Automotive Technology
27 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ATEC 1 Introduction to Automotive Service
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 2.5 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is a fundamental introduction to the major components and systems found on modern automobiles. The course includes an overview of the automotive industry, shop safety, hand tools usage, basic theory of major automobile systems and basic vehicle maintenance and service.
ATEC 11 Brakes, Suspension and Four Wheel Alignment
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture, 10 hours lab
- Advisory
- ATEC 1 or ATEC 22B or ATEC 25 and ATEC 26 and eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive braking, suspension, and steering systems.
ATEC 14 Brakes
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 1 and Automotive Technology 22A or Automotive Technology 23 and Automotive Technology 24 and Automotive Technology 22B or Automotive Technology 25 and Automotive Technology 26 and eligibility for English 1A/English C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive braking systems.
ATEC 16 Suspension and Four Wheel Alignment
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 1 and Automotive Technology 22A or Automotive Technology 23 and Automotive Technology 24 and Automotive Technology 22B or Automotive Technology 25 and Automotive Technology 26 and eligibility for English 1A/English C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive suspension and steering systems.
ATEC 21 Introduction to Engine Performance
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 1 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the study, theory and application of computer-controlled engine management systems, minor engine performance, electrical and fuel systems. Laboratory activities stress the proper use of test equipment utilized in the automotive field.
ATEC 22A Introduction to Engine Performance, Electrical and Fuel Systems
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture, 10 hours lab
- Advisory
- ATEC 1 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an introductory engine performance course, which covers construction and operation of the following systems: computer controlled engine management, electrical charging, cooling, emission controls, fuel, and ignition. Laboratory activities stress the proper use of modern test equipment and repair procedures used in the automotive field.
ATEC 22B Electrical, Electronics and Computer Controlled Systems
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture, 10 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 22A with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the study of Automotive On-Board Diagnostics II computer controlled engine management systems, , body electrical and electronic systems, onboard computer networking and computer controlled ignition testing, including diagnosis and repair procedures. Laboratory activities stress the proper use of test equipment utilized in industry.
ATEC 23 Engine Performance
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 21 or Automotive Technology 1 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of Engine Performance including engine mechanical, ignition, fuel and computer control.
ATEC 24 Advanced Engine Performance
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Automotive Technology 23 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 21 or Automotive Technology 1 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of engine performance including computer control, emissions, and networking.
ATEC 25 Automotive Electrical Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 21 or Automotive Technology 1 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive electrical systems.
ATEC 26 Automotive Electrical Diagnosis
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Automotive Technology 25 with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 21 or Automotive Technology 1 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive electrical accessories and electronic systems.
ATEC 27 BAR Level I Smog Check Inspector Training
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- 8 units from the following courses: Automotive Technology 21, Automotive Technology 22A, Automotive Technology 22B, Automotive Technology 23, Automotive Technology 24, Automotive Technology 25 or equivalent trade experience.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Level I course content training requirements for California Smog Check Inspector candidates. Successful completion of this course partially satisfies the education requirements for the state Smog Check Technicians License. It is highly recommended that students entering into this course have one year experience/education in the automotive engine performance area. This course covers the study of proper procedures for inspection, testing, repair, and certification of vehicle emissions within California Clean Air Car Standards. Emphasis is placed on Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Rules and Regulations, BAR Emission Inspection System operation procedures, On-Board Diagnostics Generation 2 (OBD II) operation and O2 /Air Fuel Sensor Testing.
ATEC 28 BAR Level II Smog Check Inspector Training
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Automotive Technology 27 with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 21 Automotive Technology 22A Automotive Technology 22B or Automotive Technology 23 Automotive Technology 24 Automotive Technology 25 Automotive Technology 26
This course covers the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Level II course content training requirements for California Smog Check Inspector candidates. Smog Check Level II training is intended to provide students the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform Smog Check Inspections. Covered topics include Smog Check program regulations, law and procedures encompassing Smog Check visual inspections, emission and functional tests. Students who successfully complete this training will have met the BAR training requirements to qualify to take the Smog Check Inspector state licensing examination.
ATEC 33 Transmissions, Drive Train and Drive Axles
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture, 10 hours lab
- Advisory
- ATEC 1 or ATEC 21 ENGL A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive automatic and, manual transmissions, transaxles, and drive trains.
ATEC 34 Automatic Transmissions
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 1 and Automotive Technology 22A or Automotive Technology 23 and 24; Automotive Technology 22B or Automotive Technology 25 and Automotive Technology 26 and eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive automatic transmissions and transaxles. Note: The two-course sequence Automotive Technology 34 and 35 is the same as Automotive Technology 33. Students who have completed Automotive Technology 34 and 35 will not receive credit for Automotive Technology 33.
ATEC 35 Manual Transmission, Drive Train and Drive Axles
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- Automotive Technology 1 and Automotive Technology 22A or Automotive Technology 23 and Automotive Technology 24 and Automotive Technology 22B or Automotive Technology 25 and Automotive Technology 26 and eligibility for English C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive manual transmissions, drive axles, and drive trains. Note: The two-course sequence Automotive Technology 34 and 35 is the same as Automotive Technology 33. Students who have completed Automotive Technology 34 and 35 will not receive credit for Automotive Technology 33.
ATEC 41 Engine Rebuilding
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture, 10 hours lab
- Advisory
- ATEC 1 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers engine construction, operation, diagnosis and proper rebuilding procedures. Laboratory activities emphasize the proper use of tools and equipment utilized in the field of engine diagnosis and rebuilding. Also covered are machining processes such as drilling and tapping, milling, surfacing, boring and honing, pin fitting, press work, resurfacing, reaming, knurling, repairing of damaged threads, measuring, grinding valves and valve seats and crack detection methods and repairing.
ATEC 42 Engine Repair
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 5 hours lecture, 10 hours lab
- Advisory
- ATEC 1 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the study of automotive engine construction and operation, diagnosis and repair procedures of the following: cylinder head removal and valve grinding, camshaft and timing gear replacement, water pump replacement, oil, coolant and manifold (intake and exhaust) leaks, engine maintenance and the installation of long or short blocks Replace pistons and/or connecting rods, piston rings, engine bearings, crankshaft seals, camshaft seals, oil pan gasket, valve/camshaft cover gaskets, flywheel, pulleys, crankshaft balancer and other engine repair items that would need to replaced or repaired. Laboratory activities stress the proper use of equipment utilized in the field.
ATEC 43 Engine Diagnosis & Repair
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 4.5 hours lab
- Advisory
- ATEC 1 and ATEC 22A or ATEC 23 and ATEC 24 and ATEC 22B or ATEC 25 and ATEC 26 and eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive engines.
ATEC 51 Introduction to Alternative Fuel Vehicles
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 lecture hours
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English C1000
This course provides an overview of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. Topics include a brief history of alternative fuels, pros and cons of each fuel, and discussions on whether an alternative fuel vehicle is right for the consumer. The background of different fuels and an overview of current and future fuel types will be explored.
ATEC 52 Introduction to Hybrid, Electric and Fuel-Cell Vehicle Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Automotive Technology 1 with a minimum letter grade of "C" or concurrent enrollment
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent and Automotive Technology 51
This course explores the use of hybrid and electric battery power for vehicle transportation. Topics will include safety when using high voltage, maintenance, drivability, inverter, Direct Current to Alternating Current (DC/AC), power transfer, and battery technology. The physics of battery storage, hybrid generation systems, electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from various manufacturers will be presented. Hybrid and high voltage service and maintenance procedures will also be discussed. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to complete the L-3 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam.
ATEC 53 Hybrid, Fuel-Cell and Electric Vehicle Diagnosis & Repair
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Automotive Technology 52 AND Automotive Technology 22B or Automotive Technology 25 with a minimum letter grade of "C" in prerequisite or concurrent enrollment
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent
This course provides the student with the skills necessary to diagnose and repair basic to intermediate level malfunctions with hybrid, fuel-cell and electric vehicles. Students will perform regular maintenance service activities, testing with repair procedures, refueling, and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) scan tool operations. This will instruct students in identifying and utilizing tools and equipment that can be sourced from manufacturers to facilitate these operations.
ATEC 81 Automotive Air Conditioning
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- ATEC 1 and ATEC 22B or ATEC 25 and ATEC 26 and ENGL A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the theory and operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
ATEC 95 Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Automotive Technology 95abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Automotive Technology field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.
ATEC 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Automotive Technology 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Automotive Technology not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Automotive Technology projects (54 hours per unit).
ATEC 500 Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) 1
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture/4.5 hours lab
- Formerly
- NATE 1
This noncredit course is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in Vehicle Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) as identified by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Auto Maintenance and Light Repair test area G1. The principles of engines, automatic transmissions, manual drive trains, axles and brakes are essential components in automotive practices and are vital topics in preparing students for the ASE G1 testing requirements. Note: This is the first of two courses required for ASE G1 Testing.
ATEC 501 Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) 2
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture/4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Automotive Technology 500
- Formerly
- NATE 2
This noncredit course is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in Vehicle Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) as identified by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Test Area G1. The principles of brakes, steering, suspension, electrical, heating and air conditioning are essential components in automotive practices and are vital topics in preparing students for the ASE G1 testing requirements. Note: This is the second of two courses required for ASE G1 Testing.