AUTO G101: Introduction to Automotive Technology
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 11/05/2024 |
| Top Code | 094800 - Automotive Technology |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 45; Lab Hours 27) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Open Entry/Open Exit | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
Course Description
This course covers the operation and maintenance of the major systems of modern automobiles. There is an emphasis on the theory of the major operating systems, including engine, electrical, chassis, and driveline systems. Transfer Credit: CSU. C-ID: AUTO 110X. C-ID: AUTO 110X.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Course Outcomes
- Analyze automotive systems and related components for correct operation.
- Demonstrate basic automotive maintenance procedures.
- Demonstrate industry recognized vehicle lifting procedures.
- Perform vehicle multipoint safety inspections.
Course Objectives
- 1. Demonstrate shop safety regarding working procedures and hazardous materials and waste handling.
- 2. Identify correct procedures and specifications for maintenance and repair of vehicles using electronic service information publications.
- 3. Perform basic service and maintenance procedures using industry accepted procedures.
Lecture Content
Safety Instruction and SP-2 Mechanical Safety and Mechanical Pollution Prevention Test Introduction to automotive technology Safety in the Auto Lab Tools and equipment Hand tools Power tools Pneumatic Electric Shop equipment Fasteners and torque procedures Major automotive components Frame and platform designs Five engine systems Powertrain arrangements Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) Engine Engine components Engine block and related internal parts and components Cylinder heads and related components Operating fundamentals Science of moving air through the engine 4-stroke cycle Math associated with engine size, horsepower, and compression. Engine systems Air intake and fuel systems Science of fuels and internal combustion Air intake: Process and systems Mixing fuel with incoming air The science of air / fuel ratio and stoichiometric Oil and the lubrication system Science of mining and processing petroleum into lubricants Concepts of friction and need for lubrication Lubricant types and correct application to different vehicle systems Filtration systems Scheduled and preventative maintenance The cooling system and the science of heat exchange Water circulation and air flow Radiators and heater cores The chemistry of coolants The exhaust system Process of removing exhaust gases from the engine Parts of the exhaust system Electrical systems Fundamentals and science of electricity and electronics Electrical flow The math of Ohm s law The science of magnetic induction Vehicle batteries Chemical concepts Jump-starting and auxiliary charging processes The starting and charging systems Electricity and magnetic induction Electro-mechanical concepts Ignition system Magnetic induction Ignition timing and the power stroke Chassis and steering Suspension designs and operation Independent suspension McPherson strut Short / long arm suspension and geometry Alignment and steering Steering geometry Steering gears and linkages Brakes Hydraulic systems operation Tires and wheels Tires Classifications Science of traction and tire design Theory of tire balance Tire tread depth measurement Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) concepts Wheels: Factory vs. aftermarket wheels Powertrain Front- and rear-wheel drive Universal joints Constant velocity joints Four-wheel drive systems Automotive Transmissions Basic concepts, theory of power flow, and gear ratios Manual transmissions Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) Automatic transmissions Heating, ventilation and air conditioning Theory of refrigeration and the science of heat exchange Heating system and refrigeration system components Air conditioning system refrigerant types: R12 vs. R-134
Lab Content
Automobile basics Safety Shop safety Environmental pollution prevention and protection Complete a repair order Retrieve vehicle service information online Perform vehicle visibility inspection Fasteners and torque Identify fasteners Perform precision torque applications Replace wiper blades Perform an on-ground vehicle safety check Engine related systems Check engine oil level Perform manufacture scheduled and preventative maintenance Perform engine oil and filter change Check and adjust coolant level Identify and inspect accessory drive belts Replace various drive belt designs Replace and accessory v-belt Replace an alternator v-belt Replace a serpentine drive belt Perform an exhaust system visual inspection Perform a cooling system visual inspection Pressure test cooling system and components Electrical systems Headlight bulb replacement Tail lamp bulb replacement Chassis and Steering Raise and support a vehicle using jack stands Raise vehicle using vehicle hoist Inspect master cylinder fluid level Inspect clutch master cylinder fluid level Inspect power steering fluid level Inspect shock absorbers and struts Inspect suspension and steering linkages Tire service Perform tire inspection Adjust tire pressure Inspect tire tread wear Perform a vehicle tire rotation as preventative maintenance Use a tire changing machine to remove and replace a tire from a wheel Perform tire balancing Perform tire identification Repair a tire puncture Powertrain Inspect automatic transmission fluid level Inspect manual transmission fluid level Inspect differential fluid level Heating ventilation and air conditioning Perform an air conditioning performance check Inspect cabin air filter
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
- Lab (04)
- DE Live Online Lab (04S)
- DE Online Lab (04X)
Reading Assignments
Text reading assignments will be assigned regularly.
Writing Assignments
Create vehicle repair orders, perform math exercises for flat rate labor, parts, and materials totals. Prepare for written and practicum exams through on-line research, outside reading assignments, lab activities. Use online service and repair information to compare factory specifications with actual readings and measurements acquired during diagnostic activities. Use online and owner s manual sources to determine maintenance intervals, correct replacement fluids and levels.
Out-of-class Assignments
Students may be asked to complete various assignments in the library, on the Internet and on a vehicle.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Identify vehicle safety issues. Analyze, confirm, and diagnose mechanical and other issues based on symptoms indicated on repair orders. Relate diagnostic test results directly to component failures based on readings or measurements.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Create vehicle repair orders, perform math exercises for flat rate labor, parts, and materials totals. Prepare for written and practicum exams through on-line research, outside reading assignments, lab activities. Use online service and repair information to compare factory specifications with actual readings and measurements acquired during diagnostic activities. Use online and owner s manual sources to determine maintenance intervals, correct replacement fluids and levels.
Eligible Disciplines
Automotive technology: Any bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required James D. Halderman. Automotive Technology: Principals, Diagnosis, and Service, 7th ed. Pearson, 2024
Other Resources
1. GWC Auto Tech Uniform Shirt