Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology program is a comprehensive two-year course combining classroom instruction and hands-on training. The program is based on the eight Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) topics in the National Technicians Certification Program to prepare students for the A.S.E. mechanic certification tests.

CBC's Automotive faculty aim to bring innovative technology into the classroom and the lab. Automotive Tech students learn the basics of computer diagnosis as well as traditional tool usage as they participate in the entire repair process, evaluating, repairing and maintaining vehicles.

For more information, call 509-542-4804.

At the end of the program, successful students will be able to:

  • Troubleshoot and repair front and rear wheel drive manual and automatic transmissions, transaxles and differentials
  • Diagnose and repair electrical and electronic automotive circuits
  • Troubleshoot and repair engine mechanical, cooling and lubrication systems
  • Diagnose and repair brake and electronic braking systems
  • Troubleshoot and repair steering and suspension systems
  • Diagnose and repair heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
  • Troubleshoot and repair engine performance related issues and drivability concerns
  • Review, interpret and convey written, verbal and graphic information to communicate effectively with co-workers, management and customers
  • Act responsibly and ethically as an employee by being punctual, following industry accepted practices, adhering to company policies and interacting positively and appropriately with co-workers, supervisors and customers

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

AMT 100: Basic Automotive Maintenance & Lab [RE]

Credits 2

This course is intended for students to get introduced to general automotive systems and service procedures. This course is designed to familiarize students with the major vehicle parts and components, knowledge of basic tools and equipment, and perform basic preventative maintenance procedures. Lab time consists of students applying concepts learned with hands-on experience while working on student-owned vehicles and school mock-ups. This course is for the general student population and is not intended for automotive majors.

AMT 104: Diesel Engine Theory [RE]

Credits 2

This course provides basic knowledge and theory of operation of automotive diesel engines including ignition and fuel systems. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of AMT 107, AMT 109, AMT 113, and AMT 114, all with a 0.7 or better, or instructor permission.

AMT 107: Introduction to Automotive Technology I & Lab [RE]

Credits 7

This course is designed to introduce students to automotive systems and components, tools, fasteners, and shop procedures. Students will learn the basic components of many different systems incorporated within the automobile. Students will learn the proper safety required in an automotive shop setting, and basic hand tool identification. Students will learn about fasteners and how to tell the difference between SAE and Metric, and they will learn how to remove broken bolts (drilling, tapping, and rethreading). $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Automotive Technology program, and a grade of 1.0 or better in MATH 100 or a higher math class or concurrent enrollment.

AMT 113: Introduction to Automotive Technology II & Lab [RE]

Credits 7

This course is designed to give students the basic knowledge of utilizing electronic service publications. Students will learn how to use electronic service information needed to perform preventive maintenance, service bulletins, look up service history and perform estimate making. These systems include service procedures and information for completing work orders and creating maintenance log entries. Students will also learn the basic knowledge and understanding of automotive procedures for maintaining vehicles by following factory-recommended services. Students will learn how to perform preventive maintenance on various systems within the automotive systems such as oil changes, automatic and manual transmission/transaxle service, brake fluid service, power steering systems services, transfer case service, front and rear differential services, battery, starting and charging system service, and performing basic air conditioning inspections. $50 Automotive Technology class fee.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Automotive Technology program, and a grade of 1.0 or better in MATH 100 or a higher math class or concurrent enrollment.

AMT 119: Automotive Steering and Suspension Systems & Lab [RE]

Credits 7

This course is designed to provide the student with detailed instruction on 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 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 components. Students will learn how to perform alignments on front and rear-wheel drive vehicles. Students will work in a manner that exhibits pride in cleanliness, work ethic, and professionalism. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Grade of 2.0 or better in AMT 220 or instructor permission.

AMT 120: Basic Electrical Systems, Electronics & Lab [RE]

Credits 8

This course provides students with a basic understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of electricity, diagnosis, and service of automotive electrical systems. Subjects covered will include basic automotive electronic fundamentals including solid-state components such as sensors, actuators, and microprocessors, basic electrical principles, and how malfunctions affect the proper functioning of vehicles' automotive computer circuits and components. Students will learn the use of appropriate diagnostic equipment such as Digital Volt Ohm Meters (DVOM) and service information. Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with the terminology, basic theory, diagnostics, removal, and installation procedures used on automobiles and light trucks. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of AMT 107, 109, 113, and 114, all with a minimum grade of 2.0, or instructor permission, and MATH 100 or a higher math class with a minimum grade of 0.7, or appropriate placement.

AMT 123: Automotive Brake Systems & Lab [RE]

Credits 7

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theory coverage of design, operating principles, diagnosis, maintenance, and service of automotive brake systems and traction control. Emphasis will be placed on the mechanical portion of the disc and drum braking system, servicing the disc and drum brakes with measuring and resurfacing included. Anti-lock Braking (ABS) is covered from operating principles through diagnosis and service. Students will learn how to diagnose mechanical and hydraulic problems within the braking system and learn how to diagnose computer-controlled problems within the Anti-Lock (ABS) and traction control systems. Students will work in a manner that exhibits pride, cleanliness, work ethic, and professionalism. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of AMT 120 with a 2.0 or better, or concurrent enrollment, or instructor permission.

AMT 129: Engine Systems, Servicing & Lab [RE]

Credits 8

The focus of this course is to provide the students with a detailed study of the modern internal combustion gasoline engine. Topics include basic principles of design and operation including fuel and ignition systems. Students will learn the components of the internal combustion engine and how they operate. Students will learn the theory and operation of lubrication and cooling systems. Students will gain an understanding of the diagnosis, service, and operation of the internal combustion engine. Students will learn how to diagnose various engine concerns through visual and auditory inspection. Emphasis will be on the theory, operation, and servicing of the internal combustion engine and systems. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of AMT 220 with a 2.0 or better, or instructor permission.

AMT 133: Engine Repair and Rebuild & Lab [RE]

Credits 7

This course is designed to give students a detailed breakdown of the gasoline engine for repairs and rebuilding. Students will learn how to disassemble, inspect, and measure various engine components after disassembly. Students will learn the proper procedure for engine, cylinder heads, and valve train reassembly. Students will learn the procedures needed for engine removal and installation. Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with the terminology, repair, and removal and installation procedures for the gasoline engine. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of AMT 220 with a 2.0 or better, or instructor permission.

AMT 140: Automotive Internship [RE]

Credits 1 5

This internship program is designed to prepare the student for automotive industry employment. Students are expected to apply learned skills and training to be a productive employee. The employer is expected to place students in an environment that builds on coursework learned to enhance their knowledge of working in the automotive industry. The student will work in a manner that exhibits pride, cleanliness, work ethic, and professionalism. $11.40 lab fee.

AMT 220: Advanced Electrical and Troubleshooting & Lab [RE]

Credits 8

This combination class/lab is designed to give the student a highly developed understanding of diagnosis, troubleshooting, and service of the advanced automotive electrical and electronic operating systems. Subjects covered will include strategy-based diagnostics, reading and understanding wiring diagrams, circuit diagnosis, lighting systems, body, chassis, and powertrain system descriptions and functions, and vehicle networking. You will learn the proper use of appropriate diagnostic equipment such as oscilloscopes, scan tools, and a digital volt ohm meter (DVOM). Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with the terminology, basic theory, diagnostic, removal, and installation procedures used on automobiles and light trucks. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of AMT 120 with a 2.0 or better, or concurrent enrollment, or instructor permission.

AMT 230: Automatic Transmissions & Lab [RE]

Credits 7

This course has been developed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully diagnose and repair automatic transmissions and transaxles. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the operation of the internal components (hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical), troubleshooting, disassembly, assembly, and testing. Students will learn how to perform necessary diagnostic tests using special equipment such as pressure gauges, digital volt ohm meters (DVOM), scan tools, and oscilloscopes. Students will learn how to perform necessary service, repairs, and adjustments to automatic transmissions and transaxles. Students will work in a manner that exhibits pride, cleanliness, work ethic, and professionalism. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of AMT 220 with a 2.0 or better, and ENGL& 101 or ENGL 103 with a 1.0 or better, or instructor permission.

AMT 233: Manual Transmission, Drivetrain, & Lab [RE]

Credits 7

This course is designed to provide students a comprehensive coverage of the drivetrain components, including theory, operating principles, diagnosis, service, and repair techniques of the clutch, manual transmissions/transaxles, and differentials. Emphasis will be placed on understanding gearing, levers, hydraulics, component design, troubleshooting, replacement, disassembly, repair, service techniques, and assembly. Students will work with automotive manual transmissions/transaxles, differentials, clutches, driveshafts, and u-joints. Students will learn how to diagnose, inspect, remove, and replace a clutch, students will also learn how to diagnose, clean, inspect disassemble and reassemble a manual transmission/transaxle. Students will learn how to diagnose, clean, inspect, remove, replace, and service front-wheel drive (FWD) systems and components, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) systems and components. Students will work in a manner that exhibits pride, cleanliness, work ethic, and professionalism. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of AMT 220 with a 2.0 or better, and ENGL& 101 or ENGL 103 with a 1.0 or better, or instructor permission.

AMT 240: Drivability Diagnostics & Lab [RE]

Credits 9

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the theory, operation, diagnosis, and repair of conventional and computer-controlled systems such as ignition fuel and emissions. Students will learn how to diagnose mechanical and electrical engine components and control systems and determine needed action. Students will learn the advanced use of Automotive scan tools, lab scopes, and other computer-related test equipment. Emphasis is placed on the theory and practice through diagnosis and repair of electronic ignition systems, fuel delivery, and emission control systems. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Grade of 2.0 or better in AMT 220 or instructor permission.

AMT 243: Heating, Ventilation & AC Systems & Lab [RE]

Credits 5

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the theory, diagnosis, and service of automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Emphasis is on proper air conditioning recharging techniques and the electrical portion of the HVAC systems. $50 Automotive Technology class fee. $11.40 lab fee.

Prerequisite

Grade of 2.0 or better in AMT 220 or instructor permission.

AMT 251: Hybrid Operations and Safety [RE]

Credits 3

This combination class/lab is designed to give students an overview of hybrid/high voltage vehicles. The class covers safety, driving characteristics, environmental concerns, and hybrid/high voltage energy principles. $11.40 lab fee.

AMT 252: High Voltage Basic Operations [RE]

Credits 3

This combination class/lab is designed to give students an overview of high voltage batteries, transformers, high voltage wiring, dc-dc converters, safety circuitry, three-phase motors, and high voltage control systems. $11.40 lab fee.

AMT 254: High Voltage Diagnostics

Credits 3

This combination class/lab is designed to give students theories and strategies for diagnosing high voltage and hybrid specific systems. $11.40 lab fee.

AMT 255: Component Replacement

Credits 3

This combination class/lab is designed to give students theory and hands-on experience of proper removal and replacement of hybrid components. $11.40 lab fee.