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AMT 40 Electrical Systems I
Course Description
- Prerequisite: AMT 46 & 50, and PHYS 56
- Corequisite: AMT 30
- Recommended Prep: Employment in the automotive industry
- AMT majors only
This course will cover shop safety, applicable tools and equipment. It is designed to provide students with the essential theories and practical skills to service and repair battery, starting, charging, and lighting systems. Diagnostic procedures using wiring diagrams and electrical test equipment to locate shorts, grounds, opens and resistance problems will also be covered. Course includes live work.
Text and References
Automotive Electrical & Electronics Systems, Harper & Row/Chek-Chart, Classroom and Shop Manual. Manufacturer’s Service Manual; Mitchell, Chilton, and Motors service manuals; and handouts.
Course Goals
- To fulfill standards specified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF);
- to prepare the student with the skills and competencies necessary for a successful career as an automotive technician;
- to instill positive work habits and attitude necessary to work in a highly competitive filed;
- to provide the student with the basic skills necessary to become a lifelong learner in order to keep abreast of the latest technological changes in the automobile.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of AMT 40, the student will be able to:
- Work independently and inter-dependently in an automotive repair facility
- Function safely in an automotive environment
- Communicate effectively to gather and convey industry related information
- Operate automotive equipment and specialty tools
- Perform all of the NATEF tasks that are outlined in each section listed below. Refer to the NATEF task list on website for a complete list of individual tasks.
- General Electrical System Diagnosis
- Battery Diagnosis and Service
- Starting System Diagnosis and Repair
- Charging System Diagnosis and Repair
- Lighting System Diagnosis and Repair
Module Names
- Basic Electricity
- Automotive Wiring
- Electrical Diagrams
- Battery Fundamentals
- Battery Diagnosis and Service
- Starting System Operation
- Starter Motors
- Charging System Operation
- Regulators and Indicators
- Alternator Overhaul
- Charging System Diagnosis and Repair
- Lighting System Operation
- Lighting System Troubleshooting and Repair
Student Contributions
Physical ability: This course requires physical strength and dexterity as well as eye hand coordination to perform repairs and to avoid unnecessary material losses and personal injury.
Teamwork: This course requires that the student work as a cohesive team participant. Failure to be a contributing participant will be reflected in one’s grade.
Dress code: Students are to be work ready at all times and dressed according to AMT program policy.
Tool requirements: Students are to bring tools applicable to subject area. Failure to comply will result in the student being unable to perform shop work, being sent home, and/or being marked absent.
Attitude: Students are expected to have a positive attitude that contributes to their learning by being aggressive without being arrogant nor selfish.
Grading Policy
Attendance: Students will maintain a time card per NATEF requirements. Each tardy (to class and from breaks) and absence will result in point deduction from final accumulated grade points. Three tardies will equal one absence. Absence of three days will result in a failing grade.
Point system: All assignments – homework, worksheets, and quizzes are to be tabulated into final points. All work turned in late will result in a 50% deduction in points. No make–up will be possible on certain lab work.
Any score below 60% on the final written or practical exam will not be allowed and result in a failing grade regardless of student progress, no make up exams allowed and Student must retake course.
Final Grading
- 60% Shop work/exercises
- 25% Practical Final Exam
- 25% Work Habits
- 10% Lab work/Worksheets
- 40% to Classroom work/assignments
- 20% Written Final Exams
- 15% Module Exams
- 5% Homework
Grading Structure
- A = 90 to 100%
- B = 80 to 89%
- C = 70 to 79%
- F = Below 70%