Auto Mechanic

Lesson 1: Basic Automotive Maintenance. Engine oil and coolant; automatic and manual transmission fluids; brake and hydraulic clutch system fluid; power steering fluid; AC refrigerant; manual steering sector lubricant; grease; battery electrolyte; windshield washer solvent; fuels; differential and transaxle lubricant; evaluating worn parts; parts ordering, specifying and repair.

Lesson 2: Automotive Safety. Shop safety practices and procedures; protecting property; emergency and first aid equipment; fire prevention; eye, ear and breathing protection; clothing; compressed air safety; hand tool and electrical safety; lifts; jacks.

Lesson 3: Automotive Maintenance Tools. Hand and air wrenches; screwdrivers, screw holders and nut drivers; pliers; hammers; engine lubrication tools; air conditioner tools; battery and charging system tools; starter and ignition tools; fuel and exhaust system tools; under-the-vehicle tools; tire, wheel, hub and brake tools; electrical and light system tools.

Lesson 4: Basic Maintenance Service. Under-the-vehicle and under-the-hood service for vehicles at 3000, 6000, 9000 and 12,000-miles; two-year, four-year and as-needed vehicle maintenance and service.

Lesson 5: Engine Lubrication. Oil viscosity; service classification; conservation of energy; lubricating diesel engines; selecting the correct oil; synthetic oil products and supplements; raising and supporting a car; lifts; changing the engine oil and oil filter; oil leak inspection, tests and corrective procedures.

Lesson 6: Battery System. Battery operation and terms; battery safety, selection, removal and installation; inspecting the battery and cable; cleaning battery terminals; specific gravity and battery load testing; charging.

Lesson 7: Charging System. The alternator, regulator, battery and indicating device; circuits; charging system service; three-stage charging test; removing and replacing the alternator; oscilloscope testing the system.

Lesson 8: Starting System. The motor circuit; the control circuit; relays; starter motors; starter drive clutches; basic starting system tests and troubleshooting; interpreting test results; replacing a starter motor and relay.

Lesson 9: Ignition System. Primary circuit components: battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plug coil and magnetic triggering device; the secondary circuit; spark plug components, design differences and selection; “reading” spark plugs; adjusting the spark plug gap; spark plug wires; distributor cap; rotor; electronic primary ignition circuit; ignition timing; scope patterns.

Lesson 10: Engine Cooling System. System operation and parts; temperature and pressure control; testing the coolant; leaks; inspecting hoses and drive belts; thermostat; replacing temperature-sensitive sending units; electric fans; system troubleshooting.

Lesson 11: Fuel and Emission Control Systems. The four-stroke cycle; multi-cylinder engines; cylinder arrangement; gasoline safety; fuel-to-air ratios; octane ratings; the fuel tank and pump; the carburetor; fuel injection system, parts and service; pollution control devices; fuel system/emission control service.

Lesson 12: Transmission Systems. Transmission lubricant and parts; transmission inspection and service; automatic transmission parts, materials, service; clutch system parts and service; the hydraulic clutch; road testing.

Lesson 13: Exhaust and Drive Systems. Exhaust manifold; crossover pipe; catalytic converter; muffler; resonator; tailpipe and hangers; exhaust system safety, inspection, testing and replacement; oxygen sensor; trouble codes; drive shaft/universal joint service and repair; leaks; visual and audio inspection; differential parts and service; fluid change; axle bearings.

Lesson 14: Steering and Suspension Systems. Solid axle, independent, long and short arm suspension systems; Macpherson strut suspension systems; load/non-load-carrying ball joints; radial/axle play; steering linkage and gear; shock absorbers; power steering.

Lesson 15: Tires and Wheels. Tire types, sizes and markings; tire inflation; adjusting pressures; tire usage, service, inspection and maintenance; wheel design; wheel and tire imbalance/alignment; servicing wheel bearings; replacing bearing cups; sealed wheel bearings.

Lesson 16: Brake Systems. Brake inspection and maintenance; service and parking brake systems; brake shoes and lining; disc brakes; drum brakes; operation of self-energizing duo-servo and non-servo brake; inspecting and troubleshooting brake linings and antilock brakes; troubleshooting brake hydraulics.

Lesson 17: Electrical Systems. Basic electrical circuitry; circuit protection and control; switches; replacing, adjusting, and aiming small bulbs and lights.

Lesson 18: A/C and Heating Systems. Air conditioning components and service; belt tension and adjustment; service gauges; compressor oil; refrigerant; compressor clutch; condenser; evaporator; blower and controls; temperature; leak detection; heater parts, components and service; troubleshooting the heater and air conditioner.