General Automotive Course

Lesson 1 • Vehicle Identification and Documentation

Explains VIN decoding, vehicle labels, and service records. Accurate identification ensures correct parts selection and repair documentation.

Lesson 2 • Overview of the Automotive Industry

Covers industry structure, career pathways, and professional standards. Establishes context for all technical skills developed throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Shop Safety and Hazard Management

Teaches personal protective equipment, chemical handling, and emergency procedures. Safety compliance underpins every hands-on task in the course.

Lesson 4 • Basic Hand and Power Tools

Introduces common hand tools, power tools, and proper usage techniques. Correct tool selection prevents damage and improves repair efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Engine Lubrication and Cooling Systems

Explains oil circulation, coolant flow, and thermal management components. Proper lubrication and cooling prevent premature engine wear and overheating.

Lesson 2 • Four-Stroke Engine Operating Cycle

Details intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes with valve timing. Understanding the cycle is the basis for diagnosing all engine-related faults.

Lesson 3 • Engine Configurations and Displacement

Compares inline, V-type, and flat engine layouts and explains displacement calculations. Configuration knowledge guides diagnosis and parts sourcing.

Lesson 4 • Engine Block and Rotating Assembly

Examines block construction, crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons. These components convert combustion pressure into rotational power.

Lesson 1 • Air Induction and Throttle Control

Explains air filter, mass airflow sensor, and electronic throttle body operation. Accurate airflow measurement is critical for correct fuel metering.

Lesson 2 • Port and Direct Fuel Injection Systems

Compares port injection and gasoline direct injection architectures and injector operation. Injection type determines diagnostic approach and cleaning procedures.

Lesson 3 • Emissions Control Systems

Details catalytic converters, EGR, PCV, and evaporative emission controls. Emissions systems must function correctly to meet regulatory standards.

Lesson 4 • Ignition System Fundamentals

Covers spark plug operation, ignition coils, and timing control strategies. Proper ignition timing maximizes combustion efficiency and reduces emissions.

Lesson 1 • Lighting, Accessories, and Body Electronics

Covers headlight systems, power windows, door locks, and body control modules. Accessory circuit faults are among the most common customer complaints.

Lesson 2 • Batteries, Charging, and Starting Systems

Covers battery construction, state of charge testing, alternator output, and starter operation. These systems must be verified before deeper electrical diagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Multimeter and Oscilloscope Diagnostics

Teaches voltage drop testing, resistance checks, and waveform capture techniques. Proper meter use prevents misdiagnosis and unnecessary component replacement.

Lesson 4 • Wiring, Connectors, and Schematics

Explains wire gauge, connector types, and schematic symbol conventions. Schematic reading is essential for efficient circuit fault isolation.

Lesson 1 • Automatic Transmission Fundamentals

Explains torque converter, planetary gearsets, and hydraulic control circuits. Automatic transmission diagnosis requires understanding fluid pressure and shift logic.

Lesson 2 • Differentials and Transfer Cases

Explains open, limited-slip, and locking differentials plus transfer case operation. Correct fluid and service intervals prevent differential and transfer case failure.

Lesson 3 • Clutch Systems and Manual Transmissions

Covers clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and gear synchronizer operation. Clutch condition directly affects manual transmission engagement quality.

Lesson 4 • Driveshafts, CV Joints, and Axles

Covers open driveshaft U-joints, constant velocity joints, and half-shaft assemblies. Worn CV joints and U-joints cause vibration and clicking under load.

Lesson 1 • Anti-Lock Braking and Stability Systems

Explains ABS wheel speed sensors, hydraulic control units, and traction control integration. ABS and stability control faults require scan tool data and sensor testing.

Lesson 2 • Suspension Geometry and Alignment

Covers camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle and their effects on tire wear. Alignment angles must be within specification after any suspension component replacement.

Lesson 3 • Hydraulic Brake System Fundamentals

Covers master cylinder, brake lines, proportioning valves, and fluid properties. Hydraulic integrity is the foundation of reliable brake system performance.

Lesson 4 • Disc and Drum Brake Service

Teaches rotor and drum measurement, pad and shoe replacement, and caliper service. Correct friction material and rotor condition ensure consistent stopping power.

Lesson 1 • Systematic Diagnostic Strategy

Applies a structured six-step diagnostic process from symptom verification to repair confirmation. A consistent strategy reduces diagnostic time and improves first-fix rates.

Lesson 2 • OBD-II System Architecture

Explains monitor types, readiness status, and communication protocols. Understanding OBD-II architecture is required before interpreting any diagnostic trouble code.

Lesson 3 • Diagnostic Trouble Code Interpretation

Covers P, B, C, and U code categories, code priority, and pending vs. confirmed status. Correct code interpretation prevents misdiagnosis and unnecessary parts replacement.

Lesson 4 • Bi-Directional Controls and Actuator Tests

Explains scan tool commands that activate solenoids, fans, and injectors for testing. Actuator tests confirm component function without relying solely on fault codes.

Lesson 1 • Advanced Fuel System Diagnosis

Uses fuel pressure waveforms, injector balance tests, and volume flow checks to isolate faults. Fuel delivery problems often mimic ignition or sensor failures.

Lesson 2 • Network Communication Fault Diagnosis

Explains CAN bus topology, module communication faults, and network voltage testing. Communication faults can disable multiple systems and require network-specific tools.

Lesson 3 • Engine Mechanical Diagnostic Testing

Covers compression, cylinder leakdown, and vacuum testing to assess internal engine condition. Mechanical test results guide decisions on repair vs. engine replacement.

Lesson 4 • Driveability Complaint Resolution

Integrates mechanical, fuel, ignition, and sensor data to resolve complex driveability faults. Systematic correlation of multiple data sources leads to accurate root cause identification.