Chabot College
Fall 2012
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 6A
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals
Catalog Description:
6A – Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals
4.0 Units
Automotive Electrical and Electronic fundamentals including: Ohm’s Law, basic electrical
circuits, components, battery, starting, charging, and basic wiring systems, electrical
components and the use of basic wiring diagrams for trouble shooting systems, repair of wiring
circuits and correct use of diagnostic equipment. Prerequisite: Automotive Technology 50 (may
be taken concurrently) or equivalent. 2.5 hours lecture, 5.5 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: Lecture 43.75; Laboratory 96.25]
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course, the student should be able to:
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demonstrate safe working conditions and practices;
use common automotive shop equipment safely;
identify and recognize common automotive tools and equipment;
identify fasteners;
discuss automotive engine fundamentals;
perform vehicle fluid services;
access and use service information;
demonstrate proper use of metric and standard micrometers;
demonstrate proper use of a volt/ohmmeters;
select the appropriate automotive fluid for the selected application;
use appropriate methods for hazardous waste handling and disposal;
identify potential areas of employment in the automotive industry;
describe basic electricity;
complete work orders to meet industry and Bureau of Automotive Repair standards;
perform basic vehicle maintenance.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. identify and interpret electrical/electronic system concern, and determine necessary
action;
2. diagnose electrical/electronic integrity for series, parallel and series-parallel circuits using
principles of electricity (Ohm’s Law, Watts Theory);
3. demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM), test lights, logic probes, and
fused jumper wires during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems;
4. measure and diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw);
5. inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses, repair wiring harnesses and
connectors, and perform solder repair of electrical wiring;
6. perform battery state-of-charge test, capacity test, and confirm proper battery capacity for
vehicle application;
7. perform battery service, perform slow/fast battery charge, inspect and clean battery
cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs, repair or replace as needed;
8. start a vehicle using jumper cables and a battery or auxiliary power supply;
9. perform starter current draw tests, generator (alternator) output tests, circuit voltage drop
tests;
10. inspect and test starter relays and solenoids;
11. remove and install starters and alternators;
Chabot College
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 6A, Page 2
Fall 2012
12. inspect, adjust, or replace generator (alternator) drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners;
check pulley and belt alignment.
Course Content (Lecture)
1. Fundamentals of basic electricity/electronics
2. Rules and principles of magnetism and how it relates to relays, solenoids, motors,
alternators
3. Battery systems
4. Starter systems
5. Charging systems
6. Diagnostic equipment (digital multimeter, battery testers, ignition analyzers)
7. Electrical/electronics troubleshooting
8. Hazardous material handling
9. Parasitic on car battery testing
10. Shop safety and safety practices
Course Content (Laboratory)
1. Demonstrate proper shop safety and working practices, including tools and equipment,
and hazardous waste handling
2. Perform Ohm’s Law calculations
3. Perform Watts Theory calculations
4. Identify circuit types
5. Identify electrical system components
6. Perform wire and terminal repairs
7. Perform battery tests utilizing appropriate test equipment
8. Perform charging system tests utilizing appropriate test equipment
9. Perform starting system tests utilizing appropriate test equipment
10. Demonstrate multimeter usage
11. Perform voltage drop tests
Methods of Presentation:
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Lecture (utilization of multimedia)
Demonstration
Guest speakers
Laboratory
Field trips
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Read chapter on Circuits
b. Complete review quiz at the end of chapter
c. Complete laboratory assignments using service information, lecture materials, and
text
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Class participation
b. Performance on the laboratory projects
c. Homework
d. Quizzes
e. Midterm exam
Chabot College
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 6A, Page 3
Fall 2012
f. Final examination
g. Practical examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical, Electronic, and Computer
Systems, Fifth Edition, James D. Halderman, Prentice Hall, 2010
Special Student Materials:
1. Safety glasses
2. Shop/safety clothing
KWS09282011
ATEC 6A course outline.doc