Automotive Technology
11 courses · Palo Verde College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AUT 100 Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers those items necessary to maintain the vehicle: preventive maintenance, minor tune-up, roadside repairs, simple adjustments, and introduction to shop procedures, methods of removing and replacing external parts plus minor diagnosis of components. Students will become familiar with safety in the shop and learn how to use various equipment and tools. Students will learn how to properly handle chemicals found in the shop. Strict adherence to safety rules and procedures will be emphasized.
AUT 101 Basic Technician Skills
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course teaches the basic skills needed by a beginning apprentice for repair and maintenance in an automotive facility. Safety, basic hand tools, cleaning techniques and customer relations will be covered. The entire automobile will be studied: tune-up, engines, carburetion, electrical systems, power transmission, and chassis systems. Shop work consists of related work on automotive equipment.
AUT 102 Engine Analysis/Tune-up
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class is the basic theory of operation of standard and electric ignition systems, batteries, electrical systems, and fuel and emission systems. Emphasis is placed on the use of basic test instruments in diagnosing problems in these systems, along with maintenance and servicing procedures.
AUT 103 Suspension, Steering and Alignment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class covers the complete automotive suspension system with emphasis on wheel alignment and suspension service on both domestic and foreign cars. Theory of suspension and alignment is covered along with the rebuilding of front suspension systems, including McPherson strut and dual control arm types. Wheel alignment procedures are covered extensively on both foreign and domestic cars. Wheel balancing is also included.
AUT 107 Beginning Auto Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a general introduction to the discipline of automotive service, and then guides students through the first three ASE certification areas. The areas addressed in this course include: Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Engine Repair, and Electrical/Electronic Systems. Its unique emphasis is on diagnosis; diagnostic stories and tech tips are included throughout to help illustrate how real problems are solved. Each new topic covers the parts involved plus the purpose, function, and operation, as well as how to test and diagnose each system. It accurately reflects the information and skills needed in today's workplace.
AUT 108 Engine Performance Heating and Air Conditioning
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a general introduction to the discipline of automotive service, and then guides students through three ASE certification areas. The areas addressed in this course include: Heating, Air Conditioning and Engine Performance. Its unique emphasis is on diagnosis; diagnostic stories and tech tips are included throughout to help illustrate how real problems are solved. Each new topic covers the parts involved plus the purpose, function, and operation, as well as how to test and diagnose each system. It accurately reflects the information and skills needed in today's workplace.
AUT 109 Brakes, Suspension Steering Drive Trains and Transmissions
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a general introduction to the discipline of automotive service, and then guides the students through the three ASE certification areas. The areas addressed in this course include: Brakes, Suspension and Steering, Manual Dive Trains and Axels, and Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles. Its quite unique emphasis is on diagnosis; diagnostic stories and tech tips are included throughout to help illustrate how real problems are solved. Each new topic covers the parts involved plus the purpose, function, and operation, as well as how to test and diagnose each system. It accurately reflects the information and skills in today's workplace.
AUT 110 Brake Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the complete braking system found on most domestic and foreign cars. Theory of operation, servicing, procedures, testing/diagnosis/repair of most major braking systems. Drum and rotor machining, hydraulics, power braking system and four-wheel disc brakes. Emphasis on theory of operation and servicing techniques of late-model cars and light trucks.
AUT 111 Automotive Electrical Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- AUT 100 or work experience
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the operating principles, troubleshooting techniques, and repair procedures of electrical supply systems and battery-starter systems. Demonstration lectures and practical experience in the laboratory will cover batteries, starter systems, generating systems, and lighting systems.
AUT 200 Engine Diagnosis/Overhaul
- Units
- 6
- Hours
- 180 hours total, 4 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class is designed for the serious technician to develop skills and understanding to determine if an engine should be repaired or overhauled. Topics include advanced diagnostic procedures and use of the latest diagnostic tools. Included is "complete engine overhaul", where an engine is rebuilt from a basic block to a running engine.
AUT 220 Introduction to Hybrid, Electric Vehicle and Alternative Propulsion Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 81 hours total, 2.5 hours lecture weekly, 2 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- AUT 100 and AUT 111
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the use of Hybrid, Electric power, and alternative fuels for vehicle transportation. Physics of battery storage, Hybrid generation systems, Electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from many manufactures will be discussed. This course is suitable for students entering into automotive alternative fuels or power generation and energy technology field.