Automotive Technology

School of Applied Technology and Learning Assistance

Dean Patricia Axsom, M.S., Office 570B, 619-482-6460
Faculty Jose Ibarra, A.A. • David Preciado, A.A. • Chuck Wagoner, A.A.
Department Chair Corey Breininger, M.A.Ed

General Description
Automotive technology is a study of the complete automobile
divided into a subsystem approach. This program of study explores
Associate in Science Degree
and instructs students in the operation of all automotive systems.
Processes are emphasized including problem solving, repair Automotive Technology
procedures, service techniques, diagnostic analysis, and shop Career/Technical (Major Code: 02870)
safety. All automotive system instruction meets Automotive Service
Based on the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Excellence (ASE) guidelines and National Automotive Technicians
Certification Program (ASE). Courses fulfill the needs of beginning
Education Foundation (NATEF) certification.
and advanced students and those in the field who require upgrading.
Prepares students for the National ASE Certification exams.
Career Options
Below is a sample of the career options for the automotive major. First Semester
Most require a certificate or an associate in science degree. AT 101 Introduction to Basic Automotive Service 3
Automotive Service Excellence Certification will allow entry-level AT 102 Automotive Science and Basic Mechanics 3
employment as: mechanic, automotive technician, service station
AT 109 Automotive Braking Systems 3
attendant, repair shop operator, automotive engineer, automotive
AT 110 Automotive Suspension, Alignment, and Steering 3
salesperson or dealer, vocational teacher, automotive designer, race
car driver or mechanic, supplier or distributor, and positions in allied
professions of business, marketing, and industry. Second Semester
AT 120 Engine Performance I 3
Degree/Certificate Options Major Code AT 130 Automotive Electrical Systems 3
Associate in Science Degree: Career/Technical AT 131 Automotive Heating, Cooling, and Air Conditioning 3
Automotive Technology 02870 AT 140 Engine Repair 3
Small Engine and Service Repair 02650
Third Semester
Certificates of Achievement
Advanced Emission Specialist 02766 AT 220 Engine Performance II 3
Automotive Brake and Suspension Systems AT 230 Automotive Electronics 3
(ABS and Four-Wheel Alignment) 02750 AT 234 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles 3
Automotive Performance Systems 02765 AT 236 Manual Transmission, Transaxles, and Final Drives 3
Automotive Technology 02871 AT 242 Clean Air Car 3
Small Engine and Service Repair 02651 AT 244 Computerized Engine Controls 3
Areas of Preparation for ASE Certification Exam: Total units 42
ASE Brakes
ASE Suspension Recommended Electives: AT 246, 290, 293.
ASE Engine Performance
ASE Heating, Cooling, and Air Conditioning To earn an associate degree, additional general education
ASE Electrical Systems and graduation requirements must be completed.
ASE Engine Repair See page 36.
ASE Automatic Transmissions
ASE Manual Transmission

Consult with a counselor to develop a Student Education

Plan (SEP), which lists the courses necessary to achieve your
academic goal.

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Small Engine and Service Repair
Career/Technical (Major Code: 02650)
Certificates of Achievement
Designed for the student seeking entry-level employment in a
variety of small engine service and repair shops. Provides the
Advanced Emission Specialist
in-depth technical skill training standards required by industry. Career/Technical (Major Code: 02766)
Includes service repair of small engines, industrial engines, chain Designed to prepare students for the Advanced Emission Specialist
saws, outboard/marine, and motorcycles. Intensive, hands-on Technician license that allows an individual to inspect, diagnose,
courses with practical experience in simulated shop conditions. adjust, repair, and certify emission control systems on vehicles
subject to the smog check program at licensed stations in all areas
First Semester of the state.
AT 102 Automotive Science and Basic Mechanics 3
AT 145 Small Engine Repair 2 First Semester
AT 146 Industrial Engine and Repair 2 AT 101 Introduction to Basic Automotive Service 3
LNT 72 Horticultural Equipment: Care and Operations 2 AT 102 Automotive Science and Basic Mechanics 3
AT 120 Engine Performance I 3
Second Semester AT 130 Automotive Electrical Systems 3
AT 147 Advanced Industrial Engine and Repair 2
AT 148 Small Motorcycle Engine Repair 2 Second Semester
AT 149 Large Motorcycle Engine Repair 2 AT 140 Engine Repair 3
AT 150 Advanced Motorcycle Engine Repair 2 AT 220 Engine Performance II 3
AT 230 Automotive Electronics 3
Third Semester AT 244 Computerized Engine Controls 3
AT 151 Small Outboard Marine Engine Repair 2
AT 152 Large Outboard Marine Engine Repair 2 Third Semester
AT 153 Advanced Outboard Marine Engine Repair 2 AT 242 Clean Air Car 3
AT 245 Advanced Automotive Emission Systems 3
Fourth Semester AT 246 Ford EEC-IV Training Program 2.5
Complete 9 units from electives 9 Total units 32.5
Total units 32

Electives: AT 101, 109, 130, 140, 230, 290-293, 295.

To earn an associate degree, additional general education

Automotive Brake and Suspension
and graduation requirements must be completed.
See page 36.
Systems (ABS and Four-Wheel
Alignment)
Career/Technical (Major Code: 02750)
AT 101 Introduction to Basic Automotive Service 3
AT 102 Automotive Science and Basic Mechanics 3
AT 109 Automotive Braking Systems 3
AT 110 Automotive Suspension, Alignment, and Steering 3
Total units 12

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Automotive Performance Systems Small Engine and Service Repair
Career/Technical (Major Code: 02765) Career/Technical (Major Code: 02651)
AT 101 Introduction to Basic Automotive Service 3 First Semester
AT 102 Automotive Science and Basic Mechanics 3 AT 102 Automotive Science and Basic Mechanics 3
AT 120 Engine Performance I 3 AT 145 Small Engine Repair 2
AT 220 Engine Performance II 3 AT 146 Industrial Engine and Repair 2
AT 242 Clean Air Car 3 LNT 72 Horticultural Equipment: Care and Operations 2
AT 244 Computerized Engine Controls 3
Total units 18 Second Semester
AT 147 Advanced Industrial Engine and Repair 2
AT 148 Small Motorcycle Engine Repair 2
AT 149 Large Motorcycle Engine Repair 2
AT 150 Advanced Motorcycle Engine Repair 2

Automotive Technology Third Semester

AT 151 Small Outboard Marine Engine Repair 2
Career/Technical (Major Code: 02871)
AT 152 Large Outboard Marine Engine Repair 2
First Semester AT 153 Advanced Outboard Marine Engine Repair 2
AT 101 Introduction to Basic Automotive Service 3
AT 102 Automotive Science and Basic Mechanics 3 Fourth Semester
AT 109 Automotive Braking Systems 3 Complete 9 units from electives 9
AT 110 Automotive Suspension, Alignment, and Steering 3
Total units 32
Second Semester Electives: AT 101, 109, 130, 140, 230, 290–293, 295.
AT 120 Engine Performance I 3
AT 130 Automotive Electrical Systems 3
AT 131 Automotive Heating, Cooling, and Air Conditioning 3
AT 140 Engine Repair 3

Third Semester
AT 220 Engine Performance II 3
AT 230 Automotive Electronics 3
AT 234 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles 3
AT 236 Manual Transmission, Transaxles, and Final Drives 3
AT 242 Clean Air Car 3
AT 244 Computerized Engine Controls 3
Total units 42

Recommended Electives: AT 246, 290, 293.

ASE Certification Areas:

ASE Brakes Certification AT 109
ASE Suspension Certification AT 110
ASE Engine Performance Certification AT 120/AT 220
ASE Automotive Heating, Cooling, and
Air Conditioning Certification AT 131
ASE Electrical Systems Certification AT 130/AT 230
ASE Engine Repair Certification AT 140
ASE Automotive Transmissions Certification AT 234
ASE Manual Transmissions Certification AT 236

Certificates of Course Achievement are offered in the following

areas: Clean Air Car—AT 242 and Computerized Engine
Controls—AT 244.

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 Automotive Technology Courses
AT 101.
Introduction to Basic Automotive Service
3 units
Grade only
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours
Offered: Variable
Fee: $13. Introduces basic general automotive
service and repair for all automotive enthusiasts.
Emphasizes basic theory and plenty of hands-on
lab activities. Focuses on how to perform oil
changes, wheel balance and rotation, as well as
fluid level inspection among other basic vehicle
services. Provides foundation for advanced
training. [D; CSU]
AT 102.
Automotive Science and
Basic Mechanics
3 units
Recommended Preparation: AT 101, 109, and
110, or equivalent
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours
Offered: Variable
Fee: $13. Introductory course with a laboratory
for all interested automotive operators. This
course blends science and automotive service
with a mathematics review for the technician.
The course covers the chemistry of combustion,
the physics of engines, and automotive
emissions related to the environmental science
of air pollution. [D; CSU]
AT 103.
Welding and Exhaust System Fabrication
and Installation
2–4 units
Lecture 1–2 hours, laboratory 3–6 hours
Offered: Variable
Provides automotive exhaust system fabrication
and installation. Prepares students for exhaust
system installers. (ROP option) [D; CSU]
AT 109.
Automotive Braking Systems
3 units
Grade only
Recommended Preparation: AT 101, 102, and
110, or equivalent
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours
Offered: Fall
Fee: $13. Theory and principles of brake systems,
inspection, and repair. Emphasis on practical
experience with drum brakes, disc brakes,
power brakes, and wheel bearing service and
repair. Preparation for the California State
Brake License and National Automotive Service
Excellence Certificate. [D; CSU]
AT 110.
Automotive Suspension, Alignment, and
Steering
3 units
Grade only
Recommended Preparation: AT 101 and 102,
or equivalent
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours
Offered: Fall
Fee: $13. Theory and operation of automotive
steering and suspension systems. Inspections
and repairs are made to all types of
suspension systems. Settings are made using
a computerized four-wheel alignment rack.
Includes the preparation for the Automotive
Service Excellence Exam. [D; CSU]
AT 120.
Engine Performance I
3 units
Grade only
Recommended Preparation: AT 101 and 102,
or equivalent
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours
Offered: Spring
Fee: $13. Engine performance on vehicles in
relation to the ignition system function and fuel
system delivery. Emphasis on use of ignition
scope and fuel system diagnostic equipment.
Exhaust gas analyzer function detailed. Initial
phase of preparation for the Automotive
Service Excellence Exam Certification in Engine
Performance (A8). [D; CSU]
AT 130.
Automotive Electrical Systems
3 units
Grade only
Prerequisite: AT 101 and 102, or equivalent
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours
Offered: Spring
Theory and operation of charging, starting,
lighting, and accessory systems. Service and
replacement of components using diagnostic
tools and equipment. Emphasis on mechanical
operated devices. Includes the preparation for
Automotive Service Excellence Exam (A8).
[D; CSU]
AT 131.
Automotive Heating, Cooling, and Air
Conditioning
3 units
Grade only
Recommended Preparation: AT 101, 102, and
130, or equivalent
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours
Offered: Spring
Fee: $13. Theory and operation of automotive
heating, cooling, and air conditioning systems.
Service, diagnosis, and repair will be
accomplished using state-of-the-art equipment.
Includes preparation for the Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE), Heating and Air Conditioning
Exam (A7), and Refrigerant Handler Exam and
Certification. [D; CSU]
AT 140.
Engine Repair
3 units
Grade only
Recommended Preparation: AT 101 and 102,
or equivalent
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours
Offered: Spring
Fee: $13. Theory, operation, and repair of
automotive engines. Chassis diagnosis and
repair is emphasized with engine disassembly
and assembly covered. Includes preparation for
the Automotive Service Excellence Exam (A1).
[D; CSU]
AT 145.
Small Engine Repair
2 units
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 2 hours
Offered: Variable
Covers basic maintenance and repair of fuel
systems, pull starting systems, air cooling
systems and blade sharpening techniques.
Emphasis on maintaining two-cycle engines.
(ROP option) [D; CSU]
AT 146.
Industrial Engine and Repair
2 units
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 2 hours
Offered: Variable
Covers basic maintenance operations and
repair of fuel, electrical, and starting systems.
Emphasis on four-cycle engines. (ROP option)
[D; CSU]
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