Chabot College
Fall 2005
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 71A
Powertrain and Vehicle Performance I
Catalog Description:
71A – Powertrain and Vehicle Performance I
May be repeated three times
4 Units
Continued study of electrical and electronic systems, including computer management systems,
drivability and vehicle performance diagnosis and repair related to electrical system problems. May
not receive credit if Automotive Technology 71 has been completed. Prerequisites: Automotive
Technology 60A and 61A. 2.5 hours lecture, 5.5 hours laboratory
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
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Identify and interpret electrical/electronic system concern, and determine necessary action;
Diagnose electrical/electronic integrity for series, parallel and series-parallel circuits using
principles of electricity (Ohm’s Law);
Demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM), test lights and fused jumper
wires during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems;
Measure and diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw);
Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses, repair wiring harnesses and
connectors, and perform solder repair of electrical wiring;
Perform battery state-of-charge test; capacity test, and confirm proper battery capacity for
vehicle application;
Perform battery service, perform slow/fast battery charge, inspect and clean battery cables,
connectors, clamps, and hold-downs, repair or replace as needed;
Start a vehicle using jumper cables and a battery or auxiliary power supply;
Perform starter current draw tests, generator (alternator) output tests, circuit voltage drop
tests;
Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids;
Remove and install starters and alternators;
Inspect, adjust, or replace generator (alternator) drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners; check
pulley and belt alignment;
Inspect and test ignition primary and secondary circuit wiring and components
Inspect, test and service distributor;
Inspect and test ignition coil(s)Check and adjust ignition system timing and timing
advance/retard (where applicable);
Inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks;
Diagnose abnormal exhaust color, odor, and sound;
Perform engine vacuum analysis;
Prepare 4 or 5 gas analyzer; obtain exhaust readings, interpret readings and determine
necessary action;
Retrieve and record stored OBD I diagnostic trouble codes; clear codes;
Inspect and test mechanical and electrical fuel pumps and pump control systems for
pressure, regulation and volume, and perform necessary action;
Replace fuel filters;
Check and adjust idle speed and fuel mixture;
Inspect the integrity of the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, muffler(s), catalytic
converter(s), resonator(s), tail pipe(s), and heat shield(s); perform necessary action;
Inspect throttle body, air induction system, intake manifold and gaskets for vacuum leaks
and/or unmetered air;
Diagnose emissions, and drivability problems resulting from malfunctions in the positive
crankcase ventilation (PCV) system.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 71A, Page 2
Fall 2005
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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Diagnose the cause of brighter than normal, intermittent, dim, or no light operation in
lighting systems;
Inspect, replace, and aim headlights and bulbs;
Inspect and diagnose incorrect turn signal or hazard light operation;
Inspect and test gauges and gauge sending units for cause of intermittent, high, low, or no
gauge readings;
Inspect and test sensors, connectors, and wires of electronic instrument circuits;
Diagnose incorrect wiper/washer operation, and perform necessary action;
Diagnose incorrect operation of motor-driven accessory circuits, and determine necessary
action;
Diagnose supplemental restraint system (SRS) concerns; determine necessary action;
Diagnose body electronic system circuits using a scan tool;
Obtain and interpret scan tool data, retrieve and record stored OBD diagnostic trouble
codes;
Inspect and test computerized engine control system sensors, powertrain control module
(PCM), actuators, and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM)/digital storage
oscilloscope (DSO), and perform necessary action;
Access and use service information to perform step-by-step diagnosis;
Diagnose ignition system related problems such as no-starting, hard starting, engine
misfire, poor drivability, spark knock, power loss on vehicles with electronic ignition
systems, and determine necessary action;
Check and adjust ignition system timing and timing advance/retard (where applicable);
Inspect and test ignition system pick-up sensor or triggering devices, and perform
necessary action.
Course Content:
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Electronic Ignition Systems
a. distributor type
b. distributorless type
c. coil-on-plug
Computer Control Systems
Electrical/Electronic Body Control Systems
a. windshield wipers
b. electric windows
c. door locks
d. communication bus system
e. lighting systems
f. supplemental restraint systems
Automotive diagnostic equipment
a. oscilloscopes
b. digital multimeters
c. diagnostic analyzers
d. dynamometer
e. pressure and vacuum gauges
f. specialized test equipment
Chabot College
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 71A, Page 3
Fall 2005
Methods of Presentation:
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Lecture/demonstrations (use of multimedia)
Laboratory
Laboratory work sheets
Guest speakers
Field trips
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Read chapter on Electronic Fuel Injection and Operation and be prepared
to discuss
b. Complete worksheet utilizing information from lecture
c. Demonstrate use of fuel pressure testing equipment.
d. Demonstrate use of the exhaust emission analyzers
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Class participation
b. Performance in the laboratory projects
c. Laboratory work sheets
d. Home work
e. Quizzes
f. Tests on chapter sections.
g. Final examination (written and/or lab practical)
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Automotive Engine Performance, James D. Halderman, Prentice Hall, 2003
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Systems,
Third Edition, James D. Halderman, Prentice Hall, 2001
Special Student Materials:
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Safety glasses
Shop/safety clothing
Three ring folder
SAS 10/2004
AT 71A course outline.doc