Automotive Diagnostic Technician

The Automotive Diagnostic Technician major offers both theoretical and hands-on training, including engine theory, fuel systems, heating ventilation and air conditioning, pollution control systems, electrical systems, drive trains, suspension systems, and hybrid & electric vehicle systems. Course work prepares students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams. Students enrolling in the program should have the desire and ability to work with their hands, demonstrate critical thinking, possess a high degree of mechanical aptitude, and enjoy working in a shop environment. Program completers should be able to find employment as advanced entry-level apprentice automotive technicians.

Based upon the former Automotive degree, we anticipate 5-10 completers initially with an increase as the demand for advanced technology becomes available. 

Based upon the former 7-unit Automotive Certificates; we anticipate the new certificate will have 20-40 completers.

For both AS and certificate:

1. Demonstrate the correct use of safety procedures utilized by a mobile equipment repair technician.
2. Locate and interpret technical manuals from online computerized databases.
3. Demonstrate the appropriate use and maintenance of hand, shop, and precision tools.
4. Prepare initial, revised, and final repair orders in compliance with California law (BAR).
5. Identify engine block assembly components and configurations.
6. Demonstrate the proper steps to remove a cylinder head; inspect gasket condition; install cylinder head and gasket; tighten according to manufacturer's specification and procedure.
7. Demonstrate the proper steps for performing a timing belt replacement and setting the timing belt, crankshaft, and camshafts in proper positions.
8. Demonstrate the precautions (personal and shop safety procedures) needed to safely work with high voltage systems.
9. Demonstrate acquired knowledge related to the components used of modern Hybrid/ Electronic vehicles.
10. Demonstrate familiarity with reference materials such as schematics, flow charts, logic trees, and workshop manuals to aid in battery system troubleshooting.
11. Demonstrate how to perform basic maintenance related to hybrid and electric vehicles.
12. Demonstrate how to diagnose a basic hybrid or electric vehicle fault using standard diagnostic equipment.
13. Research and identify correct procedures and specifications for maintenance and repair of automatic transmissions and transaxle systems.
14. Demonstrate the proper use of a Digital Multimeter (DMM) during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems, including: source voltage, voltage drop, current flow, and resistance.
15. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment charging system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.
16. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment starting system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.
17. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment low-voltage battery system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.
18. Test the Controller Area Network (CAN) BUS system signal with a Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO). Set up the DSO to capture the CAN hi (+) and CAN lo (-) signals.
19. Identify and describe the theory, service, and repair of common types of automotive heating and air conditioning systems.
20. Use industry standard recovery, recycling, and recharging equipment to diagnose and service automotive air conditioning systems.
21. Explain the operation, troubleshooting and repair of the ignition, fuel and emission control systems of late model automobiles.
22. Demonstrate repair of automotive ignition, fuel, and integrated electronic engine controls.
23. Perform diagnosis, service, and maintenance procedures in a timely manner to industry standards. 

AS also includes following goals and objectives:

1. Research and identify correct procedures and specifications for maintenance and repair of suspension and steering systems.

2. Describe the principles of structured programming and be able to describe, design, implement, and test structured programs using currently accepted methodology.
3. Troubleshoot and repair system components.

4. Establish electronic communication between a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a personal computer.

5. Identify and correct Virtual Instruments program errors.

6. Demonstrate proper methods for high voltage glove testing.
7. Demonstrate the proper use of a voltmeter in performing high voltage battery testing.
8. Demonstrate the proper use of ohm meters for motor testing.
9. Demonstrate the calibration process for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems(ADAS).
10. Demonstrate a scope capture of a specialized internal communications network BUS signal.
11. Access and interpret module data on ADAS.

This certificate is designed for future Automotive Technicians who want to start their careers and demonstrate technical knowledge skills to excel in their chosen fields.

This Associates degree is designed for future Automotive Diagnostics Technicians who want to possibly advance their careers into management or supervisory positions and demonstrate the technical knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen fields.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
ATL 101	Transportation Information Systems and Shop Practices	3.0	S1
ATL 105	Service Writing and Shop Management	2.0	S1
ATL 161	Mobile Electrical Systems 1	3.0	S1
ATL 110	Internal Combustion Engine Theory and Repair	3.0	S2
ATL 120	Automotive Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Systems	3.0	S2
ATL 162	Mobile Electrical Systems 2	3.0	S2
ATL 111	Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain Systems	3.0	S3
ATL 170	Mobile Heating and Air Conditioning Systems	3.0	S3
ATL 180	Internal Combustion Engine Performance	3.0	S3
The AS degree also includes
ATL 140	Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems	3.0	S2
AS degree electives
CS 81.41A	Programming Essentials in Python for Networking	3.0	S1
ELEC 88	Computer Hardware	3.0	S2
ELEC 153	Programmable Logic Controllers	3.0	S3

Both the Certificate and Degree are new to support diagnostic technology and advisory committee request for more electrical training.

Michael Pratt from Mendocino College serves on the SRJC ATL advisory committee and has confirmed support at the 4.14.23 and 11.17.23 meetings – minutes available if needed. Attempts were made by ATL program director, Jesse Kosten, to contact College of Marin as follows: 2.9.24 – First email sent to Ron Palmer, Department Chair - rpalmer@marin.edu 2.21.24 – Called Ron at 628-234-8532 2.21.24 – Email forwarded to Alina Varona, Dean - arvarona@marin.edu 2.22.24 – Called Ron and left voicemail stated need to hear back from him on this issue. 628-234-8532