AUT 632 - Automotive Electrical I

This introductory course covers basic electronic theory and utilization of electrical measuring instruments. Emphasis will be placed on the application of Ohm’s Law and the proper utilization of electronic test equipment including instrument selection, interpretation of results, and maintenance of equipment. Students will receive classroom and lab instruction on the diagnosis and repair of batteries, starting and charging systems. This course will help students refine their critical thinking skills as they evaluate various topics and concepts while searching for underlying connections between the concepts, which is a skill that should be beneficial in any/all types of careers. The students will increase their mechanical aptitude that can be used in many aspects of their life.

Prerequisites/Corequisites: A student is to have completed all prior program courses with a “C” or better grade. Any exception will have to be approved in writing by the Program Coordinator and Department Chair. Because of changes in technology, students taking program over an extended period of time may be advised to retake courses to update skills and competencies.

Mode(s) of Instruction: traditional/face-to-face

Credit for Prior Learning: There are no Credit for Prior Learning opportunities for this course.

Course Fees: 0

Common Course Assessment(s): None

Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Comprehends General Electrical System Diagnosis

2. Demonstrates Battery Diagnosis & Service

3. Demonstrates Starting System Diagnosis & Repair

4. Demonstrates Charging Systems Diagnosis & Repair

Course Objectives:

1. Complete work order to include customer information, vehicle identifying information, customer concern, related service history, cause, and correction.

2. Identify and interpret electrical/electronic system concern; determine necessary action.

3. Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as electrical/electronic system operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.

4. Locate and interpret vehicle and major component identification numbers.

5. Diagnose electrical/electronic integrity of series, parallel and seriesparallel circuits using principles of electricity (Ohm’s Law).

6. Demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM) during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems, including: source voltage, voltage drop, current flow, and resistance.

7. Check electrical circuits with a test light; determine necessary action.

8. Check electrical circuits using fused jumper wires; determine necessary action.

9. Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses; determine necessary action.

10. Perform solder repair of electrical wiring.

11. Perform battery state-of-charge test; determine necessary action.

12. Perform battery capacity test; confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application; determine necessary action.

13. Maintain or restore electronic memory functions.

14. Inspect, clean, fill, and/or replace battery, battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs.

15. Perform battery charge.

16. Start a vehicle using jumper cables or an auxiliary power supply.

17. Identify high voltage circuits of electric or hybrid electric vehicle and related safety precautions.

18. Identify electronic modules, security systems, radios, and other accessories that require reinitialization or code entry following battery disconnect.

19. Perform starter current draw tests; determine necessary action.

20. Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine necessary action.

21. Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids; determine necessary action.

22. Remove and install starter in a vehicle.

23. Inspect and test switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits; perform necessary action.

24. Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or no-crank condition.

25. Perform charging system output test; determine necessary action.

26. Diagnose charging system for the cause of undercharge, no-charge, and overcharge conditions.

27. Inspect, adjust, or replace generator (alternator) drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners; check pulley and belt alignment.

28. Remove, inspect, and install generator (alternator).

29. Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests; determine necessary action.