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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
AUTO D099C
Course Title (CB02)
Introduction to Engine Performance Systems
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
Electronically controlled automotive systems. Fundamentals of automotive microprocessors and automotive onboard computers. Testing techniques for system input and output devices. Diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repairing the automotive fuel supply system including carburetion and feedback carburetion. Diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repair techniques for no-start conditions. Procedure development for analyzing and repairing common problems of fuel, ignition, electrical and basic engine mechanical systems which affect engine performance of the automobile.
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 ignition systems and diagnosis of these systems, 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)

AUTO D099A

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

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 syllabus
  2. Lab assignments per National Automotive Technology Education Foundation (NATEF) task list including the ignition system, individual component testing, replacement and diagnosis including distributor installation and timing adjustment.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Multiple-choice quizzes that requires the student to identify and diagnose primary and secondary ignition systems including component testing, distributor installation and timing adjustment.
  2. Final exam consisting of multiple-choice questions that requires the student to identify and diagnose primary and secondary ignition systems, including component testing, distributor installation and timing adjustment.
  3. Lab assignment completion per NATEF task list
  4. Performance Final exam including ignition system diagnosis, individual component testing, distributor installation and timing adjustment.

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

  • Explain fuel supply system operation
  • Explain the theory of carburetion
  • Develop testing and repair procedures, carburetion
  • Research electronics and the automotive computer
  • Identify electronic engine control systems
  • Describe feedback carburetion
  • Classify internal combustion engine systems
  • Diagnose engine mechanical condition
  • Analyze battery and cranking systems
  • Analyze and diagnose ignition systems
  • Diagnose and repair fuel supply systems

CSLOs

  • The student will be able to demonstrate the ability to properly install a distributor into an engine, install spark plug wires in the proper firing order and set ignition timing to specifications.

Outline

  1. Explain fuel supply system operation
    1. Automotive fuel types
    2. Fuel pumps
    3. Fuel filters
    4. Testing and servicing techniques
  2. Explain the theory of carburetion
    1. Venturi operation and dynamic pressures
    2. The six basic carburetor circuits
  3. Develop testing and repair procedures, carburetion
    1. Emission standards and specifications
    2. Four-gas analyzer operation and test result interpretation
    3. Specialty tool and equipment procedures
  4. Research electronics and the automotive computer
    1. Electronic circuits
    2. Basic solid-state technology
    3. Zener diodes
    4. Transistors
    5. Microprocessors, computers and logic systems
  5. Identify electronic engine control systems
    1. Computer input sensors and circuits
    2. Computer output actuators and circuits
  6. Describe feedback carburetion
    1. Meter diagnosis and adjustment procedures
    2. Specialty tool and equipment procedures
  7. Classify internal combustion engine systems
    1. The four-stroke cycle
    2. Common engine failure symptoms
  8. Diagnose engine mechanical condition
    1. Compression testing
    2. Leakdown testing
    3. Testing for correct valve timing
  9. Analyze battery and cranking systems
    1. Battery requirements and testing techniques
    2. Cranking circuits and testing techniques
    3. Troubleshooting battery and cranking circuit components
  10. Analyze and diagnose ignition systems
    1. Breaker-point ignition systems
    2. Electronic ignition systems
    3. Basic ignition timing, static timing, dynamic timing Techniques
    4. Troubleshooting and repair procedures
  11. Diagnose and repair fuel supply systems
    1. Carbureted systems
    2. Component testing procedures

Lab Topics

  1. Develop testing and repair procedures, carburetion
  2. Identify electronic engine control systems
  3. Analyze and diagnose ignition systems
  4. Diagnose engine mechanical condition
  5. Diagnose and repair fuel supply systems
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