A basic automotive electricity and electronics course, including the study of the fundamentals of and operation and service required for batteries, cranking motors, alternators, regulators, and certain accessories used on current-production automobiles. NOTE: Course topics and laboratory experiences help the student prepare for ASE certification and State of Michigan licensure in automotive electrical systems, but certification/license are not included in this course.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Basic Electricity and Circuits
- Magnetism, Electromagnetism and EMI Suppression
- Semiconductors and Solid State Electronics
- Automotive Wiring and Basic Circuit Components
- Batteries
- AC Charging Systems and Alternators
- Starting System Overview
- Starter Motors
- Inputs and outputs of various electronic control modules, their functions, and how they relate to vehicle and engine operation
- Fuel and ignition system overview
- Body Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Vehicle Communication Networks
- Use electronic diagnostic tools and equipment commonly found in a modern repair facility and interpret results.
- Perform measurement of voltage, current and resistance in automotive electrical circuits.
- Interpret automotive electrical wiring diagrams and diagnosis circuit for intermittent faults.
- Identifying and diagnosing shorts and opens in automotive electrical circuits.
- Diagnose Starting/Charging system fault
- Perform electrical system repairs to industry standards/OEM integrity of aftermarket service and diagnostic information.
- Explain the differences in Network protocols
- Perform a PMI
- Diagnosis communications network fault using DSO
- Diagnose a BCM controlled accessory operation failure
Assessment and Requirements
Homework, quizzes, lab reports and final examination. Measurable objectives will be evaluated by the instructor based accuracy and proficiency of completion.
Students must take notes on demonstrations, carefully read and analyze assigned course materials, and perform exercises to determine their competence in servicing modern electrical systems.