
Vehicle Electrician Course
Master the electrical systems that keep modern vehicles running, from basic circuits and wiring diagrams to advanced CAN bus networks and engine management diagnostics. This course gives you the hands-on knowledge and systematic diagnostic skills that employers in the automotive trade demand. Whether you're starting out or levelling up, this is the training that gets you working confidently on real vehicles.
What you will learn:
You'll build a complete skill set covering electrical fundamentals, automotive wiring, and professional diagnostic procedures. You'll learn to use multimeters, oscilloscopes, and scan tools to diagnose faults in starting systems, charging circuits, lighting, sensors, and body electronics. The course also covers vehicle communication networks including CAN and LIN bus, hybrid and electric vehicle high-voltage safety, and engine management systems. You'll finish with the ability to read manufacturer schematics, write professional diagnostic reports, and communicate findings clearly to customers.
How you study in practice Vehicle Electrician Course
How you practise Vehicle Electrician Course
For businesses looking to train their team
With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.
Course content
8 Chapters • 40 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)
Chapter 1HideHide detailsSee detailsElectrical Fundamentals for Vehicle Technicians
Electrical Fundamentals for Vehicle Technicians
Lesson 1 • Voltage, Current, and Resistance Basics
Introduces the three core electrical quantities and their relationships. Establishes the measurement vocabulary used throughout all subsequent vehicle electrical work.
Lesson 2 • Ohm's Law and Power Calculations
Applies Ohm's Law to calculate unknown values in simple circuits. Connects power formulas to real vehicle component ratings and fuse sizing.
Lesson 3 • Electrical Safety and Workshop Practices
Establishes safe handling procedures for vehicle electrical systems and batteries. Ensures students protect themselves and equipment before any hands-on diagnostic work.
Lesson 4 • Magnetism and Electromagnetic Principles
Covers magnetic fields, induction, and their role in motors and generators. Provides the theory behind starters, alternators, and solenoids encountered in vehicles.
Lesson 5 • Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits
Explains how components behave differently depending on circuit topology. Prepares students to trace and analyse multi-branch vehicle wiring networks.
Chapter 2HideHide detailsSee detailsAutomotive Wiring, Connectors, and Schematics
Automotive Wiring, Connectors, and Schematics
Lesson 1 • Wire Types, Gauges, and Colour Coding
Covers conductor materials, insulation ratings, and industry colour-coding conventions. Enables correct wire selection for repair and replacement tasks.
Lesson 2 • Wiring Repair and Splice Techniques
Covers approved methods for repairing damaged wiring without compromising circuit integrity. Connects schematic knowledge to physical repair execution.
Lesson 3 • Reading Automotive Wiring Diagrams
Teaches schematic symbols, diagram layouts, and component location codes. Students trace complete circuits from power source to ground using manufacturer diagrams.
Lesson 4 • Connector Types and Terminal Identification
Identifies common automotive connector families and terminal designs. Students match connectors to circuit functions and select correct repair terminals.
Lesson 5 • Harness Routing and Protection Methods
Explains how wiring harnesses are routed, secured, and protected in vehicles. Students apply correct routing and protection techniques during repairs.
Chapter 3HideHide detailsSee detailsTest Equipment and Diagnostic Procedures
Test Equipment and Diagnostic Procedures
Lesson 1 • Oscilloscope Use in Vehicle Diagnostics
Introduces waveform capture and analysis for sensors and actuators. Students distinguish normal from abnormal signal patterns to identify intermittent faults.
Lesson 2 • Scan Tool and OBD Diagnostics
Explains on-board diagnostic protocols, fault code retrieval, and live data streaming. Students use scan tool data to guide electrical fault diagnosis systematically.
Lesson 3 • Digital Multimeter Operation
Covers all multimeter functions used in automotive diagnosis, including AC/DC voltage, resistance, and continuity. Students perform accurate measurements on live and de-energised circuits.
Lesson 4 • Systematic Fault-Finding Methodology
Establishes a structured diagnostic process from symptom verification to confirmed repair. Prevents random-part replacement and builds professional diagnostic habits.
Lesson 5 • Voltage Drop and Resistance Testing
Teaches voltage drop testing as the primary method for finding high-resistance faults. Students apply the technique to power, ground, and load circuits.
Chapter 4HideHide detailsSee detailsBattery Systems and Charging Circuits
Battery Systems and Charging Circuits
Lesson 1 • Parasitic Current Drain Testing
Teaches the procedure for measuring and isolating excessive key-off current draw. Students identify the circuit responsible for draining the battery during vehicle storage.
Lesson 2 • Battery Construction and Chemistry
Explains cell chemistry, plate construction, and electrolyte function in lead-acid batteries. Provides the foundation for understanding battery capacity, ratings, and failure modes.
Lesson 3 • Battery Testing and State of Health
Covers conductance testing, load testing, and open-circuit voltage interpretation. Students determine whether a battery should be recharged, replaced, or returned to service.
Lesson 4 • Alternator Operation and Output Testing
Explains three-phase AC generation, rectification, and voltage regulation in alternators. Students test output voltage, ripple, and current to confirm charging system health.
Lesson 5 • Charging System Fault Diagnosis
Applies voltage drop testing and scan data to isolate undercharge and overcharge faults. Students trace charging circuit wiring from alternator to battery and control module.
Chapter 5HideHide detailsSee detailsStarting Systems and Ignition Circuits
Starting Systems and Ignition Circuits
Lesson 1 • Ignition System Types and Components
Compares distributor, distributorless, and coil-on-plug ignition architectures. Students identify components and understand how each system generates and delivers spark.
Lesson 2 • Immobiliser and Start-Enable Systems
Explains transponder key, immobiliser module, and start-enable relay operation. Students diagnose security-related no-start conditions using scan tool and key programming procedures.
Lesson 3 • Ignition System Testing and Fault Diagnosis
Covers spark output testing, coil resistance checks, and crankshaft sensor signal analysis. Students diagnose misfire and no-start faults using oscilloscope and scan tool data.
Lesson 4 • Starting Circuit Testing and Diagnosis
Applies voltage drop and current draw testing to the complete starting circuit. Students isolate faults in cables, solenoids, relays, and the starter motor itself.
Lesson 5 • Starter Motor Construction and Operation
Covers armature, field windings, brushes, and solenoid function in DC starter motors. Establishes the mechanical and electrical basis for starter circuit diagnosis.
Chapter 6HideHide detailsSee detailsLighting, Accessories, and Body Electrical Systems
Lighting, Accessories, and Body Electrical Systems
Lesson 1 • Wiper and Washer System Diagnosis
Explains wiper motor, park switch, and intermittent relay operation. Students diagnose inoperative, continuous, or non-parking wiper faults systematically.
Lesson 2 • Power Window and Door Lock Systems
Covers motor, switch, and BCM control of power windows and central locking. Students isolate faults to the motor, switch, wiring, or control module.
Lesson 3 • Body Control Module Functions and Programming
Explains BCM architecture, input/output mapping, and configuration requirements. Students use scan tools to read BCM data, clear faults, and perform basic programming.
Lesson 4 • Horn, Heated Elements, and Auxiliary Circuits
Covers horn relay circuits, heated seat and mirror elements, and auxiliary power outlets. Students test resistance, continuity, and control signals in comfort and convenience circuits.
Lesson 5 • Exterior Lighting Systems
Covers headlight, tail light, turn signal, and brake light circuit operation and control. Students test bulb circuits, switches, and BCM outputs to restore lighting function.
Chapter 7HideHide detailsSee detailsSensors, Actuators, and Engine Management Systems
Sensors, Actuators, and Engine Management Systems
Lesson 1 • Fuel Injector and Actuator Testing
Covers injector resistance, balance testing, and injector driver circuit diagnosis. Students also test idle air control, EGR, and variable valve timing actuators.
Lesson 2 • Oxygen and Exhaust Gas Sensors
Explains narrowband and wideband oxygen sensor operation and their role in fuel control. Students test sensor switching speed, heater circuit, and wideband current output.
Lesson 3 • Temperature and Pressure Sensor Diagnosis
Covers NTC thermistor, MAP, and MAF sensor operation and testing methods. Students interpret voltage and frequency signals to confirm sensor accuracy or identify failure.
Lesson 4 • Knock, Speed, and Position Sensor Diagnosis
Explains piezoelectric knock sensors, reluctor wheel speed sensors, and Hall-effect position sensors. Students capture and evaluate waveforms to confirm correct signal generation.
Lesson 5 • Engine Management System Architecture
Explains ECM inputs, processing, and outputs within a closed-loop control strategy. Provides the framework for understanding how sensors and actuators interact during engine operation.
Chapter 8HideHide detailsSee detailsVehicle Communication Networks and Advanced Systems
Vehicle Communication Networks and Advanced Systems
Lesson 1 • LIN, MOST, and FlexRay Networks
Covers single-wire LIN bus, optical MOST, and high-speed FlexRay network characteristics. Students identify which network serves each vehicle system and apply appropriate test methods.
Lesson 2 • Network Fault Diagnosis and Bus Testing
Applies oscilloscope and scan tool network analysis to isolate bus faults and missing modules. Students distinguish open, short, and termination faults from module failures.
Lesson 3 • Advanced Driver Assistance System Wiring
Covers radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensor wiring and calibration requirements. Students identify electrical faults in ADAS circuits and understand calibration prerequisites.
Lesson 4 • CAN Bus Architecture and Operation
Explains CAN high/low differential signalling, bus topology, and termination resistors. Students measure bus voltage and resistance to confirm network integrity.
Lesson 5 • Module Programming and Software Updates
Explains flash programming, variant coding, and software calibration procedures. Students perform module reprogramming using manufacturer-approved tools and processes.
Your valid completion certificate
This course is for you:
General mechanic: wants to stop referring electrical jobs to someone else.
Automotive apprentice: needs structured electrical theory to complement workshop training.
Career changer: brings mechanical aptitude and wants a trade with strong job demand.
Motorsport enthusiast: builds or modifies vehicles and needs real diagnostic capability.
Fleet maintenance technician: responsible for keeping commercial vehicles reliably on the road.
Auto body professional: expanding into electrical repairs to offer complete vehicle restoration.
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