COURSE SYLLABUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Course Prefix, Number, and Title: AUT 131
Electrical Systems
Semester Hours – lecture/lab/credit: 2-3-3
Course Description: This course is a study of the individual systems and components that when
combined form the entire automobile electrical system. The course includes starting and charging
systems, ignition, engine, chassis, and accessory systems as well as instruction in the proper use of
electrical schematics.
Prerequisite: Tools (see attachment, last page)
Required Textbook: Automotive Technology, Principles, Diagnosis, and Service, Third
Edition, James D. Halderman, Pearson Hall Automotive
Instructor: David Moore
Office Phone: 803-778-6674
Office Number: 480C
Office Hours: As Posted Outside Office
E-Mail Address: moorede@cctech.edu
Teaching/Learning Methodology: This class will be taught through a combination of lectures and
labs. For any class that runs longer than two (2) hours, a ten (10)-minute break will be announced
and observed. Roll call will be taken after each in compliance with the previously stated attendance
policy. At the end of each class or lab, the student is responsible for cleaning up his/her work area.
Dust pans and brushes are provided for this purpose. Good housekeeping practices ensure safe work
areas. The student will be given chapter tests, lab performance/job task sheets, a presentation
assignment, and a final exam. Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Each individual is
expected to do his or her own work. Receiving or giving aid on tests is a violation of classroom
policy. Any student(s) found to be in violation of this policy will have his/her work revoked and
will receive a grade of zero (0) for that work.
Evaluation Method: Grades will be determined on the basis of Chapter Tests, Lab
Performance/Job Task Sheets, a Presentation, and a Final Exam.
Tabulation of Course Grades:
Chapter Tests (2)
Lab Performance/Job Task Sheets (14)
Presentation
Final Exam
25%
25%
25%
25%
Grading Scale: A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = Below 60
Required Instructional Materials: The following items are required for class and/or lab:
1. Textbook
2. Pen/pencil and paper
3. PPE
The student’s protective clothing and protective equipment must be inspected and approved by
the instructor before the student can begin work projects in the lab. Safety glasses and steel toe
boots must be worn. It is a requirement of this class for students to furnish two (2) sets of
coveralls.
Test and Assignment Policy: All tests will begin 10 minutes after the class starts. Tardiness will
not be tolerated and you will not be permitted to take the test, at this time, if not present when the
test starts. If tardy see the instructor. Students must complete requirements (take tests, turn in papers
and projects, give speeches, etc.) on the due date or make acceptable arrangements with their
instructor. If a student does not complete requirements within one week and does not notify the
instructor of extenuating circumstances, a zero will be given. Tests must be taken within one week
unless other arrangements are made with the instructor (Monday-Thursday).
Course Entrance Competencies: Students must be successfully admitted to CCTC and into the
Automotive Technology Program and complete all prerequisites if required.
Course Learning Outcomes/Calendar Agenda:
These learning outcomes are also found in the NATEF TASK LIST:
Electrical Systems
Week One
Syllabus Review
Chapters 31 and 32
1. Electrical Fundamentals.
2. Electrical Circuits.
Week Two Chapter 33 Series-Parallel Circuits
3. Diagnose Electrical/Electronic Integrity for Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits
Using Principles of Electricity (Ohm’s Law).
 Related Job Sheet: Parallel Circuit Worksheets 1, 2, & 3.
4. Diagnose Electrical/Electronic Integrity for Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits
Using Principles of Electricity (Ohm’s Law).
 Related Job Sheet: Series Worksheets 1, 2, & 3.
5. Diagnose Electrical/Electronic Integrity for Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits
Using Principles of Electricity (Ohm’s Law).
 Related Job Sheet: Series-Parallel Circuit Worksheets 1, 2, & 3.
Chapter Test 1 covering Chapters 31-33
Week Three Chapter 34 Digital Meters and Scope Usage.
6. Check Continuity and Measure Resistance in Electrical Circuits and Components Using an
Ohmmeter; Determine Necessary Action.
 Related Job Sheet: Check Electrical Circuits Using an Ohmmeter.
7. Check Electrical Circuits Using Fused Jumper Wire; Determine Necessary Action.
 Related Job Sheet: Circuit Testing Using a Fused Jumper Wire.
8. Demonstrate the Proper Use of a Digital Multimeter (DMM) During Diagnosis of Electrical
circuit Problems.
 Related Job Sheet: Digital Multimeter Use for Electrical Problems.
9. Measure Current Using an Ammeter and Determine Necessary Action.
 Related Job Sheet: Measuring Current Using Ammeter.
10. Measure Source Voltage and Perform Voltage Drop Tests and Determine Necessary Action.
 Related Job Sheet: Measure Voltage Using a Voltmeter.
Chapter Test 2 covering Chapter 34
Week Four Chapter 35 Automotive Wiring and Repair.
11. Repair Connectors and Terminal Ends.
 Related Job Sheet: Connectors and Terminals
12. Inspect and Test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses and determine necessary action.
 Related Job Sheet: Fusible Links, Circuit Breakers, and Fuses.
13. Inspect and test switches, connectors, relays, and wires; determine the necessary action.
 Related Job Sheet: Inspect and Test the Switches.
14. Inspect and test Switches, Connectors, Relays, and Wires; Determine the Necessary Action.
 Related Job Sheet: Inspect Wiring and Connectors
15. Perform Solder Repair of Electrical Wiring.
 Related Job Sheet: Solder Wire Repair
16. Repair Wiring Harness and Connector Repair
 Related Job Sheet: Wire Harness and Connector Repair.
Week Five – Presentations
Final Exam covering Chapters 31-35
Effective Date of Implementation: Fall 201010
REQUIRED AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS
Hammer: 16 oz Ball Peen hammer
Feeler Gauge (blade type): .002” - .040”
.006mm - .070mm
Screwdriver – flat blade type: Stubby 6”, 9”, 12”
Screwdriver – Phillips: Stubby 6”, 12”
Wrench sets - Open end/box end Combination: Standard sizes 5/16” – 3/4”
Metric Sizes 8mm- 19mm
Socket Set ¼” drive: ¼” - 1/2” Standard Depth
¼” – 1/2” Deep Wall
6mm – 12mm Standard Depth
6mm – 12mm Deep Wall
3”, 6” Extensions
Ratchet
Socket Sets:
3/8” Drive:
5/16 “– ¾” Standard Depth
5/16” – ¾” Deep Wall
10mm – 19mm Standard
10mm – 19mm Deep Wall
3”, 5”, 10” Extensions
Ratchet
Spark Plug Sockets 5/8”, 13/16”
Universal Joint
½” Drive Socket set: 10mm – 21 mm Standard and Deep Wall
3/8” - 1” Standard and Deep Wall
3”, 5”, and 10” Extensions, Ratchet, and Breaker Bar
Tool Box: Small case or box to organize tools
Appropriate work clothes
The following are highly recommended but not required:
½” Drive Torque Wrench 50-250 lb/ft range
Digital Multimeter