Automotive Technology II Programs

Students learn fundamentals of engine repair and operation by learning the various components that make up the internal combustion engine. Students are taught to perform the steps necessary to diagnose and service automobiles with engine mechanical-related concerns.

Students learn to diagnose and service driveline concerns on rear wheel drive vehicles related to driveshaft, U-joint, differential and axle assemblies. Also, students will be able to diagnose and service manual transmission clutch, flywheel and clutch control systems. This course includes an introduction to automatic transmissions in which students will be able to diagnose and service some of the basic automatic transmission concerns related to leaks, identify possible causes for shift concerns and perform regular fluid maintenance procedures.

Upon completion of this course, students will have learned to diagnose and service automotive undercar systems using principles and theory of physical science. Topics include Hooke’s law, transformation of kinetic to thermal energy, Pascal’s law of hydraulics, and brake fluid properties.

Upon completion of this course, students will have learned 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 learn about the electrical and electronic devices that support engine management systems. They also become able to diagnose malfunctions with the various engine control sensors.

Upon completion of this course, students will have learned 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 have learned to ethically communicate with consumers through HVAC work orders, diagnosis and billing for consumer satisfaction. Theory and application of principles include but are not limited to refrigerant/ refrigerant oil chemistry, compliant refrigeration environmental techniques, and thermal energy and heat transfer.

Upon completion of this course, students will have learned about the function, operation, and diagnosis of electrical and electronic devices that support vehicle body electrical systems. Students will diagnose and service automobiles with concerns related to malfunctions of supplemental restraints systems; entertainment systems; and popular electronic safety, comfort and convenience systems. They will receive an applied general education in physical sciences and technology. Students will study the science of electricity, electrical principles, magnetism, electromagnetism and electronic components such as electrochromatic mirrors, transistors and capacitors. They will explore electronic networking of vehicle body electrical systems. Students will gain experience in the use of technology and troubleshooting procedures. They will use the learned scientific principles to isolate problems, use vehicle electrical schematics, and perform component and circuit testing. Students will perform tasks related to the inspection and diagnosis of electrical and electronic systems using a variety of test equipment, including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes and diagnostic scan tools.

Students 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. Students 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 are stressed along with proper block preparation and cylinder head assembly. Cylinder head designs, valve train geometry, roller rockers and lifters, and connecting rod angularity also are explained during this course. Camshaft theory and operation with respect to lift, duration, lobe separation and valve opening/closing speeds are discussed. Block decking, compression ratio calculations and varying bore/stroke combinations are covered. Students 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 gain knowledge in the operation of dynamometer testing with emphasis on tuning and component selection for optimum performance. Both chassis and engine dynamometers are utilized to garner a better understanding for students in regards to engine vs. rear wheel horsepower. High performance induction, ignition and power train theories are explained with emphasis on using formulas to calculate correct header and carburetor size. Utilization of dynamometer data helps students understand what changes to an engine’s induction, exhaust and fueling system do in regard to the performance capability of the internal combustion engine.

This course focuses on Battery Electrical Vehicle (BEV) operation with emphasis on critical safety standards, measures and understanding of how-to diagnose, repair, test, and remove components on high-voltage vehicles. Students will learn about different types of electric vehicles, electric vehicle safety, electrical and electronic systems, network operations and diagnosis, high-voltage components and operations, highvoltage battery service and BEV subsystems.