Modern Automotive Service Technician (380 hours)

Course Overview/Description

The Modern Automotive Service Technician online program teaches the construction, operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of late-model automobiles and light trucks. This comprehensive program uses a building-block approach that starts with the fundamental principles of system operation and progresses gradually to complex diagnostic and service procedures. Students and professionals learn quickly and easily, helped by thousands of color illustrations, scores of 2-D and 3-D animations, built-in quizzes, and other interactive features. The program provides thorough coverage of the latest developments in the automotive field, including OBD II diagnostics, enhanced emissions testing, misfire monitoring, air bag systems, anti-lock brakes, and security systems. Organized around the eight ASE automobile test areas, this program is a valuable resource for students preparing for a career in automotive technology, as well as experienced technicians preparing for ASE Certification/Recertification Tests.

The program is correlated to standards set by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of automobile systems.
• Diagnose most common automotive malfunctions and recommend a repair solution.
• Prepare for relevant ASE certifications, which are important for securing a job in the automotive repair industry.
• Explain the complete operation of today's four-stroke engines and where specific problems may occur.
• Describe the theory and operation of automotive computer systems; use scan tools for troubleshooting; and perform pinpoint tests to verify electrical and electronic faults.
• Detail the entire fuel system, including tanks, pumps, filters, injection systems, and fuel types.
• Troubleshoot the electrical system, including battery, starting, charging and ignition systems.
• Analyze and repair problems in the cooling and lubrication systems of automobiles and light trucks.
• Detect problems related to the emissions systems, and be aware of regulations concerning emissions.
• Perform an engine tear-down and gather information about engine condition.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the diagnosis and repair of problems relating to the drive train and suspension, including front-, rear- and all-wheel drive systems; and anti-lock brake systems.
• Safely diagnose and repair heating and air conditioning issues and demonstrate the proper removal and storage of refrigerants.

Course Outline

• Foundations of Automotive Technology
  1. Overview of Automotive Systems
  2. Automotive Careers and Required Skills
  3. Basic Automotive Hand Tools
  4. Automotive Power Tools and Equipment
  5. Auto Shop and Safety
  6. Measurement and Math
  7. Basic Electricity and Electronics
  8. Locating and Using Service Information
  9. Fasteners, Gaskets, Seals, and Sealants
  10. Vehicle Maintenance, Fluid Service, and Recycling
  
  
• Automotive Engines
  1. Fundamentals of Engine Operation
  2. Classifying Engines
  3. Engine Top End Construction
  4. Engine Bottom End Construction
  5. Engine Front End Construction
  6. Engine Size and Performance Measurements
  7. Cooling System Fundamentals
  8. Cooling System Diagnosis, Service, and Repair
  9. Lubrication System Fundamentals
  10. Engine Mechanical Problems
  11. Engine Removal and Disassembly and Parts Cleaning
  12. Engine Bottom End Service
  13. Engine Top End Service
  14. Engine Front End Service and Engine Installation
  
  
• Battery, Starting, and Charging Systems
  1. Automotive Batteries
  2. Battery Testing and Service
  3. Starting System Fundamentals
  4. Starting System Diagnosis and Repair
  5. Charging System Fundamentals
  6. Charging System Diagnosis and Repair
  
  
• Engine Performance and Computer Systems
  1. Computer System Fundamentals
  2. On-board Diagnostic and Scan Tools
  3. Computer System Service
  4. Fuel Tanks, Pumps, Lines, and Filters
  5. Gasoline Injection Fundamentals
  6. Gasoline Injection Diagnosis and Repair
  7. Ignition System Fundamentals
  8. Ignition System Problems, Testing, and Repair
  9. Emission Control System Fundamentals
  10. Emission Control System Testing, Service, and Repair
  11. Exhaust Systems, Turbochargers, and Superchargers - Fundamentals, Diagnosis, and Repair
  12. Engine Performance and Driveability
  13. Advanced Diagnostics
  14. Engine Tune-up
  
  
• Electrical Systems
  1. Lights, Instrumentation, Wipers, and Horns
  2. Sound Systems and Power Accessories
  3. Restraint Systems
  4. Restraint Systems Diagnosis and Repair
  5. Security and Navigation Systems
  
  
• Drive Tran and Axles
  1. Clutch Fundamentals
  2. Clutch Diagnosis and Repair
  3. Manual Transmission Fundamentals
  4. Manual Transmission Diagnosis and Repair
  5. Automatic Transmission Fundamentals
  6. Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Service
  7. Drive Shaft and Transfer Case Fundamentals
  8. Drive Shaft and Transfer Case Diagnosis and Repair
  9. Differential and Rear Drive Axle Fundamentals
  10. Differential and Rear Axle Diagnosis and Repair
  11. Transaxle and Front Drive Axle Fundamentals
  12. Transaxle and Front Drive Axle Diagnosis and Repair
  
  
• Suspension, Steering, and Brakes
  1. Tire, Wheel, and Wheel Bearing Fundamentals
  2. Tire, Wheel, and Wheel Bearing Diagnosis and Repair
  3. Suspension System Fundamentals
  4. Suspension System Diagnosis and Repair
  5. Steering System Fundamentals
  6. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair
  7. Wheel Alignment
  8. Brake System Fundamentals
  9. Brake System Diagnosis and Repair
  10. Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control, and Stability Control - Fundamentals and Service
  
  
• Heating and Air Conditioning
  1. Heating and Air Conditioning Fundamentals
  2. Diagnosis
  3. Service
  4. Repair

Prerequisites/Audience

There are no prerequisites for this program of study.

Audience:

• Students preparing for a career in automotive technology
• Experienced technicians who want more in-depth understanding in certain areas
• ASE Certification (or recertification) candidates

PC Requirements/Materials Included

 

This course is currently compatible with Windows Vista Operating System.

System Requirements

• Intel Pentium 600 MHz or greater
• Windows 98; NT; 2000; XP or 2003
• Minimum RAM is 128MB, but 256MB recommended
• Connection speed of 56 kbps or faster
• Screen resolution set at 1024 x 768
• Valid email address
• Browser versions: IE 4.01 including SP2 or higher - Netscape Communicator 4.7 or higher; Cookies must be allowed, and pop-up blockers must be temporarily disabled
All materials for this program are accessible online.

 

Instructor Bio

Coming Soon!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I register?
Click on the register button at the top of the page and follow the directions. It is important that you type all your information in the boxes, then print it out to sign.  Payment and sending instructions are in the bottom right corner of the form.

2. How much do the courses cost?
The fee is in the pink box at the top of the page.

3. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can!

4. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school.

5. How long does it take to complete a course?
All of our courses are self-paced and open enrollment. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days (6 months) to complete the course. If you need more time, extensions are available.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials is covered by your tuition. GES ships all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.

7. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.

• GES provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan at a slightly higher rate. Click here for more information on this loan program.

8. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school with which you registered. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.

9. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

10. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

11. What do I have to have in order to take an online course, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection is fine). You can access the course contents from any Web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

12. Can this course be taken on a Mac?
Yes.

Note: An IBM or IBM clone PC is any standard desktop computer that is not an Apple or MacIntosh. IBM and IBM clone PC's run some version of Windows as an operating system and come in many brands other than just IBM, such as Dell, Gateway, and Compaq just to name a few.

13. How can I get more information on the course?
All of the information we have is available online under our course catalog (www.gatlineducation.com). If you have questions that are not answered online, please feel free to email us at courseinfo@gatlineducation.com or call 817-870-2870. We will answer your questions promptly.

14. When can I start the course?
Our courses are all open enrollment. You can register and start the course as soon as you are ready.

15. How many hours per week should I spend studying?
As a general rule, we suggest a minimum of between five and ten hours per week. However, this will vary from individual to individual. If you are just getting started and have little to no experience, certainly try to put in as much time as you can and try to maintain a persistent schedule. Ultimately each student will find a pace that is comfortable for them.