Technology & Engineering Division
Automotive Technology
I. Program Description
A. Program Description and History
Fullerton College Automotive Technology has been producing skilled
automotive technicians since the first graduating class of 1958. Former
students are working all over the world from Orange County to Saudi Arabia.
Many have become managers, shop owners, or automobile corporation
employees.
Fullerton College Automotive Technology started instruction in 1956 with
one instructor and four students using part of the Machine Tool building. The
new (current) building was designed for two instructors, and was completed in
1960. Starting in 1967, the department employed four full-time instructors,
and has for the most part continuously done so.
The program became certified by the National Technician Education
Foundation (NATEF), the educational arm of the National Institute for
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in 1990. We are certified at the highest
(Master) level.
Recertification is required at five-year intervals. We have just completed our
third recertification. The results were very positive; some areas received
substantial accolades from the inspection team, and approval was received.
All core classes have been developed to ASE/NATEF Standards, and course
revisions are prepared to comply with these standards.
The program also operated in close affiliation with the State of California
Smog Referee Program. The State rents space from the department to provide
a referee station for failing or specialized vehicles. This provides an
opportunity for students to observe customer relations and emissions
diagnostics, and also provides well-paid employment for student trainees. We
see this as an important linkage with the automotive industry.
All instructors, full-time and adjunct, are ASE certified; all are certified
Master Technicians.
B. Program Goals
The major goal of the Automotive Technology program is to produce entrylevel technicians and service advisors for the automotive service and repair
industry. For some students this may be their first major employment; for
others this is retraining for a change of occupation due to unemployment or
personal preference. The program also provides the opportunity to upgrade
those already employed.
Program Review
1
The program also provides numerous sections of an introductory class that
serves auto-related industries, consumers, and serves as a feeder for advanced
classes. This class is also transferable to four-year institutions.
In order to provide the above, it is necessary to:
1. Develop and maintain contact with the automotive industry and
industry groups such as ASE, Orange County Auto Dealers Association,
the Automotive Service Council (AC), and Specialty Equipment
Manufacturers Association (SEMA),. This provides the opportunity to
maintain and improve our curriculum to accurately reflect the
occupational needs of the student and the community.
2. Maintain and improve our classrooms, laboratories, and equipment to
conform to industry standards.
3. Staff our program with faculty members who are experienced,
certified, and who can provide quality instruction in automotive
technology
C. Linkage of instructional goals and learning outcomes to program
outcomes. As a result of participation in the program, students will have
the following areas of skills and knowledge:
1. Understand and apply personal and professional requirements of the
automotive workplace, e.g.: Professional appearance, positive attitude,
punctuality, problem solving, appropriate behavior, communication
and teamwork, honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior, freedom from
alcohol and drugs, and continuous learning.
2. Understanding of technology of the automobile, and apply this
understanding in diagnosing and repairing the automobile.
3. Ability to use service manuals and computer databases in diagnosing
and repairing the automobile.
4. Ability to diagnose problems and make necessary repair
recommendations, explain the problem and recommendations to the
customer, and summarize diagnosis and repair recommendations in
writing.
5. Ability to perform repairs to manufacturer’s standard.
D. Program Degrees and Certificates Offered: The requirements for degrees
and certificates are listed in the Fullerton College Catalog.
Program Review
2
A.S. Degree in Automotive Technology.
Vocational Certificates:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Automotive Chassis Specialist
Automotive Maintenance Specialist
Automotive Management
Automotive Service Advisor
Automotive Technology
Automatic Transmission Specialist
Fabrication Specialist
Light Repair Specialist
Manual Drive Train Specialist
E. Program Degrees and Certificate Requirements
1. The Automotive Technology Certificate Program requires the
completion of units chosen from required courses. A minimum grade
of “C” is required in each course taken. At lease one half of the units
towards the certificate must be completed at Fullerton College. (See
Attached Golden Rod Form)
2. The Associate in Science Degree Requirements are: (See Spring Class
Schedule for requirements.)
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Associate in Science Degree
Curriculum leads to the Associate in Science Degree and employment in
automotive specialties: tune-up and electrical, engine repair, automatic
transmissions, brakes and suspensions, power trains, air conditioning, service
writing, parts control.

Complete 24 or more units from the following list: Units
Any Automotive course MACH 116 F Machine Tools 2 TECH 081 F Technical
Mathematics I 3 WELD 121AF Introduction to Welding 2

Automatic Transmission Specialist Certificate
The Automatic Transmission Specialist Certificate program requires a total of
18 units in required courses. This program will help the student become employed
as an automatic transmission specialist.

Required Courses (18 units) Units
Program Review
3
AUTO 050 F Automotive Specialty Practice 2 AUTO 065 F Automotive
Electrical & Electronic Systems 5 AUTO 084 F Automatic Transmission 8
AUTO 086 F Automatic Transmission Fundamentals 3

Automotive Chassis Specialist Certificate
The Automotive Chassis Specialist Certificate program requires a total of 14
units of which 14 units are in required courses.

Required Courses (14 units) Units
AUTO 050 F Automotive Specialty Practice 2 AUTO 065 F Automotive
Electrical & Electronic Systems 4 AUTO 083 F Brake and Suspension Systems
Repair 8
Total Units: 14

Automotive Maintenance Specialist Certificate
The Automotive Maintenance Specialist Certificate program requires a total of
16 units of which 16 units are in required courses. This program will help the
student become employed as an entry level automotive maintenance specialist.

Required Courses (17 units) Units
AUTO 050 F Automotive Specialty Practice 2 AUTO 065 F Automotive
Electrical & Electronic Systems 4 AUTO 082 F Engine Performance/Driveability
8 AUTO 089 F Automotive Air Conditioning 3
Total Units: 17

Automotive Management Certificate
The Automotive Management Certificate program leads to entry-level
employment in dealerships, service establishments, or automotive centers. The
certificate also assists students who will be starting self-employment in the auto
industry. The emphasis is on automotive management rather than automotive
repair.
The Automotive Management Certificate program requires a total of 50 units of
which 45 units are in required courses. An additional 5 units must be chosen from
restricted electives listed below.
Required Courses (45 units) Units
AUTO 055 F Automotive Business Management 5
AUTO 060 F Automotive Powertrains 5
AUTO 065 F Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems 5
AUTO 081 F Engine Rebuilding and Repair 8
AUTO 082 F Engine Performance and Drivability 8
AUTO 083 F Brake and Suspension Systems Repair 8
AUTO 084 F Automatic Transmissions 8
Program Review
4
AUTO 086 F Automatic Transmission Fundamentals 3
AUTO 089 F Automotive Air Conditioning 4
COUN 141 F Career Exploration 1

Restricted Electives (5 units) Units
AUTO 051 F Internship in Automotive 1-4
BUS 151 F Business Mathematics 3
BUS 180 F Small Business Management 3
BUS 266 F Human Relations in Business 3
CIS 100 F Intro to Personal Computers 3
ET 100 F Intro to Environmental Technology 3
MACH 116 F Machine Tools 2
TECH 081 F Technical Mathematics I 3
Total Units: 50

Automotive Service Advisor Certificate
The Automotive Service Advisor Certificate program requires a total of 16 units
of which 11 units are in required courses. An additional 5 units must be chosen
from the restricted units listed below.

Required Courses (11 units) Units
AUTO 055 F Automotive Business Management 5
BUS 180 F Small Business Management 3
CIS 100 F Intro to Personal Computers 3

Restricted Electives (5 units) Units
AUTO 050 F Automotive Specialty Practice 2
AUTO 131 F Automotive Fundamentals 4
BUS 266 F Human Relations in Business 3
Total Units: 16

Automotive Technology Certificate
The Automotive Technology Certificate program requires a total of 32 units of
which 28 units are in required courses. An additional 4 units must be chosen from
the restricted units listed below. A minimum grade of “C” is required in each
course taken. At least half the units toward the certificate must be taken at
Fullerton College.

Required Courses (28 units) Units
AUTO 050 F Automotive Specialty Practice 2
AUTO 060 F Automotive Powertrains 6
AUTO 065 F Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems 4
AUTO 070 F Engine Reconditioning 7
AUTO 072 F Automotive Engine Performance 7
Program Review
5
AUTO 073 F Brake Systems Repair 7
AUTO 081 F Engine Rebuilding and Repair 8
AUTO 082 F Engine Performance and Drivability 8
AUTO 083 F Brake and Suspension Systems Repair 8
AUTO 084 F Automatic Transmissions 8
AUTO 086 F Automatic Transmission Fundamentals 3
AUTO 088 F Fuel Systems and Adv. Drivability Diagnosis 5
AUTO 089 F Automotive Air Conditioning 3
AUTO 090 F Emission Control Sys. and Adv. Diagnosis 6
AUTO 091 F Cylinder Head Repair 4

Restricted Electives (4 units) Units
MACH 116 F Machine Tools 2
DRAF 070 F Blueprint Reading for the Metal Trades 2
WELD 121AF Introduction to Welding 2
WELD 121BF Fundamentals of Inert Gas Welding 2
Total Units: 32

Emission Control Specialist Certificate
The Emission Control Specialist Certificate program requires a total of 16 units
of which 16 units are in required courses. This program will help the student
become employed as an auto motive emissions testing and repair specialist and
provide opportunities to study toward National Institute of Automotive
Excellence (ASE) certification and toward the State of California emission control
license examination.

Required Courses (16 units) Units
AUTO 050 F Automotive Specialty Practice 2
AUTO 082 F Engine Performance and Drivability 8
AUTO 090 F Emission Control Sys. and Adv. Diagnosis 6
Total Units: 16

Engine Performance Specialist Certificate
The Engine Performance Specialist Certificate program requires a total of 16
units of which all units are in required courses. This provides preparation for
advanced entry level employment as an automotive technician who will specialize
in engine performance diagnosis and drivability problem repair, and will also
qualify the student to take the National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE) A6 Electrical and Electronics and A8 Engine Performance
examinations.

Required Courses (16 units) Units
AUTO 065 F Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems 4
AUTO 082 F Engine Performance and Drivability 8
Program Review
6
AUTO 088 F Fuel Systems and Adv. Drivability Diagnosis 4
Total Units: 16

Fabrication Specialist Certificate
The Fabrication Specialist Certificate program requires a total of 17 units of
which 17 units are required courses. This certification will be an important first
step toward gaining employment in the automotive fabrication area where it is
necessary to design and manufacture parts as well as repair them.

Required Courses (17 units) Units
AUTO 055 F Automotive Business Management 5
AUTO 065 F Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems 4
DRAF 171 F Fundamentals of Drafting 2
MACH 116 F Machine Tools 2
WELD 121AF Introduction to Welding 2
WELD 121BF Fundamentals of Inert Gas Welding 2
Total Units: 17

Light Repair Specialist Certificate
The Light Repair Specialist Certificate program requires a total of 16 units of
which 16 are in required courses. Completion of this program will help the
graduate find entry level employment as an automotive light repair specialist.

Required Courses (16 units) Units
AUTO 050 F Automotive Specialty Practice 2
AUTO 065 F Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems 4
AUTO 073 F Brake Systems Repair 7
AUTO 089 F Automotive Air Conditioning 3
Total Units: 16

Manual Drive Train Specialist Certificate
The Manual Drive Train Specialist program requires a total of 12 units of which
all units are in required courses. This program will help provide skills necessary
to obtain employment in the area of manual transmission, transaxle, driveline, and
axle repair. Students will study the material necessary to take the National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) examinations in Manual Drive
Train Axle repair and in Auto motive Electricity and Electronics.

Required Courses (12 units) Units
AUTO 050 F Automotive Specialty Practice 2
AUTO 060 F Automotive Powertrains 6
AUTO 065 F Automotive Electrical & Electronic Systems 4
Program Review
7
Total Units: 12
F. Program Courses Offered
1. Auto 131 Automotive Fundaments
2. Auto 050 Automotive Specialty Practice
3. Auto 051 Internship in Automotive
4. Auto 055 Automotive Business Management
5. Auto 060 Automotive Powertrains
6. Auto 065 Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
7. Auto 070 Engine Reconditioning
8. Auto 072 Automotive Engine Performance
9. Auto 073 Brake Systems Repair
10. Auto 081 Engine Rebuilding and Repair
11. Auto 082 Automotive Engine Performance and Drivability
12. Auto 083 Brake and Suspension Systems Repair
13. Auto 084 Automatic Transmissions
14. Auto 086 Automatic Transmission Fundamentals
15. Auto 088 Fuel Systems and Advanced Drivability Diagnosis
16. Auto 089 Automotive Air Condition
17. Auto 090 Emission Control Systems and Advance Diagnosis
18. Auto 091 Cylinder Head Repair
19. Auto 096 Performance Technology
G. Program Faculty
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Robert Berryhill
Robert Gordon
David Lopez
Victor Miranda
John Farley, Shop Manager
Three additional Adjunct Faculty
H. Program Advisory Committee
1. William Brown, Brown Sun Technical
2. Dallas Hazleton, Retired FC Automotive Instructor
3. Keith Jones, Fullerton College
4. John O’Cain, Air Resources Board
5. Greg Ramirez, Referee
6. Mike Russell, NOCROP, Sonora High School
7. Daniel Waltman, Bureau of Auto Repair
8. Alan Vester, Fairway Ford (Service Manager/Shop Foreman)
9. Fred Vinton, Bureau of Auto Repair
10. Robert (Bob) Wenzlaff, Retired FC Automotive Instructor/Coordinator
11. Charles Zepeda, Auto Instructor; NOCROP, Sunny Hills High School
Instructor
Program Review
8
II. Program Key Performance Indicators
A. (Attached data sheet institutional research to the report)
III. Program Outcomes Analysis
A. Report on Status of Previous Review Outcomes Analysis
Since the last review, we have brought up to full staffing with four-full time
instructors. Additional courses and certificates have been added to the
program to meet needs of our students and employers.
The facility has been improved with the addition of three hoists, three-foot
high floor hoists and one additional work station under the roof which was
part of the addition. Various equipment items have been added or replaced old
equipment. Classrooms have been equipment with PowerPoint/video/DVD
projection equipment which is also linked with on-line computer capabilities
that greatly facilitates instruction ease and efficiency, new Hunter alignment
equipment DPS-400 and rack, boring bar, and Scan tools updated.
The NATEF recertification team noted that in order to train students for the
current market, some of our diagnostic equipment needs to be replaced with
current equipment as used by local shops, typically Windows computer based
machines.
A very serious need still exists for additional classroom space which will
incorporate classrooms dedicated to the subject matter. At present, only one
actual classroom exists for eight areas of instruction. Each presentation must
have all teaching materials brought in before class, then moved out after the
class (while the incoming class is being set up). Additional storage space is
needed for instructional equipment and student projects.
If three to four additional classrooms were added with supporting instructional
equipment, this would allow a comprehensive supply of appropriate teaching
materials to facilitate instruction in each classroom, and students learning
could be improved.
B. Summary of Data – Recommend Evaluation of Data
Program Access:
The 2008-2009 data provided shows 232 auto majors with a total enrollment
of 558 students. FC Auto Tech intends to maintain or improve this enrollment
by improving contact with feeder high schools, ROP’s and employers. A
Program Review
9
videotape presentation has been made to facilitate presentations and to leave
with high school auto teachers and counselors.
We believe that program access is greatly facilitated by the relatively large
number of courses or classes (listed as 14 courses and 37 total classes in the
Health Indicators Sheet). Classrooms are nearly 100% booked during both day
and evening hours.
Program Resources:
Department relies upon funding from lottery, base budget, referee program,
and occasional augmentations from instructional equipment money.
Program Success:
Students typically enter the Auto Tech program to obtain skills for
employment. Many leave for employment as soon as they become employable
at an entry level. Although there is no hard data on the level of employment,
our advisory committee, some of who employ our students, estimates
placement at 95%.
With high employment demand, few students stay to finish degree or
certificate requirements.
C. Identification of Trends
The automotive industry is becoming increasingly technical. Nearly all
functions are electronic or electronically controlled by on-board computers,
which are also used in self-diagnostics. Emissions are more closely monitored
than in the past, and the necessity to pass emissions on a biannual basis causes
a need for precision maintenance and repair. New diagnostic equipment is
required to address these issues.
The personal computer is taking a larger role in auto repair and in training
students for their occupation. Diagnostic equipment is increasingly important.
It must be noted, however, that hands-on work, beginning on school-owned
lab units, and progressing to customer cars, is the focus of our program, and
computer diagnostics serve to help the student technician accomplish this
goal.
Classroom presentation methods are changing here as elsewhere. As
mentioned previously, our classroom is equipped with PowerPoint/video
projection. As a follow-up, we expect that some instruction is computer –
based with access during class time to CD-ROM based training.
D. Immediate Short-Term Plans
Program Review
10
Implementing the following suggestions will help to support our curriculum:
Budget for new equipment: As identified by the NATEF review team, acquire
new diagnostic equipment for the increasingly electronic automobile.
Add storage space for better organization of teaching aids and student
projects.
Investigate and acquire updated classroom presentation materials, both CDROM based and video, as available. Upgrade present student computer work
stations and increase the number of computers available for study and
researching diagnostic problems, with accompanying software.
Acquire additional alignment equipment with hoist due to increased alignment
demands on newer vehicles.
Continue emphasizing the need for staff to engage in ongoing development of
their technical knowledge by attending conferences and technical
seminar/workshops, and self-study. Increase research of grant funds to help in
this capacity, working closely with the Career Technical Education Counselor.
E. Long-Term Plans
A larger facility will allow us to do a more effective job and also attract
manufacturer’s training programs. We have tried to accomplish this in the
past, but lack of space always led to the location of their programs at another
community college.
The remodeling of the existing building will increase capability and capacity
through new construction incorporating dedicated classroom/labs with
adequate demonstrations space, and needed teaching materials, both
demonstration and units and student lab units. These classrooms should have
adjacent storage space for teaching aids and space for instructors to develop
specialized teaching materials, whether presentation material or specialized
laboratory demonstration materials. The facility will need proper heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning, as well as an additional classroom.
Parking for customer cars, donated vehicles, and vehicles under repair will
also need to be increased possibly using three-high stacked storage lifts for
vehicles.
F. Request for Resources
Market the program to appropriate audiences. This activity has been initiated
at the Division Level in a very minor way recently. Funding at the campus
Program Review
11
level for marketing vocational programs is an important priority. High school
campus visitations; Career Day information booth; Professional activities such
as the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA); College Career Days.
As with other Technology and Engineering Divisions, quality instruction is
dependent on current equipment and software. Replacement of equipment
continues to be an important priority, as is continuing software annual
upgrading for both auto computer lab and diagnostic machine software.
Software upgrades consume an increasing larger part of our limited budget
every year.
Staff upgrading on a continuing basis will be emphasized. Travel funding for
attending automotive conferences and technical programs is a high priority. At
the present time, due to California State budget constraints, the travel funds
are limited or non-existent.
Obtaining additional lab units for student practice can sometimes be
accomplished through automobile manufacturers. We intend to continue
making use of our linkages with the automotive industry. Our recent NATEF
recertification will help in this endeavor. Grant funding when it addresses our
needs will also be utilized.
The greatest need is for a new facility with dedicated classrooms and
supporting equipment.
State Referee money is still viable at this time and the money is used to
purchase needed equipment as the budget will allow, but the State Referee
program could be eliminated.
Delco Remy has expressed interest in continuing to use our facility to train
and update technicians in the industry on electrical components. In return they
donate various instructional equipment and new technical material.
IV.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Trends
A. Strengths
1. All the instructors have extensive industry experience, all are Master
Technicians, and have high level degrees.
2. The department receives strong support from the Division Dean and
the College Administration.
3. The Automotive Program has equipment that is at or exceeds in most
cases industry standards.
4. High enrollment
Program Review
12
B. Weakness
1. The facility is small as compared to most of the automotive programs
in the State. We are the second smallest.
2. We have no room for growth.
3. We have no major manufacturers support. i.e. Ford, Honda, Toyota,
etc.
4. We lack classroom space to make all subject areas dedicated
classrooms. i.e. a classroom for Brakes and Suspension, Electrical,
Engine Performance, etc.
5. Lack of funding for development of Hybrid vehicles class but with the
possibility of a grant or possibly the VTEA funds we may be able to
implement this class.
C. Trends
1. Automotive industry for decades has had a high demand for highly
skilled technicians.
2. There has been a shortage of trained technicians.
3. There has been an interest in performing your own repairs on a vehicle
with no real interest in becoming a technician.
4. Strong Retention
D. Opportunities
1. The economy has effected an interest in becoming an automotive
technician because of high layoffs.
2. The closing of thousands of dealerships throughout the United States
has not affected the repair industry.
3. Skilled technicians typically can move from one repair facility to
another.
4. To develop Hybrid class. Currently have training and material
available.
5. The parts industry is strong and there is a demand for parts personnel.
Program Review
13