Automotive Technology
19 courses · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AUTOTEC 10 Service and Repair
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the automotive service industry. Basic principles of the operation of engines, transmissions, driveline, steering, suspension and braking systems, and heating and air conditioning systems. Scheduled and preventative automotive maintenance and minor services are performed.
AUTOTEC 15 Auto Electricity and Electronics
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 24-27 Lecture, 24-27 Laboratory
- Transfers to
- CSU
Basic automotive electricity and electronics. Diagnosis of typical automotive electrical concerns using wiring diagrams/schematics and various testers. Emphasis on the use of digital multimeters for troubleshooting. Foundation course for electrical and electronic subject matter found in other automotive technology courses.
AUTOTEC 407 Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 24-27 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10 or AUTOTEC 450 and; AUTOTEC 15 or AUTOTEC 455
An introduction to the operational theory, maintenance, and other service requirements for gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. Safety requirements specific to hybrid vehicles are stressed.
AUTOTEC 408 Electric Vehicle Systems and Diagnostics
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 32-36 Lecture, 120-135 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: AUTOTEC 407
This intermediate course provides in-depth training in electric vehicle (EV) systems, emphasizing high-voltage safety, battery architecture, drive systems, and vehicle control modules. Students will develop diagnostic skills using scan tools, oscilloscopes, and other EV-specific equipment. Practical lab experience will focus on servicing and troubleshooting common EV components, preparing students for industry employment.
AUTOTEC 409 Advanced Alternative Propulsion and Fuel Cell Technology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 32-36 Lecture, 96-108 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: AUTOTEC 407; AUTOTEC 408
This advanced-level course explores alternative propulsion technologies, including plug-in hybrid systems and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Students will study component-level operation, system integration, and diagnostic techniques. Emphasis is placed on emerging technologies, industry certifications, and the development of workforce-ready skills for EV and hydrogen fuel cell applications.
AUTOTEC 416 Basic Automotive Air Conditioning Systems
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 24-27 Lecture, 24-27 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10; AUTOTEC 15
Operation, service, and repair of automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, with emphasis on environmental protection, including refrigerant recycling. Course provides the information necessary to qualify for refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling certification by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and prepares students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A7 Technician Certification exam.
AUTOTEC 417 Brakes
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10; AUTOTEC 15
Diagnosis, service, and repair of disc and drum brake systems and related hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems. Anti-lock brake operation is introduced. Course supports the Student Learning Outcomes of the Automotive Technology program by preparing students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A5 Technician Certification exam.
AUTOTEC 418 Suspension and Steering Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10; AUTOTEC 15
Operation, diagnosis, and repair of steering and suspension systems, including wheel and tire service, and two- and four-wheel alignments. Course supports the Student Learning Outcomes of the Automotive Technology program by preparing students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A4 Technician Certification exam.
AUTOTEC 422 Fuel, Ignition, and Emission Control Systems
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 96-108 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10 or AUTOTEC 450 and; AUTOTEC 15
Operation and interrelationships of the fuel, ignition, emission control, and exhaust systems. Emphasis on the diagnosis of engine performance and related emissions. This course - together with Automotive Technology 423 - supports the Student Learning Outcomes of the Automotive Technology program by preparing students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A8 Technician Certification exam, or the BAR California A8 Equivalent exam.
AUTOTEC 423 Engine Management Systems and Drivability
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 48-54 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 422 or AUTOTEC 455
Computer control of the ignition, fuel, and emissions systems. Emphasis on diagnosis and correction of conditions affecting engine performance. This course - together with Automotive Technology 422 - supports the Student Learning Outcomes of the Automotive Technology program by preparing students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A8 Technician Certification exam, or the BAR California A8 Equivalent exam.
AUTOTEC 427 Engine Operation and Service
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 96-108 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10 or AUTOTEC 450
Automotive engine operation, service, and repair. Machine work and the use of specialized equipment to diagnose and test engine conditions is emphasized. Course supports the Student Learning Outcomes of the Automotive Technology program by preparing students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A1 Technician Certification exam.
AUTOTEC 429 Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 40-45 Lecture, 72-81 Laboratory
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a C or better in: AUTOTEC 15 or AUTOTEC 455
Operation and service of automotive electrical systems. Emphasis on reading wiring diagrams and using test equipment to diagnose and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems. Prepares students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6 Technician Certification exam or the BAR California A6 Equivalent exam.
AUTOTEC 430 Engine Rebuilding - Upper Engine
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 96-108 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10 or AUTOTEC 450
Provides the knowledge and skills needed by automotive machinists. Reconditioning of automotive gasoline and diesel engines, including inspection, measuring, and machining of valve train components and construction of cylinder head assemblies.
AUTOTEC 431 Engine Rebuilding - Lower Engine
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 96-108 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10 or AUTOTEC 450
Provides the knowledge and skills needed by automotive machinists. Reconditioning of automotive gasoline and diesel engines, including inspection, measuring, and machining of lower engine components and the reassembly of cylinder blocks.
AUTOTEC 432 Manual and Automatic Transmissions, Transaxles and Drive Trains
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 96-108 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10 or AUTOTEC 450 and; AUTOTEC 15 or AUTOTEC 455
Diagnosis, maintenance, repair and overhaul of automatic and manual transmissions, transaxles and drive trains to include four-wheel and all-wheel drive systems. Special emphasis on the use of diagnostic equipment and methods for accurately determining transmission and transaxle conditions. Prepares students to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A2 and A3 Technician Certification exam.
AUTOTEC 435 High Performance Engine Rebuilding and Blueprinting
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 48-54 Lecture, 96-108 Laboratory
- Advisory
- AUTOTEC 10 or AUTOTEC 450 and; AUTOTEC 430 and; AUTOTEC 431
Students develop advanced skills in automotive machining operations, use of precision measuring tools, and high performance engine modification and assembly techniques. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to “blueprint” an engine to industry standards.
AUTOTEC 450 General Automotive Technician A
- Units
- 12
- Hours
- 144-162 Lecture, 144-162 Laboratory
Designed for students who want the occupational training required for employment as an automotive service technician. Content is similar to other courses offered individually - such as Service and Repair; Brakes; and Steering and Suspension - with more emphasis placed on development of marketable skills.
AUTOTEC 455 General Automotive Technician B
- Units
- 12
- Hours
- 144-162 Lecture, 144-162 Laboratory
Designed for students who want the occupational training required for employment as an automotive service technician. Content is similar to other courses offered individually - such as Automotive Electrical Systems A; Fuel, Ignition and Emission Control Systems; and Basic Automotive Air Conditioning Systems - with more emphasis placed on developing marketable skills.
AUTOTEC 600 Essential Car Care, Consumer Auto Safety, and Industry Basics
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 16-18 Lecture, 24-27 Laboratory
Learn the essentials of vehicle maintenance, safety, and consumer navigation in the automotive repair industry. This non-credit course covers basic car care, including fluid checks, tire inspections, and dashboard warnings, along with strategies for diagnosing common issues, understanding repair estimates, and navigating consumer rights. Designed for beginners, this course empowers students with practical skills, cost-saving tips, and foundational knowledge of the automotive industry.