procedures for diagnosing and inspecting vehicle suspension components and testing power steering systems for proper service.

Students learn theory, diagnosis and repair information necessary to safely and effectively service hybrid vehicles. They will also learn the principles of specific system circuit diagnosis using wiring and schematic diagrams for electrical/ electronic supply circuits and electronic control circuits, collision avoidance, and engine and transmission control system diagnostics. Students learn to diagnose, inspect, and repair various components within these systems.

Students will learn to safely service, repair and diagnose foundation brake systems commonly used on medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks. This course includes training on hydraulic and air-brake systems used in commercial vehicles. Students will also learn to service, repair and diagnose anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and automatic traction control (ATC) systems. Students will perform brake service, repairs and electronic diagnosis in a lab setting, including practical training on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) procedures for replacing wheel end components. Lab training will be performed on simulation trainers and complete trucks in a shop environment.

Students will learn the principles of operation of four-stroke engines, including diesel combustion fundamentals. This course will cover the unique characteristics of the diesel engine air intake, cooling, lubrication and exhaust systems. Proper diesel engine and component identification will be emphasized during the course by using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service and repair information. Students will learn to safely perform entry-level technician tasks on diesel engines, including replacement simulations of major components according to OEM guidelines. Students will also practice valve train and fuel injector adjustments on complete engine assemblies. The theory of the diesel engine compression brake (Jake brake), including periodic adjustments, will also be covered.

Students will learn to safely service, repair and troubleshoot drive train systems found on commercial vehicles using OEM guidelines. Single- and double-disc clutch adjustment, service and replacement procedures will be performed on clutch simulation trainers. Driveshaft service and repair will be covered, including universal joint replacement. Properly measuring and adjusting driveshaft working angles will be emphasized. Service, repair and overhaul procedures will be performed on actual single and twin countershaft transmissions. Proper drive axle service and repair will be covered, including component replacement procedures performed on differential carriers used in single axle and tandem axle trucks from various truck manufacturers.

The analysis of worn or failed components to identify the root cause of failures will be emphasized.

This course covers electronically controlled diesel engine accessories and exhaust emission devices from Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit, International, Mack, and Mercedes-Benz. Students will learn about diesel powertrain electronics and diagnosis by working on diesel engines using computer-based diagnostic equipment and software. Students will also gain a basic understanding of how the engine microprocessor interfaces with other electronic control units (ECUs) in the diesel powertrain. Electronic troubleshooting and programming procedures for diesel fuel systems, exhaust emission devices and diesel engine accessories, such as the popular Jake brake, will be covered. They will also learn to diagnose problems with intake and exhaust systems, including electronically controlled turbochargers. Students will learn about the operation and maintenance of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems as well as Caterpillar Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology (ACERT™) systems and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) from various engine manufacturers.

Students will learn how to perform original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recommended maintenance as well as Department of Transportation (DOT) annual safety inspections. Students will also learn how to identify worn or faulty components and perform repairs on medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks. They will learn to diagnose and repair engine systems, drive train systems, brake systems, steering and suspension systems, tires and wheels, and electrical systems. Instruction on basic truck wheel alignment procedures will also be covered.

Students will learn how to service, repair and diagnose hydraulic system components, including pumps, valves and actuators commonly used on commercial vehicles and equipment. They will also receive training on electronically controlled hydraulic systems commonly found on trucks, forklifts and construction equipment. Students will perform hydraulic service, repair and diagnosis using the proper OEM procedures in a lab setting. Lab training will be performed on basic components, trainers, trucks and equipment in a shop environment.

Students will learn to service and repair major components on a transport refrigeration unit. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 regulations will be stressed. Students will also learn to use manifold gauge sets for diagnosis of refrigeration equipment problems. They will perform diagnosis and repair procedures as part of routine maintenance on Carrier® and Thermo King® transportation refrigeration systems.