Active Outline

General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
AUTOD092C
Course Title (CB02)
Automotive Electronic Chassis Controls
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Course Description
This course covers computer-controlled automotive suspension and steering systems, including repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, and service procedures.
Faculty Requirements
Discipline 1
[Automotive Technology]
FSA
[FHDA FSA - AUTO TECH]
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This CTE, CSU transferable course is a recommendation from industry advisory committees to help better prepare students to diagnose and repair automotive electronic chassis controls. It is also required for ASE Education Foundation certification. It is a stand-alone course.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to CSU only

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
2.0
Maximum Credit Units
2.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.53.0
Laboratory Hours1.50.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
18.0
Laboratory
18.0
Total
36.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
36.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
36.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

  • ESL D272. and ESL D273., or ESL D472. and ESL D473., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.
  • Elementary algebra or equivalent (or higher), or appropriate placement beyond elementary algebra

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

(Approved Automotive Technology Course Sequence Contract required.)

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

In-class exploration of Internet sites

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Homework and extended projects

Assignments

  1. Reading from text and handouts
  2. Journal of lab activities
  3. Written research project

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Weekly multiple choice and/or essay questions of 10-15 questions that cover the topic discussed in class. Tests will be graded and scored with points awarded for each correct answer.
  2. A hands-on performance exam given at the end of the quarter that will be similar to several of the activities completed in class. Points will be given for each task done correctly.
  3. A comprehensive final exam of 50-100 multiple choice and/or essay questions. Tests will be graded and scored with points awarded for each correct answer.
  4. Written research project covering class material to be presented in class.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Required hand tools
  • Safety glasses
  • Textbook and reference materials
  • Notebook
Essential College Facilities:
  • Automotive chassis lab

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
James D. HaldermanAutomotive Chassis SystemsPearson2021 / 8th edition9780135758748

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

None.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Define the basic design and operation of electronic controlled suspension and steering systems.
  • Classify the different types of systems.
  • Describe the accepted industry techniques for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of these systems.
  • Evaluate system problems by diagnosis/troubleshooting
  • Test electronic circuits
  • Demonstrate the use of vehicle self diagnosis to gather information.

CSLOs

  • Test and diagnose components of electronically controlled suspension systems using a scan tool; determine necessary action.

Outline

  1. Define the basic design and operation of electronic controlled suspension and steering systems.
    1. ECC systems
      1. ECC components - their general purpose
      2. Complete ECC system
      3. Basic operating principles
    2. Electronic control
      1. Computer input
      2. Computer output
      3. Sensors/switches, relays
      4. Wiring diagrams
    3. Electronic steering systems (ESS)
      1. ESS components - their general purpose
      2. Complete ESS system
      3. Basic operating principles
  2. Classify the different types of systems.
    1. Air supported system (ASS)
    2. Electronic level control (ELC)
    3. Electronic variable shock absorber (EVSA)
    4. Electronic controlled suspension (ECS)
    5. Auto adjust suspension (AAS)
  3. Describe the accepted industry techniques for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of these systems.
    1. Air compressor/drier
      1. Air compressor type and construction
      2. Air compressor operation
      3. Air compressor maintenance and repair
    2. Height sensor
      1. Height sensor type and construction
      2. Height sensor operation
      3. Height sensor maintenance and repair
    3. Electronic control module (ECM)
      1. ECM type and construction
      2. ECM operation
      3. ECM maintenance and repair
    4. Actuator systems
      1. Actuator type and construction
      2. Actuator operation
      3. Actuator maintenance and repair
  4. Evaluate system problems by diagnosis/troubleshooting
    1. Actuator
    2. ECM
    3. Height sensor
    4. Air compressor
  5. Test electronic circuits
    1. Compressor circuit check
    2. ECM circuit checks
    3. Actuator circuit checks
    4. Accelerator switch checks
    5. Angle sensor circuit checks
    6. Speed sensor circuit checks
    7. Brake fluid pressure sensor circuit checks
    8. G sensor circuit checks
    9. Height sensor circuit checks
    10. Solenoid valve circuit check
    11. Stepper motor circuit checks
    12. Throttle-position sensor checks
  6. Demonstrate the use of vehicle self diagnosis to gather information.
    1. On-board trouble codes
    2. Scanners
    3. Voltage waveforms
    4. Trouble code identification

Lab Topics

  1. Electronic Stability Control Systems
  2. Electronic Suspension Systems
  3. Electronic Suspension Diagnosis
Back to Top