Auto Repair Technician

Program Outline

Instruction Sets
Your at-home learning program includes 11 Instruction Sets designed to take you step by step through the techniques and skills you'll employ in your new career in Auto Repair.

Here's how it works
Your first Instruction Set will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your learning materials:

Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home, types of study materials, types of examinations, accessing and using the features of our website, determining what kind of learner you are, establishing a study schedule, using study tips, preparing for and taking examinations.

Introduction to Auto Repair
Overview of automotive systems; basic engine operation; automotive tools; key safety issues in your shop; your career opportunities; becoming a professional.

Instruction Set 2

Automotive Engine Parts and Operation
The four stages of engine operation; the lower-end assembly; the upper-end assembly.

Engine Types
Engine identification; engine configurations; engine performance ratings; factors that affect engine performance; engine placement and mounting; special engine designs; fasteners.

Practical Exercise

Instruction Set 3

Lubrication Systems
Engine lubrication; lubrication system components; oil types; lubrication system maintenance.

Automotive Cooling Systems
Automotive cooling systems; cooling-system components and the flow of coolant; cooling-system maintenance; inspecting, testing, and repairing a cooling system.

Practical Exercise

Instruction Set 4

Ignition System Components and Operation
Introduction to electricity; introduction to ignition system operation; triggering in conventional ignition systems; triggering in conventional ignition systems; triggering in electronic ignition systems; ignition timing in distributor-type ignition systems; direct-fire ignition systems.

Ignition System Maintenance
Ignition system servicing; tuning up a conventional ignition system; tuning up an electronic ignition system; checking ignition system operation with an oscilloscope; servicing computer-controlled and direct-fire ignition systems.

Practical Exercise

Instruction Set 5

Automotive Fuel Systems, Part 1
Introduction to automotive fuel systems; automotive fuel-system components; servicing fuel pumps, tanks, and lines.

Automotive Fuel Systems, Part 2
Introduction to fuel-distribution systems; carburetor operation; servicing and rebuilding carburetors; troubleshooting fuel-injection and carburetor systems; exhaust systems.

Practical Exercise

Instruction Set 6

Automotive Braking Systems
Automotive brake system tools and safety; friction and hydraulic principles in braking systems; master cylinders and power boosters; disc brake systems; drum brake systems; brake system valve and brake lines.

Antilock Braking Systems
Introduction to antilock braking systems (ABS); ABS system devices; ABS systems; troubleshooting ABS systems.

Practical Exercise

Learning Aid
ASE Brakes Exam Preparation Book

Instruction Set 7

Suspensions
Automotive comfort and control; automotive frames; front suspensions—types and functions; rear suspensions—types and functions; automatic adjusting suspension systems; suspension components.

Steering/Wheel Alignment
Tires and rims; the wheel hub, bearings, and steering knuckle; caster and camber; the steering system; power steering; alignment.

Practical Exercise

Learning Aid
ASE Suspension and Steering Exam Preparation Book

Instruction Set 8

Automotive Engines, Part 1
Engine operations, tools, and safety; engine diagnosis and materials; engine rebuild, part 1.

Textbook
Today’s Technician: Automotive Engine Repair and Rebuilding

Instruction Set 9

Automotive Engines, Part 2
Engine rebuild, part 2; engine reassembly and alternative fuels.

Practical Exercise

Learning Aid
ASE Engine Repair Exam Preparation Book

Instruction Set 10

Automotive Electrical Systems
Automobile storage batteries; starting systems; charging systems and components; charging system service; automotive wiring; vehicle electrical circuits; vehicle power circuits.

Computerized Engine Controls
Computer system basics; input sensors; output devices; overall computer system; testing computer systems; troubleshooting computer systems.

Learning Aid
ASE Electrical/Electronic Exam Preparation Book

Equipment
Digital multimeter
Multimeter operation manual

Instruction Set 11

Advanced Auto Computer Systems
Engine computer controls; internal computer operation; OBD II computer codes; using the service manual; signal and voltage generator sensor families; summary of computer control diagnostics.

Engine Performance/Troubleshooting
Basic troubleshooting skills; overall engine performance tests; fuel system tests; ignitions system tests; troubleshooting common engine problems.

Practical Exercise

Learning Aid
ASE Engine Performance Exam Preparation Book

Supplement:
Work experience option

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this program.