Automotive & EV Technology 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.

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.

Students troubleshoot and repair rear axle noise and vibration complaints, properly diagnose limited slip and locking differential concerns, and properly select and use specialty tools associated with driveline repairs. Students also troubleshoot and repair 4WD and AWD systems and components and diagnose and repair longitudinal and transverse manual transmissions/transaxle complaints associated with clutch, shifter mechanisms, synchronizers, final drive and half shaft assemblies.

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 regarding 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 regarding the performance capability of the internal combustion engine.

Students diagnose and service wheel bearings, brake power assist systems, brake hydraulic systems, brake electrical systems, anti-lock, traction control, and stability control systems.

Students perform alignments, diagnose and service independent suspension systems, steering columns, power assist steering systems and performance suspension systems.

Students diagnose and service electronic automatic transmission and transaxle concerns related to electronic control systems faults and perform external hydraulic system diagnosis using proper equipment. Students also perform torque converter and clutch slip diagnosis to accurately distinguish between engine performance and transmission-related faults. In addition, students will also properly disassemble and perform in depth inspection and testing to identify root cause of internal failures on electronic automatic transmissions and transaxles.

Students diagnose and service automobiles with driveability concerns related to malfunctions within computer controls, engine mechanical, and fuel delivery injection and air induction systems.

Students diagnose and service automobiles with driveability concerns related to malfunctions within computer-controlled fuel injection, forced induction, variable camshaft timing and lift, ignition, and emission control systems.

Students learn how vehicle modifications and performance-oriented equipment can change the engine computer’s ability to function at its peak. Students use aftermarket software to change the calibration of the vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) to better manage performance enhancements and modifications.

Students learn theory, diagnosis, and repair information necessary to safely and effectively service hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels systems and technology. Students learn the principles of service advising and how they fit into service operations. They learn written and verbal communication standards typical of a professional dealership environment in providing customer service, questioning techniques, efficient diagnosis of customer concerns, report completion, organization, and co-worker/management interaction skills.

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, high-voltage battery service and BEV subsystems.