AUT 102 Automotive Electrical Systems

This course introduces various automotive electrical and electronic components, operations, and service procedures to test, diagnose, and repair automotive electrical systems and components. Laboratory experiences include building and analyzing electrical circuits, applying Ohms Law, and using electrical test equipment properly to test, evaluate, diagnose, and repair vehicle accessories and chassis wiring.

Credits

4

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: AUT 101 or concurrent, MAT 152 or higher or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

AUT 102 Automotive Electrical Systems

Campus Location

  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

2022-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: AUT 101 or concurrent, MAT 152 or higher or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

4 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

6 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course introduces various automotive electrical and electronic components, operations, and service procedures to test, diagnose, and repair automotive electrical systems and components. Laboratory experiences include building and analyzing electrical circuits, applying Ohms Law, and using electrical test equipment properly to test, evaluate, diagnose, and repair vehicle accessories and chassis wiring.

Additional Materials

Multi Meter (auto ranging), Safety glasses

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Analyze and repair basic automotive electrical circuits. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
  2. Analyze and service automotive batteries. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
  3. Analyze and service automotive starting system components. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
  4. Analyze and service automotive charging system components. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
  5. Analyze and service automotive lighting systems and corresponding components. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
  6. Analyze and service the various instrumentation and warning device systems. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)
  7. Analyze and service the various types of body electrical systems. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Analyze and repair basic automotive electrical circuits.
    1. Use applicable vehicle and service information including vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and adhere to simulated shop procedures.
    2. Apply  principles of electricity (Ohm's Law) when testing series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.
    3. Use a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure source voltage, voltage drop (including grounds), current flow, and resistance.
    4. Explain the causes and effects from shorts, grounds, opens, and resistance problems in electrical/electronic circuits.
    5. Test for power and ground using industry-standard tools.
    6. Use wiring diagrams to diagnose electrical/electronic circuit problems.
    7. Diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw), and determine needed action.
    8. Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses, and determine needed action
    9. Use fused jumper wires, repair, and/or replace components, connectors, terminals, harnesses, and wiring in electrical/electronic systems (including solder repairs).
  2. Analyze and service automotive batteries.
    1. Perform battery state-of-charge test, and determine needed action.
    2. Identify proper battery capacity for vehicle application; perform battery capacity, load test, and maintain or restore electronic memory functions, and determine needed action.
    3. Inspect and clean battery; fill battery cells; check battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs.
    4. Perform slow/fast battery charge according to manufacturer's recommendations, and jump-start vehicle using jumper cables and a booster battery or an auxiliary power supply.
    5. Identify safety precautions for high voltage systems on electric, hybrid-electric, and diesel vehicles.
    6. Identify electrical/electronic modules, security systems, radios, and other accessories that require re-initialization or code entry after reconnecting vehicle battery.
    7. Identify hybrid vehicle auxiliary (12v) battery service, repair, and test procedures.
  3. Analyze and service automotive starting system components.
    1. Perform starter current draw tests, and determine needed action.
    2. Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests, and determine needed action.
    3. Identify and test starter relays and solenoids, and determine needed action.
    4. Inspect and test switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits, remove and install starter in a vehicle, and determine needed action.
    5. Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or a no-crank condition.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge of automatic idle-stop/start-stop system.
  4. Analyze and service automotive charging system components.
    1. Perform charging system output test, and determine needed action.
    2. Diagnose charging system causes of undercharge, no-charge, or overcharge conditions.
    3. Perform adjustment, and/or replace generator (alternator) drive belts; check pulleys and tensioners for wear; check pulley and belt alignment.
    4. Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests, remove, inspect, replace generator (alternator), and determine needed action.
  5. Analyze and service automotive lighting systems and corresponding components.
    1. Diagnose the causes of brighter-than-normal, intermittent, dim, no light operation, and determine needed action.
    2. Diagnose interior and exterior lamps and sockets including headlights and auxiliary lights (fog lights/driving lights) and aim headlights and replace as needed.
    3. Identify system voltage and safety precautions associated with high-intensity discharge headlights.
  6. Analyze and service the various instrumentation and warning device systems.
    1. Operate equipment to test gauges and gauge sending units for causes of abnormal readings, and determine needed action.
    2. Perform diagnostic steps to identify the causes of incorrect operation of warning devices and other driver information systems, and reset maintenance indicators as required.
  7. Analyze and service the various types of body electrical systems.
    1. Diagnose incorrect operation of comfort and convenience accessories and related circuits (such as: power window, power seats, pedal height, power locks, truck locks, remote start, moon-roof, sun-roof, sun shade, remote keyless entry, voice activation, steering wheel controls, back-up camera, parking assist, cruise control, auto dimming headlamps), and determine needed repairs.
    2. Describe the operation of security/anti-theft systems and related circuits (such as: theft deterrent, door locks, remote keyless entry, remote start, starter/fuel disable), and determine needed repairs.
    3. Identify the operation of entertainment and related circuits (such as: radio, DVD, remote CD changer, navigation, amplifiers, speakers, antennas, voice-activated accessories), and determine needed repairs.
    4. Use test equipment to check the operation of safety systems and related circuits (such as: horn, airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, occupancy classification, wipers, washers, speed control/collision avoidance, heads-up display, parking assist, and back-up camera), demonstrate testing of body electronic system circuits using a scan tool, check for module communication errors (data communication bus systems), and determine needed action.
    5. Identify the process for software transfer, software updates, or reprogramming of electronic modules.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative - Minimum 3 Tests (equally weighted)

20 %

Summative - Minimum 8 Quizzes (equally weighted)

20 %

Summative/Formative â€" Minimum 10 Repair Orders/Worksheets (equally weighted)

30 %

Summative - Minimum 2 Practical Assessments (equally weighted)

30 %

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

AUTAASAUT

  1. Use appropriate automotive diagnostic and service equipment, hand tools, and precision measuring devices to determine and perform the proper repair as necessary.   
  2. Interpret automotive electronic service information, service manuals, and diagnostic charts.
  3. Document service repair procedures that accurately reference the 3Cs.
    1. Customer complaint verification
    2. Correct the problem
    3. Complete the repair.
  4. Employ proper automotive industry service facility safety practices.
  5. Practice professional conduct as required in the automotive industry.

 

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.