Automotive Technology
Learn to diagnose and repair an engine in just 6 months.
With the hands-on experience and skills you will acquire in our Automotive program, you can turn your passion for the automotive world into a career you can take with you anywhere. And, if you complete your required course work and stay in good standing with the class, we will let you bring in your own vehicle to do course-related “live work” on it.
Get hours of hands-on training with 60% of your time spent in the shop!
Program Overview
Week 1-6
Engine Management
Week 7-12
Drivability Diagnostics
Week 13-18
Drivetrain Systems
Week 19-24
Chassis
Week 25-36
Specialty Program
Get more details on each course below.
The Automotive Technology Job Market Is Hot!
Graduates of our Automotive Technology program head into the industry with more than hands-on experience and a familiarity of industry-standard tools; they also have the backing of a degree from one of the most respected schools in the industry. Many of our graduates are putting their skills to work as mechanics, quick-service techs, and service techs. Although job placement isn’t guaranteed, our career services team works hard with our employer partners to place as many students as possible.
$42,090
U.S. Median Wage (2019)
75,000+
U.S. Job Openings
(2016-2026)
5%-9%
U.S. Job Growth
(2016-2026)
Engine Management
In this phase, we will start off by learning about basic electricity, then move into operating a Digital Multimeter to measure voltage, volt drops, resistance, and amperage. From there, we will progress to the Starting and Charging systems and learn how to diagnose existing problems; explore engine fundamentals; light-duty diesel aids; walk through how the lubrication and cooling systems work in the engine; cover engine component inspections and repair; and prepare you to take the Snap-On Meter certification. Throughout this course, we will be using the latest versions of shop information, including All-Data, Shop-Key, and manufacturer service information systems.
- Onboard diagnostics
- Diesel engine construction and operation
- Powertrain control systems
- Component identification and location of components
- Starting aids operation and diagnosis
Drivability Diagnostics
Using the same tools and diagnostic equipment you will find on the job, you will perform detailed sensor diagnostics, plus use lab scopes and scan tools to diagnose fuel and ignition systems, electric and hybrid technology, and more. You will also get the opportunity to earn certifications on the tools you will be using for diagnostics throughout the Automotive program as a whole.
- Using diagnostic tools
- Examining fuel and ignition systems
- Performing detailed sensor diagnostics
- Light-duty diesel low- and high-pressure fuel system theory and diagnosis
- Common rail injection theory and operation
- Injector theory operation and diagnosis
- Diesel emission component operation and diagnosis
- Forced air induction (fixed and variable turbochargers)
Drivetrain Systems
We start the course with a fully assembled automatic transmission… then immediately tear it down and spend the rest of our time learning how to put it back together correctly. Along the way, we will explore differentials; drivelines; four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive; manual clutches; manual transmissions and transaxles; planetary gears; precision measuring instruments; torque converters; transmission hydraulics and clutches; and removal and reinstallation of a front-wheel-drive transaxle. Upon completion of the transmission rebuild, you will dyno-test the transmission to ensure proper operation of all forward and reverse gears.
- Transaxle replacement/removal
- Electronic transmission diagnostics
- Using precision measuring instruments
Chassis
Get to know everything underneath the vehicle! As part of this section, we get into the heating and air-conditioning systems, teaching you how to work with R-12, R-134A, and newer 1234YF refrigerant systems. You will also get hands-on experience with brake systems, on-car brake surfacing with Pro-Cut equipment (and the ability to acquire a Pro-Cut On-Car certification), computerized four-wheel alignment, fasteners, steering and suspension systems, supplemental inflatable restraint systems (SIR), tires and wheel balancing, wheel bearings, traction control systems, and vibration analysis.
- HVAC repair and maintenance
- Tire and wheel balancing
Specialty Program
Most Automotive students choose Applied Service Management, High-Performance Power Trains, Chassis Fabrication, or Street Rod, all of which are designed to complement the skills you have learned in the Automotive program and help you stand out to employers in the industry.
Industry Certifications Available
- MOPAR Career Automotive program
- Ford ACE program/
- Snap-On
- Pro-Cut
- 525 Multimeter
- Solus Ultra
- Vantage Pro
- Modis
- Ethos
- Shop Key Pro
- 609 EPA Certification
- 10 – ASE Student Certifications