May 25, 2026  
2026 - 2027 Catalog 
    
2026 - 2027 Catalog
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ASEP 118 - Engine Repair and Performance Level 2

Credits: 4
Instructional Contact Hours: 4


Covers the (ASE) AST level tasks for both Engine Repair and Engine Performance as well as the related General Motors specific training.

Prerequisite(s): ASEP 100  or AUTO 100 ASEP 101  or AUTO 101 , ASEP 106  or AUTO 106 , and ASEP 108  or AUTO 108  
Corequisite(s): N/A
Lecture Hours: 30 Lab Hours: 30
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives  

ENGINE REPAIR

  1. Diagnose and complete general Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Engine Repair.
    1. Research vehicle service information such as fluid type, internal combustion engine operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and recalls including xEVs and vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
    2. Retrieve and record on-board diagnostics, DTCs, monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes and data when directed.
    3. Verify operation of the instrument panel engine warning indicators.
    4. Inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks; determine needed action.
    5. Install engine covers using gaskets, seals, and sealers as required.
    6. Verify engine mechanical timing.
    7. Inspect, remove, and/or replace engine mounts.
    8. Identify service precautions related to service of the internal combustion engine of an xEV.
  2. Diagnose and complete Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Cylinder Head and Valve Train.
    1. Identify cylinder head and valve train components and configurations.
    2. Remove cylinder head; inspect gasket condition; install cylinder head and gasket; tighten according to manufacturer's specification and procedure.
    3. Clean and visually inspect a cylinder head for cracks; check gasket surface areas for warpage and surface finish; check passage condition.
    4. Inspect valve actuating mechanisms for wear, bending, cracks, looseness, and blocked oil passages (orifices); determine needed action.
    5. Adjust valves (mechanical or hydraulic lifters)
    6. Inspect and replace camshaft and drive belt/chain; includes checking drive gear wear and backlash, end play, sprocket and chain wear, overhead cam drive sprocket(s), drive belt(s), belt tension, tensioners, camshaft reluctor ring/tone-wheel, and valve timing/variable lift components; verify correct camshaft timing.
  3. Diagnose and complete Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Engine Block Assembly.
    1. Identify engine block assembly components and configurations.
    2. Remove, inspect, and/or replace crankshaft vibration damper (harmonic balancer).
  4. Diagnose and complete Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Lubrication and Cooling Systems.
    1. Identify lubrication and cooling system components and configurations.
    2. Perform engine oil and filter change; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification; reset maintenance reminder as required.
    3. Perform cooling system pressure and dye tests to identify leaks; check coolant condition and level; inspect and test radiator, pressure cap, coolant reservoir/recovery tank, heater core, and galley plugs; determine needed action.
    4. Identify causes of engine overheating.
    5. Inspect, replace, and/or adjust drive belts, tensioners, and pulleys; check pulley and belt alignment.
    6. Inspect and test coolant; drain and recover coolant; flush and/or refill cooling system; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification; bleed air as required.
    7. Identify different types of water/coolant pumps (belt driven, chain driven, and electric).
    8. Remove, inspect, and replace thermostat and gasket/seal.
    9. Inspect, remove, and replace water/coolant pumps.
    10. Remove and replace radiator.
    11. Inspect and test fan(s), fan clutch (electrical and/or mechanical), fan shroud, and air dams/shutters; determine needed action.
    12. Perform oil pressure tests; determine needed action.
    13. Inspect auxiliary coolers; determine needed action.
    14. Inspect, test, and replace oil temperature and pressure switches and sensors.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE (AST)

  1. Diagnose and complete general Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Engine Performance.
    1. Research vehicle service information such as fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and recalls including xEVs and vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
    2. Retrieve and record on-board diagnostics, DTCs, monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes and data when directed.
    3. Verify proper engine cooling system operation; determine needed action.
    4. Verify correct camshaft timing including engines equipped with variable valve timing (VVT) systems; determine needed action.
    5. Verify engine performance concerns; determine needed action.
    6. Diagnose abnormal engine noises or vibration concerns; determine needed action.
    7. Diagnose the cause of excessive oil consumption; coolant consumption, unusual exhaust color, odor, and sound; determine needed action.
    8. Perform engine manifold pressure tests (vacuum/boost); determine needed action.
    9. Perform cylinder power balance test; determine needed action.
    10.  Perform cylinder cranking and running compression tests; determine needed action.
    11. Perform cylinder leakage test; determine needed action.
  2. Diagnose and complete Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Computerized Controls.
    1. Identify computerized control system components and configurations.
    2. Access and use service information to perform step-by-step (troubleshooting) diagnosis.
    3. Perform active tests of actuators using a scan tool; determine needed action.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of OBD readiness flags, monitors, and drive cycle for repair verification.
    5. Inspect and test computerized engine control system sensors, powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM), actuators, and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM), digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), and/or scan tool; determine needed action.
    6. Describe the process for reprogramming or recalibrating the powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM).
  3. Diagnose and complete Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Ignition System.
    1. Identify ignition system components and configurations.
    2. Remove and replace spark plugs; inspect secondary ignition components for wear and damage; determine needed action.
    3. Diagnose no-starting, hard starting, engine misfire, poor driveability, spark knock, power loss, poor mileage, and emissions concerns related to ignition system problems; determine needed action.
    4. Inspect and test crankshaft and camshaft position sensor(s); determine needed action.
    5. Inspect, test, and/or replace ignition control module and/or powertrain/engine control module; reprogram/initialize as needed.
  4. Diagnose and complete Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Fuel, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems.
    1. Identify fuel, air induction, and exhaust system components and configurations.
    2. Replace fuel filter(s) where applicable.
    3. Inspect, service, or replace air filters, filter housings, and intake duct work.
    4. Inspect integrity of the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, muffler(s), catalytic converter(s), resonator(s), tail pipe(s), and heat shields for leaks and unmetered air; determine needed action.
    5. Inspect condition of exhaust system hangers, brackets, clamps, and heat shields; determine needed action.
    6. Check and refill diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
    7. Check fuel for quality, composition, and contamination; determine needed action.
    8. Inspect and test fuel pump(s) and pump control system for pressure, regulation, and volume; determine needed action.
    9. Inspect throttle body, air induction system, intake manifold and gaskets for vacuum leaks and/or unmetered air
    10. Inspect, test, and/or replace fuel injectors on low- and high-pressure systems.
    11. Verify proper idle speed; determine needed action.
    12. Perform exhaust system back-pressure test; determine needed action.
    13. Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of turbocharger/supercharger systems.
  5. Diagnose and complete Level 2 ASE Education Foundation tasks for Emissions Control Systems.
    1. Identify emission control system components and configurations.
    2. Inspect, test, service, and/or replace positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter/breather, valve, tubes, orifices, and hoses; determine needed action.
    3. Diagnose oil leaks, emissions, and driveability concerns caused by the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system; determine needed action.
    4. Diagnose emissions and driveability concerns caused by the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system; inspect, test, service and/or replace electrical/electronic sensors, controls, wiring, tubing, exhaust passages, coolers, vacuum/pressure controls, filters, and hoses of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system; determine needed action.
    5. Inspect and test electrical/electronically operated components and circuits of secondary air injection systems; determine needed action.
    6. Diagnose emissions and driveability concerns caused by catalytic converter system; determine needed action.
    7. Diagnose emissions and driveability concerns caused by the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system; determine needed action.

 

 



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