Automotive Technology

AUTO 0001. Automotive Data Acquisition

Units: 0.5
Hours: 11 (7 lecture, 4 activity)
Retrieval and application of automotive service data from on-line technical data bases including ALLDATA and Mitchell on Demand, as well as other websites related to automotive service information, shop management systems and documentation. Recommended for all Automotive Program students during their first semester of study. (not transferable)

AUTO 0028. Independent Study

Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects, and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU)

AUTO 0031. Automotive Emission Control Systems

Units: 4.5
Hours: 81 lecture
Training for meeting BAR Level 1 towards inspector license (E0), fundamental knowledge of engine and emission control theory, design, and operation. Successful completion meets the first step of the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) training requirements for inexperienced or minimally experienced candidates for the Smog Check Inspector license (E0). (not transferable)

AUTO 0034. Advanced BAR Smog Check Inspection Training (Level 2)

Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Completion of AUTO 31 with grade of "C" or better or equivalent as determined by instructor
Hours: 29 lecture
Provides students with the procedural knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform Smog Check inspections. Successful completion meets the BAR Level 2 training requirements necessary to take the California BAR Smog Check Inspector (E0) licensing examination. (not transferable)

AUTO 0058. Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology

Units: 4
Advisory: Completion of AUTO 71A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Designed for students with little or no formal background or training in the hybrid/electric vehicle field. Covers the theory and operation of hybrid and electric vehicle operation. Each of the major manufacturers' vehicles is discussed along with the safety and service procedures that apply to these vehicles. Hands-on activities include major service procedures and basic diagnostics on the most common hybrid and electric vehicles in the market. (CSU)

AUTO 0059. Introduction to Automotive Service

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Designed for students with little or no formal background or training in the automotive field. Shop safety, tool usage, and hazardous waste management are covered. Vehicle topics include: engine operation, lubrication, cooling, ignition, electrical, suspension, fuel systems, brakes, tires and drive train. (CSU)

AUTO 0060. Skill and Speed Development

Units: 1-2
Prerequisite: Completion of AUTO 1 and one of the following courses: AUTO 64, 66A, 68A, or 71A with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 54 laboratory per unit
Designed to further develop skill, speed, and experience capabilities of automotive majors to meet industry diagnostic and repair performance expectations. Individual projects selected by students with the agreement and guidance of instructor. Required of all automotive majors and automotive certificate students in area of specialization. Materials fee. (not transferable)

AUTO 0061. Vehicle and Engine Analyzing

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Study of automotive engine theories and principles. Emphasis on construction, repair, and adjustment methods of engine systems and components on engine performance diagnostic analysis using the latest equipment and methods. Also covers generic on-board diagnostic second generation (OBD2) engine control. Preparation for ASE Certification exam. (not transferable)

AUTO 0062A. Engine Fuel System Principles and Controls

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Basic principles of engine air/fuel management to meet emission and fuel economy needs. Emphasis on basic circuitry and adjustment procedures. A study of the relationship of today's oxygenated blends, engine performance and fuel controls using computerized and non-computerized carburetion and fuel injection. Preparation for ASE Certification examination. (CSU)

AUTO 0062B. Computer Controlled Carburetion and Fuel Injection

Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of AUTO 61, 62A, and 71A with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Applications, theory of operation, and service to electronic computer controlled carburetion, fuel injection, and emission control systems. Diagnosis and repair driveability and engine performance faults involving all types of low and high pressure electronic feedback fuel injection systems on modern low and zero emission vehicles. Preparation for ASE Certification exam and smog repair technician license exam. (not transferable)

AUTO 0063. Advanced Engine Performance Diagnosis

Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of AUTO 1 and 62B with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
BAR Specified Diagnostic and Repair Training. Study of engine performance, electrical/electronics, advanced level engine performance diagnosis. Preparation for BAR Smog Check Repair Technician E1 License and ASE Certification exam. Formerly BAR A6, A8, and L1 alternative courses. (not transferable)

AUTO 0064. Hydraulic and Brake Systems

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Application of industry standards and practices for the inspection, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive and light truck braking systems. Theory of operation as well as service procedures for disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic systems, power-assist devices, and anti-lock brake systems. Prepares students for California State Brake Adjuster License and ASE Brake Certification exam. (CSU)

AUTO 0066A. Engine Reconditioning

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Introduction to the machines and measuring processes used in the reconditioning of automotive and light truck engines including: cylinder head re-surfacing, valve guide repair, valve re-facing, valve seat replacement and finishing by grinding as well as carbide forming bits. Precision measurement of parts with micrometers and dial bore gauges. Part cleaning and inspection processes including Magnaflux and penetrating dye. Preparation for ASE Certification A-1. (CSU)

AUTO 0066B. Engine Reconditioning

Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of AUTO 66A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Advanced engine repair course. Students required to completely rebuild one liquid-cooled automotive engine. Engine and parts to be supplied by the student; cost varies from $300 to $1,000 or more. Preparation for ASE Certification exam A-1. (CSU)

AUTO 0068A. Basic Automatic Transmissions

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Theory of operation as well as service and repair practices for automatic transmissions and transaxles. Topics include: hydraulic torque converters and pumps, planetary gear sets, clutches and bands, hydraulic systems and apply devices, and electronic controls. Emphasis on diagnosis, adjustment, service, and rebuilding of transmissions used on domestic and foreign automobiles. Testing on a transmission dynamometer. Preparation for ASE Certification exam A-2. (not transferable)

AUTO 0069. Automotive Air Conditioning and Heating

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Principles in automotive air conditioning and heating systems. Emphasis on theory, controls, diagnosis, service, repair, and installation. A study in heat transfer, with methods of troubleshooting and repair of live vehicle air conditioning and heating systems. Includes use of State and Federal approved recovery and recycling equipment. Required to obtain EPA Section 609 refrigerant training certificate. Preparation for ASE Certification examination. (CSU)

AUTO 0071A. Automotive Electrical Systems

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Study of the theory, testing, diagnosis, and service of common body and engine electrical circuits, including batteries, switching, fusing, relays, thermal timers, DC motors, alternator principles, series circuits, and parallel circuits. Live system failure diagnosis using voltmeters, ammeters, and ohmmeters. Preparation for ASE Certification exam. (CSU)

AUTO 0075. Automotive Electronics

Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of AUTO 71A with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Advanced study in automotive electronics, Controller Area Network (CAN), and control systems; resistor, capacitor, inductor, diode, and transistor circuitry with application to solid state sensors, controllers, and actuators. In-depth study of electrical diagnostics using computer-based diagnostic equipment and digital storage oscilloscope. Preparation for ASE Certification examination. (CSU)

AUTO 0079. Suspension and Wheel Alignment

Units: 4
Formerly known as AUTO 77 and 78
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Principles of wheel alignment, steering and suspension systems and their components. Methods of measuring and adjusting alignment geometry for automobiles and light trucks including four wheel alignment. Identification and correction of damaged and worn steering components. Emphasis on analyzing the cause and correction of improper suspension and alignment conditions including conventional and strut-type suspension systems. Preparation for ASE Certification. (CSU)

AUTO 0080. Automotive Powertrains Manual Transmissions

Units: 4
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Theory of operation as well as service and repair procedures for automotive and light truck manual transmission and drive train systems. Topics include: diagnosis and overhaul techniques for manual transmissions/transaxles, drivelines, four-wheel-drive transfer cases, clutches, and differentials (including limited slip). Preparation for ASE Certification A-3 Manual Drive Train and Axles. (CSU)

AUTO 0095. Internship in Automotive Technology

Units: 0.5-4
Designed for advanced students to work in an area related to their educational or occupational goal. Provides new on-the-job technical training under the direction of a worksite supervisor, allowing students to expand knowledge and skills in the chosen field. Mandatory orientation session and faculty approval to determine eligibility. One unit of credit is equal to each 60 hours of non-paid work, or each 75 hours of paid work. Students may earn up to a total of 16 units in internship courses (any course numbered 95 and PDEV 94). (CSU-with unit limitation)

AUTO 0150. Introduction to Automotive Technology Profession

Units: 0.5
Hours: 9 lecture
Career exploration in the automotive technology industry. Includes orientation to the automotive technology program at Sierra College, employment opportunities, career pathways, educational planning for associate degree, certificate and transfer. Research on labor market and occupational information and development of an educational plan. (pass/no pass grading) (not transferable)