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Title / Explain the operation and repair requirements of automotive electronic control systems
Level / 4 / Credits / 8
Purpose / This theory based unit standard is for people in the automotive repair industry. People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of: electronic control system application in vehicles and machines; and of control system diagnosis and repair.
Classification / Motor Industry > Automotive Electrical and Electronics
Available grade / Achieved
Entry information
Recommended skills and knowledge / Unit 8187, Describe electronic components and circuitry for automotive engineering requirements,or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Explanatory notes
Unit standard range
This unit standard includes the following range of electronic control systems: power assisted steering controls, automatic transmission controls, anti-lock braking (ABS) control, climate controls, lighting controls, diesel engine management controls.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of control system application in vehicles and machines.
Evidence requirements
1.1Type and application of electronic controls are defined as specified by vehicle and machine manufacturers.
1.2Electronic control components are identified from workshop manuals.
1.3Control system circuits are identified from manufacturer's wiring diagrams.
1.4Control system circuit operation is explained according to manufacturer's specifications.
Rangeexplanation assisted by sketches showing – working circuits using block diagrams for components, ISO symbols, colour and number coding, terminal location.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate knowledge of control system diagnosis and repair.
Evidence requirements
2.1Precautions when testing electronic circuits are identified.
Rangeusing compatible equipment, disconnecting and connecting circuits and plugs, access point location, pin connection and wiring damage, unsealing and sealing, retaining circuit memory, control unit isolation.
2.2Purpose and function of fail safe and limp home systems are described according to vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
2.3Purpose and function of self-test systems are described according to manufacturer's specifications.
2.4Methods of activating, reading, and interpreting self-test codes are described according to manufacturer's workshop manual instructions.
Rangefollowing specifications, using test equipment, cancelling code readings.
2.5Control component repair, replacement, and adjustment procedures are identified according to vehicle and equipment manufacturer's specifications.
2.6Precautions to prevent damage to components when repairing, replacing, and adjusting electronic controlled systems are identified.
Rangeobtaining specifications and instructions, using compatible equipment, isolating components, cleanliness, screening, earthing, control unit memory retention.
Replacement information / This unit standard and unit standard 2348 have been replaced by unit standard 24119, unit standard 24121, unit standard 24122, unit standard 24123 and unit standard 24124.This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 31 October 1995 / 31 December 2016
Revision / 2 / 1 October 1996 / 31 December 2016
Review / 3 / 29 March 1999 / 31 December 2016
Review / 4 / 25 January 2008 / 31 December 2020
Rollover / 5 / 19 November 2010 / 31 December 2020
Rollover / 6 / 22 August 2014 / 31 December 2020
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0014
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (Incorporated)SSB Code 101542 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018