Chabot College

Course Outline for Automotive Technology 71B, Page 1

Fall 2005

Chabot CollegeFall 2005

Course Outline for Automotive Technology 71B

Powertrain and Vehicle Performance II

Catalog Description:

71B – Powertrain and Vehicle Performance II4 Units

May be repeated three times

Continued study of electrical/electronic and fuel control systems, including engine management systems, emission control systems, emissions testing, drivability and vehicle performance diagnosis and repair. May not receive credit if Automotive Technology 71 has been completed. Prerequisites: Automotive Technology 71A

2.5 hours lecture, 5.5 hours laboratory

Prerequisite Skills:

Before entering the course the student should be able to:

  1. Diagnose the cause of brighter than normal, intermittent, dim, or no light operation in lighting systems;
  2. Inspect, replace, and aim headlights and bulbs;
  3. Inspect and diagnose incorrect turn signal or hazard light operation;
  4. Inspect and test gauges and gauge sending units for cause of intermittent, high, low, or no gauge readings;
  5. Inspect and test sensors, connectors, and wires of electronic instrument circuits;
  6. Diagnose incorrect wiper/washer operation, and perform necessary action;
  7. Diagnose incorrect operation of motor-driven accessory circuits, and determine necessary action;
  8. Diagnose supplemental restraint system (SRS) concerns; determine necessary action;
  9. Diagnose body electronic system circuits using a scan tool;
  10. Obtain and interpret scan tool data, retrieve and record stored OBD diagnostic trouble codes;
  11. Inspect and test computerized engine control system sensors, powertrain control module (PCM), actuators, and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM)/digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), and perform necessary action;
  12. Access and use service information to perform step-by-step diagnosis;
  13. Diagnose ignition system related problems such as no-starting, hard starting, engine misfire, poor drivability, spark knock, power loss on vehicles with electronic ignition systems, and determine necessary action;
  14. Check and adjust ignition system timing and timing advance/retard (where applicable);
  15. Inspect and test ignition system pick-up sensor or triggering devices, and perform necessary action.

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

  1. Obtain and interpret scan tool data, retrieve and record stored OBD diagnostic trouble codes;
  2. Diagnose the causes of emissions or drivability concerns resulting from malfunctions in the computerized engine control system with or without diagnostic trouble codes;
  3. Inspect and test computerized engine control system sensors, powertrain control module (PCM), actuators, and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM)/digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), and perform necessary action;
  4. Access and use service information to perform step-by-step diagnosis;
  5. Diagnose ignition system related problems such as no-starting, hard starting, engine misfire, poor drivability, spark knock, power loss, poor mileage, and emissions control system concerns on vehicles with electronic ignition systems, and determine necessary action;
  6. Check and adjust ignition system timing and timing advance/retard (where applicable);
  7. Inspect and test ignition system pick-up sensor or triggering devices, and perform necessary action;
  8. Diagnose hot or cold no-starting, hard starting, poor drivability, incorrect idle speed, poor idle, flooding, hesitation, surging, engine misfire, power loss, stalling, poor mileage, dieseling, and emissions problems on vehicles with carburetor and fuel injection systems;
  9. Perform exhaust system back-pressure test, and determine necessary action;
  10. Diagnose malfunctions of emission control systems causing vehicle performance problems, and determine necessary action;
  11. Adjust valves on engines with mechanical or hydraulic lifters;
  12. Diagnose and verify correct camshaft timing, and determine necessary action;
  13. Use vehicle dynamometer to perform emission testing, and engine performance/drivability issues;

Course Content:

  1. Fuel Injection Systems
  2. fuel delivery and storage
  3. fuel injectors
  4. pressure controls
  5. fuel delivery control
  6. Emission Control Systems
  7. positive crankcase ventilation
  8. air injection systems
  9. air intake systems
  10. exhaust gas recirculation
  11. fuel evaporation
  12. catalytic converters
  13. Computer Control Systems

a. OBDI systems and controls

b. OBDII systems and controls

  1. Automotive diagnostic equipment
  2. oscilloscopes
  3. digital multimeters
  4. diagnostic analyzers
  5. dynamometer
  6. pressure and vacuum gauges
  7. exhaust gas analyzers
  8. specialized test equipment

Methods of Presentation:

1. Lecture/demonstrations (use of multimedia)

2. Laboratory

3. Laboratory work sheets

4. Guest speakers

5. Field trips

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments

a. Read chapter on Electronic Fuel Injection and Operation and be prepared

to discuss

b. Complete worksheet utilizing information from lecture

c. Demonstrate use of fuel pressure testing equipment.

d. Demonstrate use of the exhaust emission analyzers

2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

a. Class participation

b. Performance in the laboratory projects

c. Laboratory work sheets

d. Home work

e.Quizzes

f. Tests on chapter sections.

g.Final examination (written and/or lab practical)

Textbook(s) (Typical):

Automotive Engine Performance, James D. Halderman, Prentice Hall, 2003

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Systems, Third Edition, James D. Halderman, Prentice Hall, 2001

Special Student Materials:

1. Safety glasses

2. Shop/safety clothing

  1. Three ring folder

SAS 10/2004

AT 71 course outline.doc