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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
AUTOD360A
Course Title (CB02)
Electrical Schematic Diagnosis
Course Credit Status
Non-Credit
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
Theory of operation for electrical, electronic, and electromechanical accessory systems. Understanding and using wiring diagrams, schematics, and other diagnostic information to troubleshoot electrical, electronic, and electromechanical systems. Preparation for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) examination in Areas A6, A8, and L1.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This is a noncredit, CTE course and belongs on the Basic Engine Performance Technology Certificate of Completion. It was developed based on essential requirements for California State Smog Technician Licensing and the subsequent fulfillment of NATEF (National Automotive Technician's Education Foundation) accreditation standards. Data from our advisory committee indicates a need for an automotive technician possessing an array of workplace skills as well as a unique blend of academic and technical skills.

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
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
99

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Not transferable

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
0.0
Maximum Credit Units
0.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours4.59.0
Laboratory Hours0.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
54.0
Laboratory
0.0
Total
54.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
108.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
108.0

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

AUTO D360.

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

NONCREDIT: (This is a noncredit enhanced, CTE course.)

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. Outside assignments such as research of an assigned topic
  3. Schematic Worksheets
  4. Multiple choice and/or essay quizzes
  5. A comprehensive and objective final examination.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Weekly objective multiple choice and/or essay quizzes evaluated for accuracy, covering the weeks lecture units, assigned reading, and relative data obtained from assigned research and understanding of schematic worksheets.
  2. Schematic worksheets are graded for accuracy based on a point system.
  3. Comprehensive and objective final examination consisting of multiple choice and/or essay questions.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Safety glasses for laboratory demonstrations
Essential College Facilities:
  • Classroom with access to automotive technology laboratory for demonstrations

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Auto Staff '60A Electrical Schematic Diagnosis 2018' °®¶¹´«Ã½ College, Cupertino, CA 95014
Handouts and worksheets as required

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Halderman, James D. "Diagnosing and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Systems." Seventh Edition. Prentice Hall, New York, 2016.
All Data (http://library.alldatapro.com/alldata/) electronic information system (web based)
Shopkey5 (http://www.shopkey5.com/) electronic information system (web based)

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Identify individual electrical circuits and malfunctions using wiring diagrams.
  • Describe diagnostic procedures for accessory circuits.
  • Explain electrical circuit protection devices.
  • Describe Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Body Control Module (BCM) controlled accessories and subsystems.
  • Explain electrical, electronic, and electromechanical test methods and the equipment used in diagnosis.

CSLOs

  • Analyze an open circuit problem in which all or part of the circuit is inoperative.

Outline

  1. Identify individual electrical circuits and malfunctions using wiring diagrams.
    1. Electrical symbols and wiring diagrams
    2. Diagram styles or formats
    3. Power distribution and grounds
    4. Circuit components-systems and subsystems
    5. Circuit malfunctions
      1. Opens
      2. Shorts
      3. Grounds
      4. Feed-back and signal interference
      5. Unwanted resistance
  2. Describe diagnostic procedures for accessory circuits.
    1. Lighting
    2. Blower and fan circuits
    3. Instrument panels
    4. Power windows
    5. Power seats
    6. Cruise control
    7. Keyless entry and anti-theft
    8. Airbags
  3. Explain electrical circuit protection devices.
    1. Fuses
    2. Circuit breakers
    3. Fusible links
    4. Cartridge fuse links (or fuse)
    5. Megafuses
  4. Describe Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Body Control Module (BCM) controlled accessories and subsystems.
    1. Climate control (Heating, Ventilation, and air conditioning: HVAC)
    2. Cooling fans
    3. Cruise control
    4. Antitheft
  5. Explain electrical, electronic, and electromechanical test methods and the equipment used in diagnosis.
    1. Electrical circuit tracing
      1. Logical circuit tracing and problem solving; understanding and tracing the schematic
      2. Current flow and voltage drop from B+ to ground
    2. Measuring
      1. Voltage drop
      2. Current draw
      3. Component resistance
    3. Vacuum-operated accessory systems
      1. Headlamp doors
      2. Heater and air conditioning controls
    4. Electrical tools and test equipment (Use of meters, test lights, and other basic equipment)
      1. Test lights (including LED's)
      2. Power Probe
      3. Logic probe
      4. DMM (Digital Multi-Meter
      5. Short finder
      6. Current probe
      7. Graphing DMM and lab scope
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