# Automotive Technology (AUTO) courses Golden West College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 19 courses Source: https://catalog.cccd.edu/golden-west/course-descriptions/credit-courses/auto/ "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027. ### AUTO G101 — Introduction to Automotive Technology - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours - **C-ID:** AUTO 110X - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 3 sections (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass This course covers the operation and maintenance of the major systems of modern automobiles. There is an emphasis on the theory of the major operating systems, including engine, electrical, chassis, and driveline systems. ### AUTO G110 — Engine Repair - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 72 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass This course provides students with theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to perform minor and major service on automotive gasoline powered engines, using lecture and lab. Instruction is given and lab experience provided in engine diagnosis, removal, disassembly, analysis and inspection, precision measurements, reassembly, and installation. Information presented is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A-1 Engine Repair Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE Certification Examination. ### AUTO G120 — Electrical/Electronic Systems: Introductory - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 72 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter This course is an introduction to automotive electrical systems that provides students theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand electrical flow and electronic concepts. Lecture content is reinforced through lab experience, which will enable students to successfully perform diagnostics and repair on vehicle electrical and electronic circuits. Content presented is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A-6 Electrical/Electronics Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE Certification Examination. ### AUTO G121 — Electrical/Electronic Systems: Advanced - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 72 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **Advisory:** AUTO G120. - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 2 sections (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter This course is an advanced level course that provides students with theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand electrical flow and advanced automotive electronic diagnostic and repair concepts through lecture and lab. Coursework presented is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A-6 Electrical/Electronics Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE Certification Examination. ### AUTO G130 — Engine Performance: Basic Theory/Diagnosis - **Units:** 4.5 - **Hours:** 63 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **Advisory:** AUTO G110 and AUTO G120. - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter This course is an introduction to the theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand engine performance concepts. Instruction is given and lab experience provided which will enable students to successfully perform diagnostics and repair on engine management and related systems. Information presented is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Engine Performance Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE A-8 Engine Performance certification examination. ### AUTO G131 — Engine Performance: Advanced - **Units:** 4.5 - **Hours:** 63 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **Advisory:** AUTO G120 and AUTO G130. - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass This course is an advanced level diagnostics course covering theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand advanced engine performance concepts. The lecture and lab instruction will enable students to successfully perform diagnostics and repairs on complex engine management and related systems. The course material is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Engine Performance Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE A-8 Engine Performance certification examination. ### AUTO G140 — Automotive Chassis: Brakes - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 72 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **C-ID:** AUTO 150X - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter This course covers theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand automotive disc and drum brake systems, antilock-braking systems and related components. Instruction is given and lab experience provided which will enable students to successfully perform diagnostics and repairs on automotive brake systems. Information presented is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Engine Performance Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE A-5 Brakes examination. ### AUTO G141 — Automotive Chassis: Steering & Suspension - **Units:** 4.5 - **Hours:** 63 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **C-ID:** AUTO 140X - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass This course covers the theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand automotive steering and suspension systems and related components. The lecture and lab instruction will enable students to successfully perform related diagnostics and repairs. The course material is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE A-4 Suspension & Steering Certification examination. ### AUTO G145 — Basic Clean Air Car Course - **Units:** 5 - **Hours:** 72 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter This course is required by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to obtain an Advanced Emissions Specialist license. The course will cover rules and regulations, history of the California Smog Check Program, a study of five-gas analysis, oxygen sensors, an overview of all emission control devices offered in California since 1975 and an introduction to onboard diagnostics second generation (OBD ll). The theory in this course is reinforced with hands-on skill practice. Students must complete this course before submitting an application to the BAR for an Advanced Emissions Specialist license. ### AUTO G150 — Manual Drive Trains & Axles - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 45 lecture hours; 81 lab hours - **C-ID:** AUTO 130X - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass This course provides the students with theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand automotive manual drive trains and transaxles concepts. Instruction is given and lab experience provided in diagnosis, removal, disassembly, analysis and inspection, precision measurements, reassembly, and installation. Information presented is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A-3 Manual Drive Train and Axles Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE Certification Examination. ### AUTO G151 — Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 45 lecture hours; 81 lab hours - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass This course provides the students with theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand automotive automatic transmission and transaxle concepts. Instruction is given and lab experience provided in diagnosis, removal, disassembly, inspection, precision measurements, re-assembly and installation. The coursework is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE A-2 Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Certification examination. ### AUTO G160 — Heating and Air Conditioning - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter This course will cover the theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to understand automotive Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Instruction is given and lab experience provided which will enable students to successfully perform diagnostics and repair on both manual and automatic HVAC systems. EPA-accepted techniques for recovering and recycling R134 and R1234YF refrigerants will also be covered. Coursework is based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tasks and Standards intended to prepare students for the ASE A-7 Heating and Air Conditioning certification examination. ### AUTO G170 — Hybrid Vehicles - **Units:** 3 - **Hours:** 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours - **Prerequisite:** AUTO G120. - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter Formerly: Hybrid Vehicles. This course is a hands-on approach to the world of hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, and electric powered vehicles and prepares students for successful completion of the ASE L-3 exam. Explore technologies including configuration, operation, and maintenance of hybrid-electric powertrain systems while observing industry safety process and procedures. ### AUTO G181 — Automotive Express Service - **Units:** 4 - **Hours:** 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours - **Transfers to:** CSU - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: Standard Letter This course focuses on the skills required to be successful as an entry-level automotive technician. Proper vehicle inspection, maintenance, and repair skills presented in this course are essential to all areas of the automotive industry. This course aligns with multiple automotive manufacture procedures and best practices in regards to factory scheduled vehicle inspection and maintenance. ### AUTO G002N — Automotive Safety - **Hours:** 4 lecture hours; 12 lab hours - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md); Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: P/NP/SP Noncredit This noncredit course covers general safety guidelines for the Automotive Industry. Students will learn about Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), how to safely use and maintain automotive tools, vehicle hoists, and other equipment used in the industry. In addition, students will take the S/P2 (Safety and Pollution Prevention) safety test which outlines proper procedures for hazardous waste handling and disposal. Noncredit. Open Entry/Open Exit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE. ### AUTO G003N — Automotive Lube Technician - **Hours:** 16 lecture hours; 32 lab hours - **Prerequisite:** AUTO G002N. - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md) - Grading Mode: P/NP/SP Noncredit This noncredit course covers fundamental theories and skills required to enter the automotive workforce as an Automotive Lube Technician. Upon completion, students will learn basic automotive safety, become proficient in using published and online vehicle service information platforms, and perform vehicle service procedures outlined by periodic maintenance schedules. Noncredit. Open Entry/Open Exit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE. ### AUTO G004N — Automotive Tire and Wheel Service - **Hours:** 12 lecture hours; 36 lab hours - **Prerequisite:** AUTO G002N. - **Offered:** Spring 2027, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/spring-2027/auto.md) - Grading Mode: P/NP/SP Noncredit This noncredit course covers fundamental theory and skills required to work as a tire technician. Students will learn basic automotive safety, guidelines for aftermarket wheel and tire replacement, as well as the safe use of equipment for repairing and replacing tires used on most light truck and passenger vehicles. Noncredit. Open Entry/Open Exit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE. ### AUTO G045N — Basic Clean Air Car Course - **Hours:** 54 lecture hours; 36 lab hours - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Grading Mode: P/NP/SP Noncredit This noncredit course is the first in a series of courses required by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to obtain an Advanced Emissions Specialist license. The course will cover rules and regulations, history of the California Smog Check Program, a study of five-gas analysis, oxygen sensors, an overview of all emission control devices offered in California since 1975, and an introduction to second generation onbosard diagnostic system (OBD ll). The theory in this course is reinforced with hands-on skill practice. Students must complete this course before submitting an application to the BAR for an Advanced Emissions Specialist license. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE. ### AUTO G046N — Smog Level 2 Smog Check Inspector Training - **Hours:** 18 lecture hours; 27 lab hours - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/golden-west-college/schedule/fall-2026/auto.md) - Grading Mode: P/NP/SP Noncredit This noncredit course provides students the procedural knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform Smog Check inspections. Course content includes safety, customer awareness, program administration, equipment maintenance and inspection and testing procedures for On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (OIS) and Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) Smog tests. Students who complete and pass this training will have met the Bureau's training requirements to qualify to take the Smog Check Inspector state licensing examination. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.