Courses Offered
Automotive Fundamentals
This is a basic introductory class designed to give you an understanding of how cars operate. You will learn how to use equipment commonly used in the auto repair industry. This class will provide you with a solid knowledge base to either continue on in the Auto Tech training program or just help you become a smarter consumer.
Auto Repair & Maintenance
This course is designed to teach you how the systems and parts of today's cars work. Vehicle maintenance as well as tools and equipment used in the auto repair industry are presented in the course. You will learn the skills necessary to service your own and your family's cars as well as learning on vehicles owned by the auto shop. You will develop automotive problem solving and vehicle servicing skills, allowing you to save time and money on auto repairs.
Auto Tech
The more indepth Auto Tech classes are designed to train you to repair modern automobiles. They are intended for students who want to pursue a career in automotive Tech or just want more automotive knowledge. All of the Auto Tech classes are in a two-hour block format. This gives you the time needed to really dig deep into the various systems on automobiles. Half of the class days are spent in the auto shop, because let's face it, you can only learn so much out of a book; you need to get your hands in there and do it, not just talk about it. You will work on a wide variety of vehicles, shop owned cars, your own car, family members and customer cars. The Auto Tech classes are set up to match the State of Michigan Mechanic certification areas.
All of the Auto Tech classes are taught with the intent that students can take and pass the state mechanic certification test. For more information on what is covered in the Auto Tech courses, review your course catalog or contact us so we can get what you and your parents need.
Auto Tech I-A
This course is intended for the more serious student who would like to improve their knowledge base for personal use or to pursue a career path in automotive technology. The areas of suspension systems, steering, and wheel alignment are all taught in enough depth to prepare the student to take and pass the State Certification test in Front End & Wheel Alignment. Students are given both class and lab time to develop the necessary skills to obtain certification if they desire. This is the first of a two part class and should be followed with Auto Tech. 1b.
Auto Tech I-B
This is the second course in a two part segment aimed at preparing the student to be able to become licensed by the State in automotive front end service. Students review and apply the skills they learned in Auto Tech 1A, to perform front end service and alignments. Students learn how to perform wheel alignments on a four wheel computerized alignment machine. Braking system operation, service and anti-lock braking systems are also taught in this segment. In addition traction control and stability control systems are presented in this segment. Students are encouraged to compete in the annual brake service competition. Lab time is provided for students to develop skills in servicing braking systems.
Auto Tech I-C
This class presents the fundamentals of basic electricity and its application to electrical systems used in the modern automobile. Electrical circuits, symbols, diagrams, and types of electrical fault are all covered in this class. Electrical circuit troubleshooting and common point diagnosis are emphasized so the student can apply this knowledge of troubleshooting to any circuit in the automobile. Batteries, starting and charging system operation and diagnosis are also taught. Lab time is used to reinforce the skills learned in diagnosing starting and charging system problems. This is the first of a three part segment in electrical instruction and should be followed with Auto Tech. 2a.
Auto Tech II-A
This is the second part of a three part segment designed to teach students electrical diagnosis and repairs. This course continues the student’s electrical training with instruction on ignition systems. This leads into engine performance and drivability training. Computer systems and operation are taught along with advanced diagnostics and performance troubleshooting. Students are taught to interpret computer data stream information and see the relationship between the cause of a malfunction and effect it has on other systems such as fuel and emissions. This course should be followed with Auto Tech 2b to complete the third part of this section.
Auto Tech II-B
This course focuses on engine performance problems and their symptoms and causes, and is the third part of a three part series. Systems scan tools are used to interface with the on-board computers to retrieve fault codes, display data stream information and assist in troubleshooting procedures. Students are taught to recognize and associate common engine performance symptoms with likely causes. Various types of fuel injection systems are taught as well as their principles of operation and diagnostic and testing procedures. The engine performance is then tied into vehicle emissions and the emissions control systems used. Emissions testing and the relationship between engine performance and emissions levels in emphasized.
Auto Tech II-C
In this class, students learn the principles of operation for a four cycle automotive gasoline engine and how they differ from the diesel and two stroke engines. Students are exposed to engine design and construction and material differences, basic service procedures and operations. Engine block, cylinder head and front end operation and service is taught. Cooling, and Lubrication system operation and service are also taught in this segment. Lab time is provided for practical training opportunities. This is the first of a two part segment on automotive engine service, and should be followed with Auto Tech. 3a.
Auto Tech III-A
This is a continuation of the material taught in Auto Tech 1c on engine operation and service. In this class students are taught how to perform engine block service such as cylinder measurements, honing, torquing procedures. Cylinder head rebuilding is also taught. Cylinder heads are checked for cracks, warpage, valves and seats are ground, springs tested, etc. Tuned and ram induction are taught along with performance training in choosing camshafts, crankshafts, pistons, rods, and more. Lab time is provided for practical training opportunities.
Auto Tech III-B
This class will present the construction and operation of conventional manual transmissions and transaxles. Both the fundamentals of operation and transmission service are taught. Students will also study different types of driveline and their required service. Clutches, clutch release systems, and dual clutch systems will be presented. Differential parts, operation and overhauls will be covered in this class as well. Performing required inspections, measurements and adjustments on differentials will be taught as a part of this class. Transfer case types and operation, locking hubs and four wheel drive systems will also be presented in this segment.
Auto Tech III-C
This class focuses on the principles of operation of the Automatic transmission and service procedures. Parts and operation are covered before introducing the student to service techniques. Pressure tests and air tests are taught as students learn testing and overhaul operations. Students completely disassemble and rebuild either a transmission or transaxle in this class. During the transmission overhaul, students are asked to trace the power flow through the planetary gear train, noting which components are being held reactionary and how. Driveline components may be covered in this segment in addition to those covered in Auto Tech 1B. The air conditioning system principles of operation and system service is also taught in this segment. Lab time is provided for students to test, service and charge air conditioning systems.
