Course Offerings

Automotive Electrical

Course ID: AUT-3137H7
Overview
Course Outline
Requirements
Intended Audience
More Details

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis /repair/replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, Circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic trouble shooting. Upon completion, students should be able to read and understand wiring diagrams, diagnose test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and basic electrical concerns.

Course Objectives

Observe and perform safety procedures related to electrical systems

Identify vehicle identification numbers, electronic service information and service repair orders

Methodically approach and diagnose problems in electrical systems to make a direct, thorough and economical diagnosis

Do basic testing and service on battery, starting, charging and basic electrical systems

Perform basic "in-car" diagnostics and repairs

Understand the basic concepts and procedures to successfully repair late-model battery, starting, charging and basic electrical systems

Outline of Instruction

Circuit Testing
Shorted circuit (short to power, short to ground), open circuit, grounded circuit, intermittent circuit problems, voltage drops, amperage draw

Battery
Safety procedures, open flame and explosion hazard, removal and installation procedure, basic construction and chemical action, sizes and ratings, testing/service (state of charge, cell voltage, capacity test, sulphation, battery charging procedure, clean/fill/replace, jump starting, replace cables and clamps, constant battery drain), interpretation of test results and problem/diagnosis (corroded connections, leakage, no-start complaints, slow cranking complaints, excessive water use, discharges overnight, damaged plates)

Charging System
Basic system components, purpose and operation (diodes, rotor, stator); circuit operation (various system schematics, voltage regulation, current control, light relay, field relay, ammeter circuit); test equipment (voltmeter, ammeter, ohmmeter, diode testers); test hook-up and interpretation of results (field circuit, output test); problem and diagnosis (loose belts, defective diode(s), noises – bearings, belts, mounting, diode – undercharge conditions, no-charge conditions, overcharge conditions, defective regulator)

Starter (Cranking) System
Basic function, types and basic differences (moveable pole shoe, permanent magnet types, gear reduction types), relays and solenoids, construction and nomenclature of parts, starter drives (Bendix, overrunning clutch), testing/service (ground circuit voltmeter readings, remote cranking, inspecting control circuit wiring), problem/diagnosis ("chatter" noise. defective starter drive, worn bushings, worn flywheel ring gear, starter alignment, noise when cranking, high current draw, low current draw, will not crank, cranks slowly, worn brushes/holders, spins but will not engage)

Starter Circuit Controls (understand basic operation)
Relays, solenoids, neutral safety switches, ignition switches (including removal replacement) and circuit testing (voltage drop acceptable readings, solenoid/relay tests, supply circuit and control circuit)