COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDY GUIDE
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
FALL SEMESTER 2012
INSTRUCTOR: Edward E. Hajost OFFICE: 1851 PHONE: 635-1906
DIVISION PHONE: 635-1688 OFFICE HOURS: M-W 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
I. Course Course Course
Prefix Number Name Credit: Lecture: Lab:
ATA 111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 4 4 0
II. Prerequisite: Interview with and consent of chair person
III. Course (Catalog) Description:
The principles of automotive electrical systems are studied.
Included are detailed operation and servicing of batteries,
starters, generators, alternators, and regulators. Emphasis
is placed on the diagnosis and repair of the auto electrical
system.
IV. Learning Objectives:
To develop in each student a clear understanding of the theory
of the automobile electrical system.
To develop in each student the ability to identify and describe
the purpose and function of each component part of the electrical
system.
To develop in each student the necessary skill to apply learned
patterns in diagnosing electrical system problems.
To develop in each student the ability to service and adjust the
major components of the electrical system.
Course Outline Page 2
V. Academic Integrity:
Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate
academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code
prohibits:
· cheating,
· plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
· falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
· helping others to cheat,
· unauthorized changes on official documents,
· pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
· making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
· any other behavior that violates academic integrity.
There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy.
Oakton’s policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint
is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty
is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept
on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.
Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
VI. Outline of Topics: See attached Outline and Study Guide
VII. Methods of Instruction:
Lectures and audiovisual presentations dealing with the function
of components.
Demonstrations and audiovisual presentations dealing with the
repair procedures of components.
Class discussion based on field experience
Individual and small group instruction on component teardown
and reassembly techniques.
VIII. Courses Practices Required:
Reading: The student will be responsible for reading handout
materials as required and assigned for class discussion.
Writing: The student should maintain a comprehensive notebook
of lecture topics for reference during class discussion
sessions.
Course Outline Page 3
IX. Instructional Materials:
To be supplied by the instructor:
Handouts, shop manuals, instruction books, and manufacturers'
specification sheets.
To be supplied by the student:
Note paper and a good quality three-ring notebook in which to
keep comprehensive notes and retain a volume of topical handouts
generated by the instructor.
Required text and/or workbook.
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
Give the correct answers to seven out of ten quiz questions drawn
from topics being studied.
Pass a midterm and final examination with 70% of the questions
answered correctly.
Demonstrate maintenance or repair procedures when given the proper
tools and equipment.
Numerical scores will be assigned letter grades as follows:
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
59 or below = F
Tests – Mid and End Term – 20%
Practicals and Quizzes - 40%
Lab Work - 25%
Employability - 15%
Course Outline Page 4
XI. Other Course Information:
Attendance: Student attendance is critical for satisfactory
completion of course work. Reading materials
provided by the instructor only supplements and
reinforces major lecture topics and demonstrations.
Tests: The student shall be responsible for contacting
instructor and making arrangements to makeup any
missed scheduled examinations at the convenience of
the instructor.
Other: If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability
you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or
services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services.
All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements.
The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course
or degree program.
______
EFFECTIVE BEGINNING SEMESTER FALL 2012
OUTLINE PREPARED BY: Ed Hajost DATE: FALL 2012
REVIEWED BY PROGRAM CHAIR: Mike Peat DATE: FALL 2012 APPROVED BY DEAN: ______DATE: ______
ATA 111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDY GUIDE
I. TYPES OF CIRCUITS (UNDERSTAND VOLTAGE, AMPERAGE, AND
RESISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS IN EACH)
A. Series
B. Parallel
C. Series Parallel
II. CIRCUIT DEVICES AND SYMBOLS
A. Fuse
B. Circuit Breaker
C. Fusible Link
D. Relays
E. Switches
F. Solenoids
G. Diode
H. Transistor
I. Motors
J. Lamps
K. Resistor
L. Ground
M. Battery
N. Connections (Male and Female)
III. CIRCUIT TEST EQUIPMENT AND HOOK-UP (KNOW HOW TO READ
THE DIFFERENT SCALES ON METERS)
A. Voltmeter
B. Ammeter
C. Ohmmeter
D. 12-volt Test Light
E. Self-powered Test Light
F. Short Detectors (Buzzers and Circuit Breakers)
G. Jumper Wires
ATA 111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 2
COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDY GUIDE
IV. CIRCUIT TESTING (YOU WILL BE ASKED TO USE SCHEMATICS
IN LOCATING DIAGNOSIS TEST POINTS)
A. Shorted Circuit
B. Open Circuit
C. Grounded Circuit
D. Intermittent Circuit Problems
V. LIGHTING SYSTEMS (UNDERSTAND THE TYPICAL OPERATION FOR
EACH CIRCUIT)
A. Headlight Circuit
1. High beam lamps
2. Low beam lamps
3. Dimmer switch
4. Switch rheostat
5. Wiring
B. Stop Lamp Circuit
C. Directional Signal Circuit
1. Flasher types
2. Switch replacement
3. Flashing speed
D. Hazard Warning Lights
E. Tail Lamp Circuit
F. Back-Up Lamp Circuit
G. Instrument Panel and Interior Lights
ATA 111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 3
COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDY GUIDE
VI. ACCESSORY SYSTEMS
A. Basic Theory of Operation
B. Basic Troubleshooting Procedures
1. Oil sending unit
2. Fuel gauge and tank sending unit
3. Temperature warning
4. Horns
5. Constant voltage regulator for dash instruments
VII. BATTERY
A. Safety Procedures
B. Open Flame and Explosion
C. Removal and Installation Procedure
D. Basic Construction and Chemical Action
E. Sizes and Ratings
F. Testing and Service
1. State of charge (hydrometer)
2. Cell voltage (light load test)
3. Capacity test
4. Sulfation (3-minute charge test)
5. Battery charging procedure
6. Cleaning
7. Jump starting
G. Interpretation of Test Results
H. Problem and Diagnosis
1. Corroded connections
ATA 111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 4
COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDY GUIDE
2. Leakage (dirt on battery top)
3. No start complaints
4. Slow cranking complaints
5. Excessive water use
6. Discharges overnight (constant current drain)
7. Damaged plates
I. Storage
1. Dry charge
2. Wet charge
3. Slow charge
VIII. CHARGING SYSTEM
A. AC Type
B. DC Type
C. Advantages of the AC System
D. AC System Components Compared to DC System
1. Diodes and cut-out relay
2. Rotor and field
3. Stator and armature
4. Slip rings and commutator
5. Difference in amount of current carried by brushes
6. Residual magnetism
E. AC Charging Circuit Operation
1. Schematic of Delco system (electro-mechanical)
2. Schematic of Ford system (electro-mechanical)
3. Voltage regulation
4. Current control
5. Light relay
6. Field relay
7. Ammeter circuit (instead of charge indicator light)
ATA 111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 5
COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDY GUIDE
F. Test Equipment
1. Voltmeter
2. Ammeter
3. Ohmmeter
4. ¼ ohm resistor
5. Knife switch
6. Diode testers
7. Scope
G. Test Hook-Up and Interpretation of Results
1. Field circuit (current draw)
2. Rotor tests (shorts, grounds, continuity)
3. Stator tests (shorts, grounds, continuity)
4. Diode tests
5. Output test
6. Voltage regulator setting
7. Insulated and ground circuit tests
H. Problem and Diagnosis
1. Loose belts
2. Open rotor circuit
3. Grounded rotor circuit
4. Defective diode(s)
5. Noises
a. Bearings
b. Belts
c. Mounting
d. Stator
e. Diode
6. Defective regulator
a. “Full-field” Ford (A+ to F)
b. “Full-field Delco (F to 3)
c. Fusible links
d. Light relay
e. Integral regulator
I. Alternator Rebuilding Procedures and Tools
J. Regulator Adjustments
ATA 111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 6
COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDY GUIDE
IX. STARTER (CRANKING) SYSTEM
A. Basic Function
B. Types and Basic Differences
1. Delco
2. Ford
3. Chrysler
C. Construction and Nomenclature of Parts
D. Starter Drive Operation
1. Bendix
2. Overrunning clutch
E. Testing and Service
1. Current draw using BST
2. Field coil tests (shorts, grounds, continuity)
3. Armature tests (shorts, grounds, continuity)
a. Growler
4. Insulated circuit voltmeter readings
5. Ground circuit voltmeter readings
a. Voltmeter readings
6. Remote cranking Ford, GM, and Chrysler systems
7. Rebuilding procedures
a. Undercutting mica
b. Do not wash starter drive in solvent
c. No-load test
ATA 111 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS 7
COURSE OUTLINE AND STUDY GUIDE
F. Problem and Diagnosis
1. Dragging armature
2. Defective starter drive
3. Worn bushings
4. Worn flywheel ring gear
5. Starter alignment (shims)
6. Noise when cranking
7. High current draw
8. Low current draw
9. Thrown armature windings
10. Will not crank
11. Cranks slowly
12. Burned commutator
X. STARTER CIRCUIT CONTROLS (UNDERSTAND BASIC OPERATION)
A. Relays
1. Ford system
2. Chrysler system
B. Solenoids
1. GM system
2. Ford system
C. Neutral Safety Switches
D. Resistor Bypass
1. GM system
2. Ford system
3. Chrysler system
E. Ignition Switches
F. Circuit Testing
1. Voltage drop readings
2. Solenoid tests
G. Problem and Diagnosis
1. “Chatter”
2. Ignition switch contact corrosion
3. Poor solenoid contact disc connection
4. Starter motor will not stop turning after
ignition switch is placed in run position