Autonomous Vehicle

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.

The former Automotive AA degree had an average of 5-10 completers per year; we anticipate the new certificate will have 5-10 completers since the advanced course will not run every semester.

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. Demonstrate the precautions (personal and shop safety procedures) needed to safely work with high voltage systems.
6. Demonstrate acquired knowledge related to the components used of modern Hybrid/ Electronic vehicles.
7. Demonstrate familiarity with reference materials such as schematics, flow charts, logic trees, and workshop manuals to aid in battery system troubleshooting.
8. Demonstrate how to perform basic maintenance related to hybrid and electric vehicles.
9. Demonstrate how to diagnose a basic hybrid or electric vehicle fault using standard diagnostic equipment.
10. Research and identify correct procedures and specifications for maintenance and repair of suspension and steering systems.
11. Demonstrate the proper use of a Digital Multimeter (DMM) during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems, including: source voltage, voltage drop, current flow, and resistance.
12. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment charging system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.
13. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment starting system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.
14. Analyze and diagnose a mobile equipment low-voltage battery system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.
15. 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.
16. Demonstrate proper methods for high voltage glove testing.
17. Demonstrate the proper use of a voltmeter in performing high voltage battery testing.
18. Demonstrate the proper use of ohm meters for motor testing.
19. Demonstrate the calibration process for an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
20. Demonstrate a scope capture of a specialized internal communications network (BUS) signal.
21. Access and interpret module data on ADAS.
22. Identify and describe the theory, service, and repair of common types of automotive heating and air conditioning systems.
23. Use industry standard recovery, recycling, and recharging equipment to diagnose and service automotive air conditioning systems.
24. Describe the principles of structured programming and be able to describe, design, implement, and test structured programs using currently accepted methodology.
25. Troubleshoot and repair system components.
26.  Establish electronic communication between a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a personal computer.

27. Identify and correct Virtual Instrument program errors.

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.

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
Elective: ELEC 88	Computer Hardware	3.0	S1
ATL 162	Mobile Electrical Systems 2	3.0	S2
ATL 140	Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems	3.0	S2
ATL 170	Mobile Heating and Air Conditioning Systems	3.0	S2
Elective: CS 81.41A	Programming Essentials in Python for Networking	3.0	S2
ATL 111	Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain Systems	3.0	S3
ATL 163	Mobile Electrical Systems 3	3.0	S4

This certificate is new to support Autonomous Vehicle technology and advisory committee request for more current vehicle technology.

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