MIDLAND COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DEMR 1305
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
2-4
Course Description:
An introductory course designed to provide the
student with basic knowledge of proper servicing
practices. Content includes record keeping and
condition of major systems.
Text, References and Supplies:
Modern Diesel Technology: Electricity and
Electronics, 2nd EditionJoseph Bell
End-of-Course Outcomes:
Apply preventative maintenance practices; perform
preventative maintenance on systems; and practice
appropriate record keeping.
A. GENERAL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DIAGNSOSIS
1. Read, interpret, and diagnose,
electrical/electronic circuits using wiring diagrams.
2. Check continuity in electrical/electronic circuits
using appropriate test equipment.
3. Check applied voltages, circuit voltages, and
voltage drops in electrical/electronic circuits using a
digital multimeter (DMM).
4. Check current flow in electrical/electronic
circuits and components using a digital multimeter
(DMM) or clamp-on ammeter.
5. Check resistance in electrical/electronic circuits
and components using a digital multimeter (DMM).
6. Find shorts, grounds, and opens in
electrical/electronic circuits.
7. Diagnose parasitic (key-off) battery drain
problems.
8. Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers,
relays, solenoids, and fuses; replace as needed.
9. Inspect and test spike suppression
diodes/resistors; replace as needed.
B. BATTERY DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR
1 MIDLAND COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DEMR 1305
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
2-4
1. Perform battery load test; determine needed
action.
2. Determine battery state of charge using an open
circuit voltage test.
3. Inspect, clean, and service battery; replace as
needed.
4. Inspect and clean battery boxes, mounts, and hold
downs; repair or replace as needed.
5. Charge battery using slow or fast charge method
as appropriate.
6. Inspect, test, and clean battery cables and
connectors; repair or replace as needed.
7. Jump start a vehicle using jumper cables and a
booster battery or auxiliary power supply using
proper safety procedures.
C. STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS AND
REPAIR
1. Perform starter current draw test; determine
needed action.
2. Perform starter circuit cranking voltage and
voltage drop tests; determine needed action.
3. Inspect, test, and replace components (key
switch, push button and/or magnetic switch) and
wires in the starter control circuit.
4. Inspect, test, and replace starter relays and
solenoids/switches.
5. Remove and replace starter; inspect flywheel ring
gear or flex plate.
D. CHARGING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS AND
REPAIR
1. Diagnose instrument panel mounted volt meters
and/or indicator lamps that show a no charge, low
charge, or overcharge condition; determine needed
action.
2. Diagnose the charge of a no charge, low charge,
or over-charge condition; determine needed action.
2 MIDLAND COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DEMR 1305
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
2-4
3. Inspect, test, and replace alternator drive belts,
pulleys, fans, tensioners, and mounting brackets.
4. Perform charging system voltage and amperage
output test; determine needed action.
5. Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests;
determine needed action.
6. Remove and replace alternator.
7. Inspect, repair, or replace connectors and wires in
the charging circuit.
8. Diagnose AC voltage leakage (failed rectifier) at
alternator output; determine needed action.
E. LIGHTING SYSTEMS DIAGNOSIS AND
REPAIR
1. HEADLIGHTS, DAYTIME RUNNING
LIGHTS, PARKING, CLEARANCE, TAIL, CAB
AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS
1. Diagnose the cause of brighter than normal,
intermittent, dim, or no headlight and daytime
running light (DRL) operation.
2. Test, aim, and replace headlights.
3. Test headlight and dimmer circuit switches,
relays, wires, terminals, connectors, sockets and
control components; repair or replace as needed.
4. Inspect and test switches, bulbs/LEDs, sockets,
connectors, terminals, relays and wires of parking,
clearance, and taillight circuits; repair or replace as
needed.
5. Inspect and test instrument panel light circuit
switches, relays, bulbs, sockets, connectors,
terminals, wires, and printed circuits/control
modules; repair or replace as needed.
6. Inspect and test interior cab light circuit switches,
bulbs, sockets, connectors, terminals, and wires;
repair or replace as needed.
7. Inspect and test tractor-to-trailer multi-wire
connector(s); repair or replace as needed.
2. STOPLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HAZARD
LIGHTS, AND BACK-UP LIGHTS
3 MIDLAND COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DEMR 1305
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
2-4
1. Inspect, test, and adjust stoplight circuit switches,
bulbs/LEDs, sockets, connectors, terminals and
wires; repair or replace as needed.
2. Inspect and test turn signal and hazard circuit
flasher(s), switches, relays, bulbs/LEDs, sockets,
connectors, terminals, and wires; repair or replace
as needed.
3. Inspect, test, and adjust backup lights and
warning device circuit switches, bulbs/LEDs,
sockets, horns, buzzers, connectors, terminals, and
wires; repair or replace as needed.
4. Inspect and test gauge circuit sending units,
gauges, connectors, terminals, and wires; repair or
replace as needed.
5. Inspect and test warning devices (lights and
audible) circuit sending units, bulbs/LEDs, sockets,
connectors, wires, and printed circuits/control
modules; repair or replace as needed.
6. Inspect, test, replace, and calibrate (if applicable)
electronic speedometer, odometer, and tachometer
systems.
G. RELATED ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
1. Diagnose the cause of constant, intermittent, or
no horn operation; determine needed action.
2. Inspect and test horn circuit relays, horns,
switches, connectors, and wires; repair or replace as
needed.
3. Diagnose the cause of constant, intermittent, or
no wiperoperation; diagnose the cause of wiper
speed control and/or park problems; determine
needed action.
4. Inspect and test wiper motor, resistors, park
switch, relays, switches, connectors, and wires;
repair or replaceas needed.
5. Inspect wiper motor transmission linkage, arms,
and blades; adjust or replace as needed.
6. Inspect and test windshield washer motor or
pump/relay assembly, switches, connectors,
terminals, and wires; repair or replace as needed.
4 MIDLAND COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DEMR 1305
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
2-4
7. Inspect and test sideview mirror motors, heater
circuit grids, relays, switches, connectors, terminals,
and wires; repair or replace as needed.
8. Inspect and test heater and A/C electrical
components including: A/C clutches, motors,
resistors, relays, switches, connectors, terminals,
and wires; repair or replace as needed.
9. Inspect and test auxiliary power outlet, integral
fuse, connectors, terminals, and wires; repair or
replace as needed.
10. Diagnose the cause of slow, intermittent, or no
power side window operation; determine needed
action.
11. Inspect and test motors, switches, relays,
connectors, terminals, and wires of power side
window circuits; repair or replace as needed.
12. Inspect block heaters; determine needed repairs.
13. Inspect and test cruise control electrical
components; repair or replace as needed.
14. Inspect and test engine cooling fan electrical
control components; repair or replace as needed.
Student Contributions and
Class Policies:
Evaluation of Students:
1. Student/ Participant must sign, date and turn in
(as intention of compliance a copy of DIESEL
TECHNOLGY POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES.
2. Student/ Participant must furnish a set of
approved safety eye glasses.
3. Student/Participant must understand class
attendance is critical; therefore, three consecutive
absences or five total absences may be considered
justification for failure or dismissal from class.
4. Punctuality, being prepared for class, being alert,
participating pro-actively and exhibiting a
respectful and appropriate attitude will be required.
Chapter Questions
Participation
Lab Tasks & Final Exam
Total
5 40%
10%
50%
100%
MIDLAND COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DEMR 1305
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
2-4
90 and above
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 and below
Course Schedule:
SCANS Information:
A
B
C
D
F
This class meets for 2 lecture hours and 4 lab hours
per week.
SCANS skills are taught and/or reinforced in
automotive courses. The student must locate,
read,interpret and understand instruction
information and direct materials. The participant
must communicate thoughts, ideas and
information through verbal and written mediums.
Practical arithmetic and mathematics will apply
continually
throughout automotive technology training.
Listening, interpreting, and responding to verbal
communications and instructions as well as
speaking in response to questioning will be a daily
Involvement. Thinking, reasoning, visualizing and
problem solving are required assets to the
automotive technician. The student/participant must
display responsibility, self-management and
honesty.
Instructor Information:
Pete Avalos
E-Mail: pavalos@midland.edu
(432) 620-0246
(432)681-6344
Fax (432) 620-0297
James McCutcheon
E-Mail: jmccutcheon@midland.edu
(432) 620-0246
Fax (432) 620-0297
Administrative Information:
Curt Pervier, Division Chair
Applied Technology
Lisa Tanner, Division Secretary
6 MIDLAND COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DEMR 1305
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
2-4
Applied Technology
(432) 685-4676
Fax: (432) 685-6472
Helen Arrieta, Division Clerk
Applied Technology
(432) 685-4664
Fax: (432) 685-6472
Students should feel free to contact the instructor at any time. Appointments are encouraged for
advising and planning the most appropriate or beneficial course work.
Students with Disabilities Midland College provides services for students with disabilities through Student Services. In order to receive accommodations, students must place documentation on file with the Counselor/Disability Specialist. Students with disabilities should notify Midland College prior to the beginning of each semester. Student Services will provide each student with a letter outlining any reasonable accommodations. The student must present the letter to the instructor at the beginning of the semester. Federal Statement Students MUST actively participate by completing an academic assignment required by the instructor by the official census date. Students who do not actively participate in an academically‐related activity will be reported as never attended and dropped from the course. 7