Automotive Mechanics — Columbia

The overall goal of this course is to facilitate a smooth transition to school by engaging the student in curriculum focusing on academic, career, and life skills. Students will make connections with key personnel within the school that will assist with their questions and provide guidance throughout their education. The student will be introduced to automotive systems, industry certifications, and job opportunities. Students will learn essential skills for the vehicle technician including safety, equipment fundamentals, and the proper use of measurement tools such as dial indicators, micrometers, and calipers. The automotive content will be balanced by an emphasis on skills that will enable students to be successful in school and in life. These skills will include time management, financial management, goal setting, learning strategies, career planning, and critical thinking strategies.

This course is designed to provide the student with a detailed study of the modern internal combustion gasoline engine from the basic principles of design and operation to inspection, precision measurement, fitting, and reconditioning, including cooling systems, coolants, lubricating systems, and engine lubricants. Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Students will learn how to diagnose various engine concerns through visual and auditory inspection. Students will learn how to disassemble, measure, troubleshoot, service, and reassemble a gasoline powered internal combustion engine.

This course is designed to provide the student with practical theory in basic and solid state circuitry, including body electrical systems, operation and service of automotive storage batteries, automobile charging systems, starting systems, and lighting systems. Students will evaluate components using both conventional and electronic diagnostic equipment. Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Students will learn how to diagnose basic electrical, charging, starting, and lighting circuits through the use of diagnostic equipment to include test lights, multimeters, and continuity testers.

This course is designed to provide the student with theory and application of automobile air conditioning and heating systems. Students will also be presented with the operation of various automobile accessories to include: power windows, door locks, and seats, and air bag operation and service. Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Students will learn how to diagnose abnormal operation of air conditioning and heating systems, remove and replace air conditioning and heating system components, and evacuate and recharge automobile air conditioning systems.

This course is designed to provide comprehensive coverage of design, operating principles, maintenance and service of the automotive brake systems and traction control. Emphasis is placed on diagnosis and service of rotors and drums with measuring and resurfacing included. Anti-lock braking is covered from operating principles through diagnosis and service. Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Students will learn how to diagnose mechanical and hydraulic problems within the vehicle braking systems. Students will learn how to diagnose computer control problems within the anti-lock and traction control systems

This course is designed to provide the student with detailed instruction of the design and operating principles, maintenance and service of automobile suspension and steering systems including steering geometry and alignment angles. Emphasis is placed on wheel alignment procedures, including computerized four-wheel alignment. Service and diagnostics are stressed including McPherson struts, rack and pinion steering systems, and tire design and applications. New technologies are covered to incorporate electronic steering, and in-depth coverage of computerized suspension systems. Students will learn how to complete repair orders containing customer and vehicle information and corrective action. Students will learn how to research vehicle service information with computer and internet based electronic retrieval systems. Students will learn how to diagnose, inspect, and service steering system components using industry standard equipment. Students will learn how to diagnose inspect, remove and replace rear-wheel and front-wheel drive suspension component. Students will learn how to perform alignments on front and rear wheel drive vehicles.