Automotive Technology

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY 1 (year) Prerequisite: Drivers Education Part 1

This is a course in which the student applies the principles and functions of components as they pertain to automotive systems. The course is divided into three major areas of study including a light service unit, automotive electrical systems and braking systems. Included in the light service unit are topics ranging from reference materials and micrometers to basic vehicle systems such as cooling, lubrication and wheels and tires. The automotive electrical systems unit includes all aspects of automotive electrical systems from the basic battery, alternator and starter concepts to advanced electrical diagnostics. The braking systems unit covers all aspects of automotive braking systems, including hydraulic principles, disc and drum braking systems and anti-lock braking systems. The laboratory portion covers approximately 70 percent of this course. The class is designed to provide the student with relevant and realistic hands-on training for preparation for the automotive servicing field. Students should be able to obtain state mechanic certification in at least two areas of the test categories upon successful completion of the first year program. NATEF certification is available for those students who complete the NATEF curriculum. During the spring trimester the SWWC Consortium offers internships through the ASE Educational Internship program. Articulation is available with Washtenaw Community College.

AUTO TECHNOLOGY 2 (year-early start) Prerequisite: Drivers Education Parts 1 & 2 and successful completion of Auto Technology 1.

This course covers an advanced study of topics covered in the prerequisite course, plus additional instruction in five areas of study. The major areas of concentration are steering & suspension, engine performance & driveability, manual transmission & drive axle, automatic transmission and heating and air-conditioning. The steering & suspension unit covers many aspects of the current vehicle steering and suspension designs. The engine performance unit covers numerous topics including electronic fuel injection, computerized engine control; exhaust gas emission testing/analysis and ignition systems. The manual and automatic transmission units are centered on maintenance and light repair. The students will be exposed to simple diagnosis and repair of the heating and air conditioning system. State of the Art diagnostic equipment will be emphasized throughout all units. This course is exclusively designed to provide the student with relevant and realistic hands-on training for preparation into the automotive servicing field, as well as establishing a foundation for possible careers as a Product Testing Technician, Dynamometer Technician, Service Manager, Parts Manager, Factory Service Representative and Engineering Technician. Students will have the opportunity to take the State Mechanic Certification exams at the conclusion of the course. Internships are available through the ASE Educational Internship Program. Articulation is available with Washtenaw Community College.