Automotive Technology

Division: Industry & Technology

The Automotive Technology department offers multiple programs that prepare students for entry-level employment and/or potential further study in the fields of Automotive repair, Automotive Air Conditioning, Brake Systems, Chassis, Automotive Electrical, Emissions, Engines, and Power Train Systems. Students completing these degrees/certificates will have a basic foundation for Automotive Technology and skills that include working safely in the automotive shop and performing repair tasks correctly and safely utilizing the correct tools.

Career opportunities include preparation for careers or employment in automotive and transmission disassembly, repair or rebuilding; diagnosis and repair or replacement of clutch assemblies, diagnosis, repair and servicing of differentials, electronic and electrical systems; suspension and steering systems, brake systems; heating and air conditioning, drivability and engine performance.

Contact Information

Industry and Technology Division Chair

Frank Tebeau | (559) 688-3181 | frankt@cos.edu
Tulare Center Building C: C 101 | Tulare Campus

Dean of CTE and Workforce Development

Thad Russell | (559) 688-3027 | thadr@cos.edu
Tulare College Center: Building A - A107 | Tulare Campus

Associate Degree

Associate of Science in Automotive Technology (Basic) (AS)

Certificates

AUTO 130 Intro to Automotive Technology 3 unit(s)

Hours: 2.5 Lecture/Discussion

1.5 Lab

AUTO 130 is the first course in the automotive program and is a prerequisite for all automotive core courses. Topics include the development of shop skills, safe working practices and the correct use of tools in an automotive shop environment.

AUTO 136 Automotive Electrical Systems 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

3 Lab

This is a study course of the theory, design and operation of the complete automotive electrical and electronic systems. Instruction and lab cover the inspection, testing and repair of the total electrical system and component parts.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 231 Automotive Engine Systems 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

4 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 131

Instruction in theory, construction and repair of today's automotive gasoline engine. Formerly AUTO 131.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 (may be taken concurrently) and AUTO 136 (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 232 Auto Automatic Transmissions 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

3 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 132

Instruction in automatic transmission torque converter theory and operation, hydraulic system function, planetary gear theory and application, and the diagnosis and repair of these systems. Formerly 132.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 and AUTO 136 or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 233 Automotive Power Train Systems 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

3 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 133

Instruction in manual transmission theory and power flow in today's automobile power train systems including clutch systems, drive shafts, differential and drive axle operations.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 (may be taken concurrently) and AUTO 136 (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 234 Auto Suspension/Steering Systm 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

3 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 134

Instruction in theory and maintenance of automotive suspension and steering systems, including steering inspection and wheel alignment procedures.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 (may be taken concurrently) and AUTO 136 (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 235 Automotive Brake Systems 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

3 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 135

This course will provide the student with the technical skills and knowledge to diagnose, test, service and repair automotive brake systems. Instruction in hydraulics, pneumatics, anti-lock braking systems, associated electronics and the safe and proper use of brake systems tools and equipment for service and repair procedures will be included.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 (may be taken concurrently) and AUTO 136 (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 237 Automotive Air Conditioning 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

3 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 137

This is a course in the design, theory and operation of the automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Instruction and lab cover the systems components, servicing, testing, repair and retrofit. Formerly AUTO 137.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 and AUTO 136 or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 238 Automotive Engine Performance 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion

3 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 138

This is an advanced study course of engine performance, drivability and diagnostics. Instruction will cover electrical and electronics systems, fuel delivery systems, computer onboard diagnostics, advanced ignition systems, emission control systems and other engine related topics.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 and AUTO 136 or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 243 Auto Adv. Computer Controls 5 unit(s)

Hours: 4.5 Lecture/Discussion

2 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 143

This is an advanced study course of engine electrical and electronic computer control systems. The instruction will cover advanced theory, design and operation of computer control and on-board diagnostics systems, advanced fuel and ignition systems, and advanced test equipment.

Prerequisites: AUTO 130 (may be taken concurrently) and AUTO 136 (may be taken concurrently) or equivalent college course with "C" or better

AUTO 263 Emissions & Diagnostics Lvl 1 4 unit(s)

Hours: 3.5 Lecture/Discussion

1.5 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 263AD

This is a certification course designed to prepare students to take the Bureau of Automotive Repair's Smog Check Technician licensing examination. Any student may take this course, but may not be certified to take the State licensing examination.

Advisory on Recommended Preparation: AUTO 243 or equivalent college course with "C" or better or equivalent knowledge and/or skills as determined by departmental assessment

AUTO 264 Emissions & Diagnostics Lvl 2 2 unit(s)

Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion

1.5 Lab

Equivalent Course: AUTO 264AD

This is a certification course designed to prepare students to take the Bureau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Technician licensing examination. It will cover the BAR 97 Transition Training, Advanced Emissions Diagnostics Training and the Enhanced Area Inspection and Testing procedure training.

Advisories on Recommended Preparation: AUTO 243 or equivalent college course or equivalent knowledge and/or skills as determined by departmental assessment