AUT 108 - Introductory Automotive ElectronicsCredits: 3
Studies automotive electrical and electronic fundamentals, magnetism, and electrical test equipment, terminology, operation, and diagnosis. Develops skills in establishing an electrical base for advanced electrical/electronic courses and in controlled learning experiences with basic electricity and electronics using meters and test equipment.
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 35 Lab Hours: 25
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No
Outcomes and Objectives 1. Gain skills in the Language Arts/Communications areas.
A. Adapt a listening strategy that will provide the information required for solving the problem.
B. Use prior knowledge of similar situations to determine the specific cause(s) of the problem.
C. Attend to all written and oral directions that relate to the task or system under study.
D. Collect and organizes oral and written information based on discussions, notes, observations, personal experiences, and data collection
that will assist in the problem analysis and solution process.
E. Make notes regarding symptoms, possible causes of problems, and other data that will aid in the diagnosis and problem solving process.
F. Comprehend and uses cause and effect relationships presented in service manual problem solving trees.
G. Consult written information to determine the applicable technical sequence required solving a specific problem.
H. Evaluate the usefulness of available written information clearly and adequately when analyzing a problem.
I. Use the service manual, in both database and hard copy formats, to identify the manufacturer's specifications for system operation and
potential malfunctions.
2. Gain skills in the Mathematics area.
A. Use Ohm’s Law to determine circuit parameters that are out-of-tolerance.
B. Divide numbers mentally to determine conformance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
C. Subtract numbers mentally to arrive at a difference for comparison with the manufacturer’s specifications.
D. Convert variables presented in one form to another that allows an algebraic solution based on known information
(e.g. converting E=IR to R=E/I).
E. Interpret symbols to determine compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
F. Use conventional symbols (E for voltage, etc.) to solve problems using formulas such as Ohm’s Law, E=IR.
G. Solve problems occasionally by trying a suggested solution and observing the results.
H. Determine the proper mathematical operation (addition, multiplication, subtraction or division) and mentally arrive at a solution.
3. Gain skills in the Science area.
A. Explain the difference between electrical conductors and insulators.
B. Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of a quality electrical ground and the problems associated with having an electrical
circuit inadequately grounded.
C. Explain current flow and voltage in series and parallel circuits.
D. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes used to locate a short circuit in the electrical/electronic system.
E. Demonstrate an understanding of the correct procedure to measure the electrical parameters of voltage, current, resistance, or power.
F. Demonstrate an understanding of how to correctly measure electrical current and voltage in a circuit.
G. Demonstrate an understanding of and explain the role of a fuse or fusible link when used as a protective device in an electrical or electronic
circuit.
H. Demonstrate an understanding of and explain the use of Ohm’s Law in verifying circuitry parameters (resistance, voltage, amperage).
I. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of resistance to heat, voltage drop, and circuit parameters.
J. Explain the relationship between electrical current in a conductor and magnetic field when produced in a coil such as the starter solenoid.
K. Use precision electrical test equipment to measure current, voltage, resistance, continuity, and/or power.
4. Gain skills in construction and learning Ohm’s Law basics on series and parallel circuits.
A. Use either analog or digital meters to measure voltage, current and resistance values and calculate Ohm’s Law values for specific
assigned exercises given discussion on simple series and parallel circuits for 12-volt systems.
B. Construct jumper leads as demonstrated using soldering gun and heat shrink tubing–construct:
1. Two male/female slide connector jumpers 12 inches long.
2. One fused jumper with alligator clips 24 inches long.
3. One unfused jumper with alligator clips 12 inches long.
4. One unfused jumper with alligator clips 24 inches long.
C. Complete the following using the provided 9 volt bread board kits:
1. two series circuit exercises.
2. two parallel circuit exercises.
D. Use a digital multimeter to measure voltage, current and resistance values.
5. Develop skills using voltmeters.
A. Given a demonstration on analog and digital voltmeters, you will:
1. Measure voltage using an analog voltmeter on ten items of a vehicle.
2. Measure voltage using a digital voltmeter on ten items of a vehicle.
3. Label answers with appropriate unit of measure.
6. Develop skills using Ammeters.
A. Given a demonstration on digital and inductive Ammeters, you will:
1. Measure current draw using an Ammeter and an inline fused jumper wire.
2. Measure current draw using your own DMM an AW Amps. Clamp.
3. Label answers with appropriate unit of measure.
7. Develop skills using digital Ohmmeters.
A. Given a demonstration on digital Ohmmeters, you will:
1. Write a caution about hookup in a circuit.
2. Measure the resistance of various devices.
3. Label answers with appropriate unit of measure.
8. Develop skills using a circuit powered test light.
A. Given a demonstration on circuit powered test lights, you will:
1. Determine if it should be used on computerized components.
2. Test the test light bulb
3. Test identified items on a vehicle and indicate whether power is available or not.
4. Locate the cause of a Blown Fuse.
9. Develop skills using a Digital Multimeter to test for continuity.
A. Given a demonstration on using a DMM to test for continuity, you will:
1. Test DMM power supply.
2. Write a caution about using tester on a powered circuit.
3. Test for continuity on identified vehicle circuits.
4. Complete a test on a tail light circuit.
5. Complete a test on a brake lamp circuit.
10. Develop skills using a fused and unfused jumper wire.
A. Given a demonstration on using jumper wires, you will:
1. Explain where fused and unfused jumper wires should be used.
2. Explain what will happen if a load is by-passed.
3. Test various items on a vehicle as directed.
11. Trace a headlamp circuit picture, go to a vehicle and test a live circuit and apply Ohm’s Law Basic’s and voltage drop basics to each
situation.
A. Given a wiring diagram, vehicle, and DMM, you will:
1. Provide written answers to an exercise to determine headlamp circuit operation and calculate voltage drop valves.
2. Test on vehicle voltage drop valves and compare, contrast calculated voltage drops to actual on vehicle voltage drops.
12. Develop skills in powering up a relay and explaining operation and testing.
A. Given any automotive relay, you will:
1. Visually identify relay parts.
2. Sketch an electrical schematic for a relay-showing load and control circuits. Hooked
up to make complete circuits. Label all parts.
3. Write a diagnostic routine to trouble shoot
4. Power up the relay on bench top to demonstrate load and control circuit.
5. Measure relay:a. Coil resistanceb. Control circuit ampsc. Contact point resistanced.
Load circuit ampse. Outline a procedure to test the electrical condition of the relay.f.
Demonstrate magnetism principles.
13. Gain experience using the Mitchell-on-Demand computer system.
A. Given a vehicle and access to Mitchell-on-Demand computer, you will:
1. Locate ten separate electrical grounds on the computer and then locate the same ten
items on the vehicle.
14. Gain skills using a Parasitic Drain Tool.
A. Given a demonstration on using a Parasitic Drain Tool, you will:
1. Measure and diagnose the cause of abnormal key-off battery drain and identify needed repair.
15. Gain skills testing alternator rotors using a DMM.
A. Given a demonstration on testing alternator rotors for opens, shorts, grounds, and excessive resistance, you will:
1. Test three rotors with defects and compare test results with manufacturer specifications to determine condition.
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