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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
AUTO D099B
Course Title (CB02)
Automotive Charging, Ignition and Accessory Systems
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
The fundamentals of automotive electronic devices as they apply to the automotive charging and ignition systems. Emphasis on diagnosis of these systems using test instruments including the oscilloscope. Introduction to automotive accessory systems including wiring and repair techniques. Skill development in the understanding of the electrical wiring diagram networks as provided by manufacturers.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This CTE, CSU transferable course belongs on the Certificate of Achievement-Advanced and AS degree in Automotive Technology. It is also intended to better prepare students for work in the automotive industry in the areas of body electrical diagnosis using wiring diagrams and wiring repair, as advised by our industry advisory committee.

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
7.0
Maximum Credit Units
7.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours4.08.0
Laboratory Hours9.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
108.0
Total
156.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
96.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
96.0

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

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Assignments

  1. Required reading from text and handouts
  2. Lab assignments per National Automotive Technology Education Foundation (NATEF) task list including wire repair, parasitic draw testing, charging system identification and diagnosis including individual component testing.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Multiple-choice quizzes that requires the student to identify proper wire repair and parasitic draw techniques, identify various charging systems, components and the diagnosis of each.
  2. Final exam consisting of multiple-choice questions that requires the student to identify proper wire repair and parasitic draw techniques, identify various charging systems, components and the diagnosis of each.
  3. Lab assignment completion per NATEF task list
  4. Performance Final exam including wire repair, parasitic draw and charging system testing that requires the student to critically analyze and diagnose findings during the exam.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Basic tool set and tune-up tool set
  • Approved shop clothing, safety shoes and safety glasses
Essential College Facilities:
  • Classroom with automotive lab access
  • "Alldata" electronic information system at www.alldata.com
  • "Mitchell on-demand" electronic information system at www.mitchell1.com

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Halderman, James D. "Automotive Electrical and Engine Performance." 7th Edition. Prentice Hall, New York 2016

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
"Alldata" electronic information system at www.alldata.com
"Mitchell on demand" electronic information system at www.mitchell1.com

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Test discrete electronic components
  • Repair wiring harnesses and connections
  • Demonstrate electrical wiring installation skills
  • Identify individual electrical circuits from within a comprehensive electrical wiring diagram
  • Identify the operation of a basic automotive body electrical systems by using only a wiring diagram
  • Service and rebuild an alternator
  • Bench-test an electronic voltage regulator
  • Repair and adjust automotive ignition systems
  • Test, service, adjust, and install a breaker-point distributor
  • Test, service, adjust, and install a pulse-generator and a hall-effect switch distributor
  • Use electronic diagnostic equipment including the oscilloscope to analyze automotive ignition system performance
  • Testing and repair procedures, electronic ignition systems

CSLOs

  • The student will demonstrate the ability to repair a copper strand wire, perform a parasitic draw test, and measure the resistance of various components.

Outline

  1. Test discrete electronic components
    1. Diodes - as check valves and rectifiers
    2. Transistors - as switches
    3. SCR's - as controls
    4. Testing and servicing techniques
  2. Repair wiring harnesses and connections
    1. Soldering irons, rosin-core solder
    2. Crimping and insulating procedures
    3. Testing and servicing techniques
  3. Demonstrate electrical wiring installation skills
    1. Electrical wiring diagrams
    2. Common circuit symbols
    3. Component identification, location, and operation
  4. Identify individual electrical circuits from within a comprehensive electrical wiring diagram
    1. Lamp circuits
      1. Park and headlamps
      2. Brake lamps
      3. Directional and hazard
    2. Steering column switches
      1. Turn signal
      2. Cruise control
      3. Lamp circuits
    3. Troubleshooting system malfunctions
  5. Identify the operation of a basic automotive body electrical systems by using only a wiring diagram
    1. Meter and test-light usage techniques
    2. Wiring diagrams and schematic interpretation
  6. Service and rebuild an alternator
    1. Component identification
    2. Component operation, test procedures, and specifications
    3. Disassembly procedures
    4. Cleaning and inspection procedures
    5. Repair equipment operating procedures
    6. Assembly procedures
    7. Bench testing and installation procedures
  7. Bench-test an electronic voltage regulator
    1. Schematic interpretation and circuit development
    2. Component identification
  8. Repair and adjust automotive ignition systems
    1. Procedures and precautions
    2. Pattern interpretation
  9. Test, service, adjust, and install a breaker-point distributor
    1. Distributors, ignition cables, and spark plugs
    2. Meter testing and synchrograph service
    3. Manufacturers specifications
  10. Test, service, adjust, and install a pulse-generator and a hall-effect switch distributor
    1. Schematic interpretation and circuit development
    2. Component identification
    3. Manufacturers specifications
  11. Use electronic diagnostic equipment including the oscilloscope to analyze automotive ignition system performance
    1. Diagnosis
    2. Service and repair techniques
    3. Manufacturers specifications
  12. Testing and repair procedures, electronic ignition systems
    1. Modules, coils, and wiring
    2. Meter testing and synchrograph service
    3. Manufacturers specifications

Lab Topics

  1. Test discrete electronic components
  2. Repair wiring harnesses and connections
  3. Demonstrate electrical wiring installation skills
  4. Service and rebuild an alternator
  5. Repair and adjust automotive ignition systems
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