Automotive Technology

When we talk about our Automotive core program, here’s what we say: 

Our Automotive students come to us with a genuine passion for the automotive world—and they graduate with the skills and experience to make a living in the automotive industry, doing what they love. 

What gets them excited? The opportunity to understand the components of an engine. The hours of hands-on troubleshooting time in the shop. And the doors their new skills will open for them, from working in an independent shop, to becoming a trainer. 

This is their opportunity to become an industry-recognized technician. 

Core Competencies

Engine Management Systems

  • Component identification and location of components
  • Diesel engine construction and operation
  • Gas and diesel engine theory and operation
  • Onboard diagnostics
  • Powertrain control systems
  • Starting aids operation and diagnosis
  • Testing electrical systems, including starting and charging systems
  • Working with different service systems 

 

Drivability Diagnostics

  • Common rail injection theory and operation
  • Diesel emission component operation and diagnosis
  • Examining fuel and ignition systems
  • Forced air induction (fixed and variable turbochargers)
  • Hybrid and electric vehicles
  • Injector theory operation and diagnosis
  • Light-duty diesel low- and high-pressure fuel system theory and diagnosis
  • Performing detailed sensor diagnostics
  • Test diesel and gasoline high-pressure fuel systems
  • Using diagnostic tools
  • Utilize lab scopes and scan tools to diagnose fuel, ignition, and emissions systems

Drivetrain Systems

  • Electronic transmission diagnostics
  • Rebuilding a transmission
  • Removing and installing transmissions and transaxles
  • Using precision measuring instruments
  • Understanding hydraulic and electrical transmission components
  • Working with 4-wheel and all-wheel drive systems

Chassis

  • Diagnosing and testing HVAC systems
  • HVAC repair and maintenance
  • Inspecting and diagnosing steering and suspension systems
  • Performing wheel alignments
  • Tire and wheel balancing
  • Working with brake, ABS, and traction control systems