CR Automotive Technology Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

AT-12 Automotive Braking Systems
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU The theory and principles of modern automotive braking systems. Hydraulic principles, coefficients of friction, and thermodynamics will be discussed. Diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and adjustment procedures of drum, disc/drum, and four-wheel disc systems will be emphasized. Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) diagnostics, servicing, and repair procedures will also be covered. The course will cover common domestic and import vehicles and light trucks only and is designed in conjunction with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently, will prepare the student for the ASE Brakes Certification Examination.

AT-14 Manual Transmission/Transaxle and Drive Train
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU Theory and principles of manual drive train transmissions/transaxles, clutches, drive shafts, half shafts, variable and constant velocity joints, differentials, rear wheel drive axle assemblies, all wheel drive, and four wheel drives. Gear types, ratios, compound ratios, and current noise, vibration, and harshness diagnostic routines will be discussed. Diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and adjustment procedures for common domestic, import, and light truck drive train components will be emphasized. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will prepare the student for the ASE Manual Transmission/Transaxle & Drive Train Certification Examination.

AT-16 Automotive Electrical Systems
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU A study of basic atomic theory, Ohm’s Law, series and parallel circuits, electrical symbols and schematics, automotive batteries, charging systems, voltage regulation, starting systems, lighting systems, and various accessories. The course will focus on the theory and principles of modern automotive electrical systems. The laboratory portion of the course will place emphasis on diagnosis and testing techniques required to effectively determine the necessary action in an electrical system failure. The use of schematics, technical specifications, voltmeters, ohmmeters, ammeters, and circuit testers will be required. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will, in part, prepare the student for the ASE Electrical/Electronic Certification Examination. Recommended: IT-161

AT-18 Automotive Engine Repair
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU An introduction to four stroke cycle theory, engine torque, horsepower, materials, and manufacturing processes as they relate to internal combustion power plants used in production automobiles and light trucks. The theory, principles, and diagnosis of cooling systems and lubrication systems will be emphasized. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on comprehensive engine testing, engine disassembly, precision measuring, and inspection of internal engine components. Proper techniques for reconditioning of the cylinder block and crankshaft will be discussed only. Machining processes for reconditioning of cylinder heads will be covered. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will prepare the student for the ASE Engine Repair Certification Examination.

AT-20 Automotive Suspension and Steering
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU The theory and principles related to automotive suspension and steering systems. Topics will include tire and wheel balancing, alignment angles, steering system geometry, and active restraint systems (airbags). The laboratory portion of the course will include diagnosis, adjustment, repair, and replacement techniques for automotive and light truck suspension and steering components. Automotive alignment measuring and adjusting procedures will be emphasized. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently, will prepare the student for the ASE Suspension and Steering Certification Examination.

AT-22 Automotive Electronics
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU A study of semiconductor theory, transistors, diodes, capacitance, inductance, inductive reactance, the motor principle, integrated circuits, and digital logic circuits. Emphasis is placed on the theory, diagnosis, and repair of modern automotive computer systems. Topics will include body control module (BCM), power train control module (PCM), bus interface, and related components for circuits. The laboratory portion of the course will require extensive use of electronic test equipment, circuit board analysis, and diagnostic procedures common to modern automotive applications. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will, in part, prepare the student for the ASE Electrical/Electronic Certification Examination. Prerequisite: AT-16 Recommended: IT-161

AT-24 Engine Performance
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU The theory and principles of engine performance and related topics. Topics will include the internal combustion process, compression ratios, combustion efficiency, volumetric efficiency, airflow requirements, air-fuel ratios, fuel delivery systems, carburetion, manifolding, electronic ignition systems, oscilloscope waveform interpretation, ignition timing and advance strategies, super-charging, and turbo-charging. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on diagnosis and repair of engine performance problems, carburetor overhaul procedures, ignition system diagnosis, and engine mechanical related problems. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and, subsequently, will partially prepare the student for the ASE Engine Performance Certification Examination. Recommended: IT-161

AT-26 Automotive Air Conditioning and Heating
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU Theory and operation of automotive air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Topics will include the refrigeration cycle, evacuation principles, atmospheric pressure, humidity, heat quantity, heat intensity, latent heat, heat transfer, automotive refrigerants, temperature pressure relationship, greenhouse gases, and proper handling and storage of refrigerants. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on the diagnosis and repair of heating and cooling systems, use of refrigerant recycling-reclaiming equipment, use of evacuation equipment, retrofitting R-12 systems to 134a, and environmentally sound refrigeration handling techniques. Extensive use of a compound gauge set for diagnosis will be required. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently, will prepare the student for the ASE Air Conditioning & Heating Certification Examination. Recommended: AT-16

AT-28 Advanced Engine Performance
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU The theory and principles of advanced engine performance topics. Topics will include fuel injection systems, distributorless ignition systems, air injection systems, evaporative emission systems, exhaust gas recirculation, catalytic converters, computer controlled emission systems including OBD II compliant systems. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on diagnosis and repair of common drivability related problems. Five- gas infrared exhaust analysis, scan tools, digital storage oscilloscopes, and common electronic test equipment will be used extensively in the course. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and, subsequently, will partially prepare the student for the ASE Engine Performance Certification Examination.

AT-30 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only CSU The theory and principles related to both hydraulic and electronically actuated automatic transmissions/transaxles. Topics will include positive and variable displacement pumps, torque converters, torque converter clutches, hydraulic valving, electronic shift solenoids, governors, and common compound planetary gear arrangements. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on diagnostic and overhaul procedures, in-vehicle testing, and bench testing of various components. The use of common automotive electronic test equipment will be required. The course is designed in conjunction with National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and, subsequently, will prepare the student for the ASE Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Certification Examination.

AT-150 Chainsaw Use
(1.5 units lecture/lab) Grade Only A course designed to train and familiarize students with the safe use of saws in a variety of simple situations. Additionally, repairs, maintenance and sharpening will be included. Classroom instruction will be applied in the field which will provide experience necessary to work safely in a variety of forest situations.