Automotive Electrical Systems

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Class
AUMT 1307

An overview of automotive electrical systems, including topics in operational theory, testing, diagnosis, and repair of batteries, charging and starting systems, and electrical accessories. Emphasis on electrical schematic diagrams and service manuals. May be taught manufacturer-specific.

 

STUDENT BEHAVIOR/CLASSROOM DECORUM:  Students are encouraged to discuss, inquire, and express their thoughts and views during class.  Classroom behavior that interferes with either the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of students to benefit from the instruction is not acceptable.  Students are required to turn off all cell phones or similar electronic devices (or place them on silent mode) before coming into the classroom.  The instructor reserves the right to assign no credit for work on that day if a student talks or texts on a cell phone or similar electronic device.  The classroom is not a place for children, and students are not to bring their family members into the classroom. 

NETIQUETTE POLICY: This term is used to describe accepted, proper behavior on the Internet. Remember the following when communicating online (messages, discussion board, etc.): 

  • Never post profanity, racist, or sexist messages 
  • Be respectful of fellow students and instructors 
  • Never insult any person or their message content 
  • Never plagiarize or publish intellectual property 
  • Do not use text messaging abbreviations or slang 
  • Do not type in all CAPS (this is considered online yelling) 

PROGRAM DRESS CODE:

Your appearance in the program must model industry expectations on a daily basis. The entire dress code will be covered during safety training. The following items are the minimum requirements for this course:

  1. Belt, if required, to hold your pants up; should not have a metal buckle
  2. No loose-fitting clothing
  3. No wallet chains, keys, cell phone holders
  4. Remove jewelry
  5. Tie long hair back or keep it under a shop-type cap
  6. Appropriate work boots/shoes are recommended

 

If you are caught without safety glasses, you will lose your daily points for the day as your first warning (you will not be allowed in the shop). On the second warning, you will be dismissed from class for that day. On the third warning, you will have to report to the Dean to discuss why you are not complying with this important safety rule.

Course Length
16, 8, and 5 week term offerings
Format for Delivery
F-2-F
Course Learning Objectives

Students completing this course will be able to utilize safety procedures; define basic electrical principles; interpret wiring schematics and symbols; explain the operation of batteries, starting/charging systems, and automotive circuits; use test equipment; and perform basic electrical repairs.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 

  1. Explain Current, Voltage, and resistance
  2. Describe Ohms law and how it applies to automotive electrical systems
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of Series, parallel, and series/parallel circuits
  4. Demonstrate proper usage of a DVOM and knowledge of the various settings
  5. Utilize DSO in obtaining waveforms and compare them to known good waveforms to determine faults
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in reading and interpretation of automotive wiring schematics
  7. Demonstrate various wiring repair techniques
  8. Apply various skills in the diagnosis and repair of vehicle electrical faults in the shop setting.
  9. Explain how to safely work around and diagnose Hybrid and EV power systems
  10. Identify various electrical/electronic components and how they operate
  11. Explain the relationship between electricity and magnetism
  12. Demonstrate knowledge of how batteries function and how to diagnose, charge, replace, and jump-start them.
  13. Demonstrate knowledge of Charging and starting systems, as well as automotive lighting and accessory systems.

 

Required Textbooks

Today's Technician: Basic Automotive Service and Systems, Classroom Manual and Shop Manual 6th edition

By Chris Hadfield, John Witthauer

E-book included with Cengage Unlimited subscription, required for all AUMT courses. 

COPYRIGHT POLICY:  Unless a student has obtained permission from the copyright holder, it is a violation of Copyright Law to print or photocopy chapters from a textbook that the student did not purchase. If the course requires the use of an electronic textbook, a student must look for a statement that allows for photocopying and/or printing of the eTextbook.

Evaluation Standards

Student success is measured by assessment techniques aligned to course goals and learning outcomes. A variety of techniques may be used, including but not limited to objective exams, written reports, performance charts, portfolios, oral presentations or demonstrations, and group projects. Individual faculty members are responsible for designing evaluation instruments to measure student mastery of course goals and learning outcomes and for indicating the nature of such instruments in the instructor’s class requirements.

ASSESSMENT MEASURES

  1. Quizzes, including pop quizzes
  2. Written tests, including a final exam
  3. Performance evaluations applicable to hands-on tasks
  4. Homework assignments
  5. Modules assigned as classwork
  6. Lab sheets assigned as classwork
  7. Supplemental evaluation including, but not limited to, participation/attendance

 

Written Tests:  Acceptable written evaluations shall be completed with a minimum score of; 80% or higher.  Safety-related written tests may require a higher score for mastery, and curriculum-specified best practices will be followed.

 

Performance Evaluations:  Acceptable and safe completion of performance evaluations will be determined by the instructor according to accepted industry standards and the specified criteria. Performance evaluations meeting minimum industry standards will earn a grade of 70% (C or Satisfactory).  Those exceeding “minimum” acceptance standards may earn higher grades subject to the instructors’ approval. Students not meeting minimum acceptance standards must repeat each unacceptable performance evaluation until minimum skills are achieved. Students unable to meet minimum acceptance standards may be assigned an “F” grade for any incomplete competencies. However, all specified competencies MUST be completed to receive credit for this course and any incomplete competencies may result in an “F” in the course.

 

Supplemental evaluations may include safe practices, student participation, quizzes, time management, workplace skills, and other instructor specified content.

 

GRADING REQUIREMENTS:

 30% Labsheet assignment completion

25% Skills test including final skills test

20% Written tests, including a final exam

10% Quizzes, including pop quizzes

  5% Assignments, including e-learning modules, review questions, etc.

  5% Participation in class and lab (affected by absences)

  5% Properly following safety procedures and proper clean up of lab area

Absences

ATTENDANCE POLICY:  It is the student’s responsibility to maintain regular contact with instructors.  Class attendance is the responsibility of the student.  All students must be officially enrolled in any course that they attend.  It is expected that students attend all classes and be on time.  If an absence occurs, it is the responsibility of the student for making up examinations, obtaining lecture notes, and otherwise compensating for what may have been missed.  Students who stop attending class and do not officially drop, withdraw, or resign from the college may receive a grade of “F” for all coursework missed.  Absences affect performance in this course and do not reflect well on participation.  No student may substitute the attendance of another student.

 

Students should frequently check Canvas (Learning Management System) for notifications and updates to the course. Students are expected to use the online resources provided by WC to:  

1. Track course assignments and progress  

2. Discuss topics and issues with fellow students  

3. Turn in assignments, quizzes, and tests 

4. Check for any updates, changes or alterations to the course  

5. Access all course materials to include presentations, assignments, quizzes, and tests. 

Instructional Methods

Lecture, demonstrations, lab experiences.

 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of electrical/electronic systems, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
  • Perform tasks to diagnose and repair automotive engine and power train systems.
  • Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive suspension and steering systems.
  • Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of hydraulic  and anti-lock brake systems.
Grading Standards

GRADING SCALE:

A         90-100%

B         80-89%

C         70-79%

D         60-69%

F          59% below

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Student Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual Property Rights:  A student shall retain all rights to work created as part of instruction or using College District technology resources.

SCANS

The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified competencies in the area of Resources, Interpersonal, Information, Systems, and Technology; and foundation skills in the areas of Basic Skills and Personal Qualities. This course is part of a program in which each of these competencies and skills are integrated.

SCANS Competencies and Foundations

 

 

 

Automotive Electrical Systems

   

 

 

RESOURCES

 

 

 

C1     Allocates Time

 

 

 

C2     Allocates Money

 

 

 

C3     Allocates Material & Facility Resources

X

 

 

C4     Allocates Human Resources

 

 

 

INFORMATION

 

 

 

C5     Acquires & Evaluates Information

X

 

 

C6     Organizes & Maintains Information

X

 

 

C7     Interprets & Communicates Information

X

 

 

C8     Uses Computers to Process Information

 

 

 

INTERPERSONAL

 

 

 

C9     Participates as a Member of a Team

X

 

 

C10    Teaches Others

X

 

 

C11     Serves Clients Customers

 

 

 

C12    Exercises Leadership

X

 

 

C13    Negotiates to Arrive at a Decision

 

 

 

C14    Works with Cultural Diversity

X

 

 

SYSTEMS

 

 

 

C15    Understands Systems

X

 

 

C16    Monitors & Corrects Performance

X

 

 

C17    Improves & Designs Systems

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY

 

 

 

C18    Selects Technology

x

 

 

C19    Applies Technology

x

 

 

C20    Maintains & Troubleshoots Technology

x

 

 

BASIC SKILLS

 

 

 

F1     Reading

X

 

 

F2    Writing

 

 

 

F3     Arithmetic

X

 

 

F4     Mathematics

 

 

 

F5     Listening

X

 

 

F6     Speaking

X

 

 

THINKING SKILLS

 

 

 

F7     Creative Thinking

X

 

 

F8     Decision Making

X

 

 

F9     Problem Solving

X

 

 

F10    Seeing Things in the Mind's Eye

 

 

 

F11    Knowing How to Learn

X

 

 

F12    Reasoning

X

 

 

PERSONAL QUALITIES

 

 

 

F13    Responsibility

X

 

 

F14    Self-Esteem

X

 

 

F15    Social

 

 

 

F16    Self-Management

X

 

 

F17    Integrity/Honesty

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources.

 

C1 Time: Selects goal-relevant activities, ranks them, allocates time, and prepares and follows schedules.

 

C2 Money: Uses or prepares budgets, makes forecasts, keeps records, and makes adjustments to meet objectives.

 

C3 Materials and Facilities: Acquires, stores, allocates, and uses materials or space efficiently.

 

C4 Human Resources: Assesses skills and distributes work accordingly, evaluates performance, and provides feedback.

 

  

 

Information: Acquires and uses information.

 

C5 Acquires and evaluates information.

 

C6 Organizes and maintains information.

 

C7 Interprets and communicates information.

 

C8 Uses computers to process information.

 

  

 

Interpersonal: Works with others.

 

C9 Participates as a member of a team: Contributes to group effort.

 

C10 Teaches others new skills.

 

C11 Serves Clients/Customers: Works to satisfy customers’ expectations.

 

C12 Exercises Leadership: Communicates ideas to justify position, persuades and convinces others, and responsibly challenges existing procedures and policies.

 

C13 Negotiates: Works toward agreements involving the exchange of resources; resolves divergent interests.

 

C14 Works With Diversity: Works well with men and women from diverse backgrounds.

 

  

 

Systems: Understands complex interrelationships.

 

C15 Understands Systems: Knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and operates effectively with them.

 

C16 Monitors and Corrects Performance: Distinguishes trends, predicts impacts on system operations, diagnoses system’s performance, and corrects malfunctions.

 

C17 Improves or Designs Systems: Suggests modifications to existing systems and develops new or alternative systems to improve performance.

 

  

 

Technology: Works with a variety of technologies.

 

C18 Selects Technology: Chooses procedures, tools, or equipment, including computers and related technologies.

 

C19 Applies Technology to Task: Understands overall intent and proper procedures for setup and operation of equipment.

 

C20 Maintains and Troubleshoots Equipment: Prevents, identifies, or solves problems with equipment, including computers and other technologies.

 

  

 

Basic Skills: Reads, writes, performs arithmetic and mathematical operations, listens, and speaks.

 

F1 Reading: Locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules.

 

F2 Writing: Communicates thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing; creates documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts.

 

F3 Arithmetic: Performs basic computations; uses basic numerical concepts such as whole numbers, etc.

 

F4 Mathematics: Approaches practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques.

 

F5 Listening: Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues.

 

F6 Speaking: Organizes ideas and communicates orally.

 

  

 

Thinking Skills: Thinks creatively, makes decisions, solves problems, visualizes, knows how to learn, and reasons.

 

F7 Creative Thinking: Generates new ideas.

 

F8 Decision Making: Specifies goals and constraints, generates alternatives, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses the best alternative.

 

F9 Problem Solving: Recognizes problems and devises and implements plan of action.

 

F10 Seeing Things in the Mind’s Eye: Organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects, and other information.

 

F11 Knowing How to Learn: Uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills.

 

F12 Reasoning: Discovers a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and applies it when solving a problem.

 

  

 

Personal Qualities: Displays responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, integrity, and honesty.

 

F13 Responsibility: Exerts a high level of effort and perseveres toward goal attainment.

 

F14 Self-Esteem: Believes in own self-worth and maintains a positive view of self.

 

F15 Sociability: Demonstrates understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in group settings.

 

F16 Self-Management: Assesses self accurately, sets personal goals, monitors progress, and exhibits self-control.

 

F17 Integrity/Honesty: Chooses ethical courses of action.
SCH Hours
3
Revised
Fall 2023