CAREER PATHWAY
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
CIP Code 47.0604
Pennsylvania's Targeted Industry Cluster:
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
Potential Careers
49-2096
Electronic Equipment Installers & Repairers, Motor Vehicles
49-3023
Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics
National and State Occupational Outlook Trends (Based on Department of Labor and Industry Reports)
United States
Automotive Service Technicians/Mechanics
Pennsylvania
Automotive Service Technicians/Mechanics
Employment
2010
2020
723,400
848,200
Employment
2008
2018
39,150
40,350
Percent
Change
¹Job
Openings
2011 Median Annual
Wage
+17%
31,170
$36,200
Percent
Change
¹Job
Openings
2011 Median Annual
Wage
+3%
900
$34,700
¹Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement
Automotive Technicians and Mechanics
 Test drive vehicles, and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and
computerized diagnostic devices.
 Examine vehicles to determine extent of damage or malfunctions.
 Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
 Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel
systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
 Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems, and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
 Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
 Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine-cooling, and electrical systems.
 Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
 Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
 Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
Skills and Abilities
 Equipment Maintenance/Repair — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of
maintenance is needed; repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
 Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
 Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
 Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
 Operation Control/Monitoring — Controlling operations of equipment or systems; watching gauges, dials, or other indicators.
 Critical Thinking/Reasoning — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions
or approaches to problems; apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
 Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking
questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
 Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and
implement solutions.
 Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in
one position.
 Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
 Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or
assemble very small objects.
 Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong; problem recognition.
 Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate,
or assemble objects.
 Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while
sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
 Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
 Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
 Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Character Traits for Workplace Success
 Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
 Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and
problems.
 Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
 Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
 Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and
exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
 Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative
attitude.
 Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
 Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
 Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding
aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
 Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
 Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no
supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Somerset County Technology Center - Program of Study/Units of Instruction (3-Year Program)
Unit Number & Title
100 – Orientation
500 – Suspension And Steering
200 – Safety
600 – Brakes
300 – Tools/Fasteners
700 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
400 – Certifications
800 – General Engine Diagnosis
High School Courses Recommended For Career And Technical Education Students
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
English I
English II
English III
English IV
Algebra I or Geometry
Geometry or Algebra II
Biology I
Chemistry I
Algebra II, Trigonometry
or Pre-Calculus
Physics
Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry or
Calculus
AP Science
Geography/State History
World History
American History
Economics/Government
Required Electives:
PE, Art/Music, Foreign Language,
Computer Technology
Required Electives:
PE, Foreign Language,
Computer Technology
Required Electives:
PE
Required Electives:
PE
Career and Technology
Scope and Sequence
Career and Technology
Scope and Sequence
Career and Technology Scope
and Sequence
Program’s Math Skill Level
 Students must be able to complete math curriculum (10th – 12th) that incorporates a basic understanding of
Automotive Technology Applied Math. This includes whole number addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division. Students should know basic algebra, ratios, decimals, percentages, fractions, and metric conversions.
Certifications/Licensures
Pennsylvania Skills Certificate (NOCTI)
Pennsylvania State Automotive Safety Inspection Technician
Safety and Pollution Prevention (S/P2)
Section 609 Certification for Refrigerant Recycling and Recovery
Continuing Education/College Options
Articulation Agreements
•
Commonwealth Technical Institute
•
Community College of Allegheny County
•
Community College of Philadelphia
•
Delaware County Community College
•
Harrisburg Area Community CollegeHarrisburg
•
Johnson College
•
Luzerne County Community College
•
Northampton County Area Community
College
•
Penn College of Technology
(an affiliate of Penn State)
•
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Additional College/Continuing Education Options
Students who complete the Automotive Technology curriculum can earn college
credit. SCTC’s Automotive Technology program has articulation agreements with
colleges across Pennsylvania through the SOAR program. For more information on
the SOAR program, please visit: http://www.techlinkpa.com
Prerequisites, Safety, and Equipment Requirements
 Approved Safety Glasses (with side shields)
 Leather work shoes (no nylon or fabric panels)
 Cotton or Cotton Blend Coveralls
 Hats are permitted in the shop while working.
 Mechanical aptitude permitting safe use of hand tools and
specialty equipment.
 Awareness of environmental issues involving hazardous materials
 Willingness to adhere to SCTC Shop Safety requirements and
appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
Program Details
 Theory Structure
− Instructor lecture- approximately five hours per week.
− Small groups and individual tasks weekly.
− Read and write vehicle repair invoices and speak in a professional manner.
 Textbook and Supplemental Reading Materials
− Automotive Excellence Vol. 1 (hard back)
− Technical Application (job sheets)
− Academic Applications (math, science, and communication)
− Various texts and print material (post-secondary reading level)
− Various electronic and Internet based materials (post-secondary reading level)
 Lab Experience
− Write vehicle repair invoices
− Diagnose, troubleshoot and repair vehicles
− Cooperative Education (paid work experience)
 Homework
− Students are expected to complete tasks within the set completion dates. At times this requires students to complete tasks
outside of the school day but this is rare.
− Projects and some personal project preparation are also required outside of the school day.
 Co-op Requirements (Grades 11-12)
− Satisfactory attendance records
− “C” average
− Instructor’s recommendation
− Transportation
CUSTOMIZED ASSESSMENT BLUEPRINT
AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS TECHNOLOGY PA
Test Code: 7837
Version: 01
Specific competencies and skills tested in this assessment:
Orientation
Demonstrate the use of service information
Identify vehicle by: sight, V.I.N., and/or ID tag
Safety
Demonstrate the ability to secure vehicles on jack stands and hydraulic lifts
Demonstrate the ability to safely set-up/shut-down oxygen acetylene welding equipment
Identify chemical safety, “Right-To-Know Laws” and Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Identify and demonstrate the safe use of hand tools
Identify and demonstrate the safe use of power tools
Identify and demonstrate the safe use of protective clothing and equipment
Identify and demonstrate the safe use of fire protection equipment
Identify and demonstrate the safe use of shop equipment
Explain EPA and OSHA regulations
Tools/Fasteners
Demonstrate the ability to correctly read and interpret automotive measuring tools
Suspension and Steering
Complete work order to include customer information, vehicle identifying information, customer concern, related
service history, cause, and correction
Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine necessary action
Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as suspension and steering system operation, vehicle
service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins
Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS)
Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets
Inspect and replace rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots
Determine proper power steering fluid type; inspect fluid level and condition
Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system
Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump belt
Inspect and replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm and mountings, and steering linkage
damper
Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps
Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine
necessary action
Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine necessary action
Remove, inspect, and install upper and/or lower ball joints
Automotive Mechanics Technology PA (continued)
Suspension and Steering (continued)
Remove, inspect, and install stabilizer bar bushings, brackets, and links
Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut
bearing mount
Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers
Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings
Lubricate suspension and steering systems
Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return
concerns; determine necessary action
Perform pre-alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height; perform necessary action
Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on the alignment machine; perform four-wheel alignment by checking and
adjusting front and rear wheel caster, camber; and toe as required; center steering wheel
Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns, check and adjust air pressure; determine necessary action
Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action
Diagnose tire pull problems; determine necessary action
Brakes
Identify and interpret brake system concerns; determine necessary action
Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as brake system operation, vehicle service history, service
precautions, and technical service bulletins
Measure brake pedal height, travel, and free play (as applicable); determine necessary action
Remove, bench bleed, and reinstall master cylinder
Inspect brake lines, flexible hoses, and fittings for leaks, dents, kinks, rust, cracks, bulging or wear; tighten loose
fittings and supports; determine necessary action
Replace brake lines, hoses, fittings, and supports
Fabricate brake lines using proper material and flaring procedures (double flare and ISO types)
Select, handle, store, and fill brake fluids to proper level
Bleed and/or flush brake system
Test brake fluid for contamination
Diagnose poor stopping, noise, vibration, pulling, grabbing, dragging or pedal pulsation concerns; determine
necessary action
Remove, clean, inspect, and measure brake drums; determine necessary action
Refinish brake drum; measure final drum diameter
Remove, clean, and inspect brake shoes, springs, pins, clips, levers, adjusters/self-adjusters, other related brake
hardware, and backing support plates; lubricate and reassemble
Inspect and install wheel cylinders
Pre-adjust brake shoes and parking brake; install brake drums or drum/hub assemblies and wheel bearings
Clean and inspect caliper mounting and slides/pins for operation, wear, and damage; determine necessary action
Remove, inspect and replace pads and retaining hardware; determine necessary action
Clean, inspect, and measure rotor thickness, lateral runout, and thickness variation; determine necessary action
Refinish rotor off vehicle; measure final rotor thickness
Install wheel, torque lug nuts, and make final checks and adjustments
Inspect the vacuum-type power booster unit for leaks; inspect the check valve for proper operation; determine
necessary action
Remove, clean, inspect, repack, and install wheel bearings and replace seals; install hub and adjust bearings
Identify and inspect electronic brake control system components; determine necessary action
Diagnose electronic brake control system electronic control(s) and components by retrieving diagnostic trouble
codes, and/or using recommended test equipment; determine necessary action
Bleed the electronic brake control system hydraulic circuits
Test, diagnose, and service electronic brake control system speed sensors (digital and analog), toothed ring (tone
wheel), and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM)/digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) (includes output
signal, resistance, shorts to voltage/ground, and frequency data)
Identify traction control/vehicle stability control system components
Automotive Mechanics Technology PA (continued)
Electrical/Electronic Systems
Identify and interpret electrical/electronic system concerns; determine necessary action
Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as electrical/electronic system operation, vehicle service
history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins
Diagnose electrical/electronic integrity of series, parallel and series-parallel circuits using principles of electricity
(Ohm’s Law)
Use wiring diagrams during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems
Demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM) during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems, including:
source voltage, voltage drop, current flow, and resistance
Check electrical circuits with a test light; determine necessary action
Locate shorts, grounds, opens, and resistance problems in electrical/electronic circuits; determine necessary action
Measure and diagnose the cause(s) of excessive parasitic draw; determine necessary action
Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses; determine necessary action
Inspect and test switches, connectors, relays, solenoid solid state devices, and wires of electrical/electronic circuits;
perform necessary action
Perform solder repair of electrical wiring
Identify location of hybrid vehicle high voltage circuit disconnect (service plug) and safety procedures
Perform battery state-of-charge test; determine necessary action
Perform battery capacity test; confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application; determine necessary action
Maintain or restore electronic memory functions
Inspect, clean, fill, and/or replace battery, battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs
Perform battery charge
Start a vehicle using jumper cables or an auxiliary power supply
Perform starter current draw tests; determine necessary action
Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine necessary action
Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids; determine necessary action
Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or no-crank condition
Perform charging system output test; determine necessary action
Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests; determine necessary action
Diagnose the cause of brighter than normal, intermittent, dim, or no light operation; determine necessary action
Inspect, replace, and aim headlights and bulbs
Inspect and diagnose incorrect turn signal or hazard light operation; perform necessary action
Inspect and test gauges and gauge sending units for cause of abnormal gauge readings, determine necessary action
Diagnose incorrect horn operation; perform necessary action
Diagnose incorrect wiper operation; diagnose wiper speed control and park problems; perform necessary action
Diagnose incorrect washer operation; perform necessary action
Diagnose incorrect operation of motor-driven accessory circuits; determine necessary action
Engine Performance
Identify and interpret engine performance concern; determine necessary action
Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as engine management system operation, vehicle service
history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins
Inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks; determine necessary action
Diagnose abnormal engine noise or vibration concerns; determine necessary action
Diagnose abnormal exhaust color, odor, and sound; determine necessary action
Perform engine absolute (vacuum/boost) manifold pressure tests; determine necessary action
Perform cylinder power balance test; determine necessary action
Perform cylinder cranking and running compression tests; determine necessary action
Perform cylinder leakage test; determine necessary action
Diagnose engine mechanical, electrical, electronic, fuel, and ignition concerns; determine necessary action
Verify engine operating temperature; determine necessary action
Automotive Mechanics Technology PA (continued)
Engine Performance (continued)
Perform cooling system pressure tests; check coolant condition; inspect and test radiator, pressure cap, coolant
recovery tank, and hoses; perform necessary action
Retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes, OBD monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes when
applicable
Diagnose the causes of emissions or drivability concerns with stored or active diagnostic trouble codes; obtain, graph,
and interpret scan tool data
Diagnose emissions or drivability concerns without stored diagnostic trouble codes; determine necessary action
Inspect and test computerized engine control system sensors, powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM),
actuators, and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM)/digital storage oscilloscope (DSO); perform
necessary action
Access and use service information to perform step-by-step diagnosis
Perform active tests of actuators using a scan tool; determine necessary action
Describe the importance of running all OBDII monitors for repair verification
Diagnose ignition system related problems such as no-starting, hard starting, engine misfire, poor drivability, spark
knock, power loss, poor mileage, and emissions concerns; determine necessary action
Inspect and test ignition primary and secondary circuit wiring and solid state components; test ignition coil(s);
perform necessary action
Diagnose hot or cold no-starting, hard starting, poor drivability, incorrect idle speed, poor idle, flooding, hesitation,
surging, engine misfire, power loss, stalling, poor mileage, dieseling, and emissions problems; determine
necessary action
Inspect and test fuel pumps and pump control systems for pressure, regulation, and volume; perform necessary action
Inspect throttle body, air induction system, intake manifold and gaskets for vacuum leaks and/or unmetered air
Inspect and test fuel injectors
Perform exhaust system back-pressure test; determine necessary action
Diagnose oil leaks, emissions, and drivability concerns caused by the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system;
determine necessary action
Diagnose emissions and drivability concerns caused by the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system; determine
necessary action
Inspect and test catalytic converter efficiency
Diagnose emissions and drivability concerns caused by the evaporative emissions control system; determine
necessary action
Inspect and test mechanical/electrical fans, fan clutch, fan shroud/ducting, air dams, and fan control devices; perform
necessary action
Perform engine oil and filter change
Automotive Mechanics Technology PA (continued)
Written Assessment:
Administration Time: 3 hours
Number of Questions: 200
Areas covered:
2%
2%
2%
20%
23%
25%
26%
Orientation
Safety
Tools/Fasteners
Suspension and Steering
Brakes
Electrical/Electronic Systems
Engine Performance
Sample Questions:
Where does a technician find wheel torque specifications?
A.
unit repair manual
B.
computerized service information system
C.
wheel weight chart
D.
decal under the hood
Acetylene gas becomes unstable above
A.
4 psi
B.
8 psi
C.
12 psi
D.
15 psi
When checking for parallelism on a disc brake rotor, the technician should use a
A.
protractor
B.
micrometer
C.
dial indicator
D.
linear caliper
When bench bleeding a master cylinder, the technician should bleed
A.
front or nose end outlet
B.
rear or pedal side outlet
C.
both outlets simultaneously
D.
crossbleed outlets
Which of the following circuits has two or more paths for the current to follow?
A.
series circuit
B.
parallel circuit
C.
open circuit
D.
split phase circuit
Automotive Mechanics Technology PA (continued)
Performance Assessment:
Administration Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Jobs:
6
Areas Covered:
6%
Identification of Parts
Identify suspension and steering parts, identify brake parts, identify electrical/electronic
parts, identify engine performance parts, and time to complete Job 1.
24%
Disc Brake Assembly Service
Remove caliper mounting bolts, replace brake pads in vehicle, record caliper mounting
bolt torque specs, remount the torque caliper, measure and record rotor thickness, record
manufacturer’s discard specs, set up rotor on lathe land refinish surface, measure and
record rotor thickness, post cut, determine usability of rotor, and time to complete Job 2.
12%
Tire Service and Balance
Dismount the tire from the wheel, mount replacement tire on wheel, inflate tire to 28 psi,
balance tire and wheel assembly, and time to complete Job 3.
18%
Perform Fuel System Pressure Test
Look up and record fuel pressure specs, install fuel pressure tester, power up fuel pump,
inspect for leaks, record fuel pressure, start engine, observe, record regulated pressure,
compare regulated fuel pressure to specs, perform a leak down test, drain and disconnect
test equipment, and time to complete Job 4.
27%
Test and Diagnose Battery, Starting, and Charging System
Perform open circuit voltage test, look up and record battery load test specs, perform
battery capacity test, record findings, look up and record starter draw specs, perform
starter draw test, record findings, perform ground circuit voltage drop test, record
findings, look up and record manufacturer’s alternator output specs, perform alternator
output test and record findings, record alternator recommendations, and time to complete
Job 5.
13%
Test Electronic Engine Control Components
Retrieve and document numerical trouble codes, use service manual to identify trouble
code(s) set, identify and locate trouble code components, do not clear codes or repair, and
time to complete Job 6.
Sample Job:
Identification of Parts
Maximum Job Time:
20 minutes
Participant Activity:
The participant will identify each part laid out on the workbench
and write in the name of the part beside the corresponding number.