Course Offerings

Workforce Education

Automotive Electrical

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

Outline of instruction

5. Circuit Testing
A. Shorted Circuit
1. Short to power
2. Short to ground
B. Open Circuit
C. Grounded Circuit
D. Intermittent Circuit Problems
E. Voltage Drops
F. Amperage Draw
6. Battery
A. Safety Procedures
B. Open Flame and Explosion Hazard
C. Removal and Installation Procedure
D. Basic Construction and Chemical Action
E. Sizes and Ratings
F. Testing/Service
1. State of charge (built-in indicator)
2. Cell voltage (light load test)
3. Capacity test
4. Sulphation (3-minute charge test)
5. Battery charging procedure (slow and fast)
6. Clean/fill/replace
7. Jump starting
8. Replace cables and clamps
9. Constant battery drain (including computer draw)
G. Interpretation of Test Results
H. Problem/Diagnosis
1. Corroded connections
2. Leakage (dirt on battery top)
3. No start complaints
4. Slow cranking complaints
5. Excessive water use
6. Discharges overnight (heavy current drain)
7. Damaged plates
7. Charging System
A. Basic System Components/Purpose/Operation
1. Diodes
2. Rotor
3. Stator
B. Circuit Operation
1. Various system schematics
2. Voltage regulation
3. Current control
4. Light relay
5. Field relay
6. Ammeter circuit (instead of charge indicator light)
C. Test Equipment
1. Voltmeter
2. Ammeter
3. Ohmmeter
4. Diode testers
D. Test Hook-Up/Interpretation of Results
1. Field circuit (current draw)
2. Output test
E. Problem/Diagnosis
1. Loose belts
2. Defective diode(s)
3. Noises
a. Bearings
b. Belts
c. Mounting
d. Diode
4. Undercharge conditions
5. No-charge conditions
6. Overcharge conditions
7. Defective regulator
a. "Full-field" procedure (include precautions)
b. Fusible links/in-line fuses
c. Light relay
d. Integral regulators
8. Starter (Cranking) System
A. Basic Function
B. Types and Basic Differences
1. Moveable pole shoe
2. Permanent magnet types
3. Gear reduction types
C. Relays and Solenoids
D. Construction and Nomenclature of Parts
E. Starter Drives
1. Bendix
2. Overrunning clutch
F. Testing/Service
1. Ground circuit voltmeter readings (drop)
2. Remote cranking
3. Inspecting control circuit wiring
G. Problem/Diagnosis
1. "Chatter" noise
2. Defective starter drive
3. Worn bushings
4. Worn flywheel ring gear
6. Starter alignment (shims)
7. Noise when cranking
8. High current draw
9. Low current draw
10. Will not crank
11. Cranks slowly
12. Worn brushes/holders
13. Spins but will not engage
9. Starter Circuit Controls (Understand Basic Operation)
A. Relays
B. Solenoids
C. Neutral Safety Switches
E. Ignition Switches (Including Removal Replacement)
F. Circuit Testing
1. Voltage drop acceptable readings
2. Solenoid/relay tests
3. Supply circuit and control circuit


Contact Hours

96

CEUs

No

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

None

Text and Supplies Needed

None

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

None

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

Auto Technicians

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to training Outcomes for Employment

Related Courses

AUT-3001A3

AHS-AUTEL


Course Contact Information

Justina Barreiro
919-819-0203
[email protected]

No active courses available at this time.

To be notified when this course becomes available, please use Wake Tech's Notify Me service.


Requisites: None

To view information on this course and additional non-degree course offerings, visit the Workforce Continuing Education Catalog