Tesla
4 courses · Rio Hondo College · 2026-2027 Catalog
TESL 101A Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - A
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- AUTO 260
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the first in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. This first course covers the history of the Tesla company, a product and model overview, and an introduction to Tesla's service network, laptop diagnostic system, and service/parts access. Technical skills covered in this series include high-voltage tools and safety systems, diagnoses using software applications (e.g., Fast Lane), service repair basics, basic chassis, driver systems, and thermal and heating ventilation air conditions (HVAC) system services. Río Hondo's Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program.
TESL 101B Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - B
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- TESL 101A
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the second in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. The course covers a product and model overview, ongoing product changes, computer firmware applications, and and introduction to the Tesla service network through service center shadowing. Laptop diagnostic systems, service/parts access, and factory repair times (FRT) skills are also introduced. Technical skills covered in this series include high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL) and driver safety systems, diagnoses using software applications (e.g., Fast Lane), customer interactions, alignment, chassis, sensor systems, heat pump basics, thermal and heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system services, and drive motor basics. Río Hondo’s Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program.
TESL 101C Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - C
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- TESL 101B
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the third in a series of four courses intended to improve student’s skills about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course covers service readiness, service center procedures, high voltage charging including equipment needed to charge the battery, introduction to the CAN language used in the vehicle and vehicle interface with charger unit, introduction to the penthouse controls and charging power control center, HV controller, and driver interaction with the vehicle commands, meter and scope introduced to the inverter and DC/DC power control diagnosis. New model Palladium features are also introduced as they are being used in several vehicles now.
TESL 101D Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - D
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- TESL 101C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the final one in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. This final course improves students' skills and speed in servicing Tesla electric vehicles. The course focuses on infotainment systems, voice commands, navigation, full driverless controls, vehicle reconditioning, advanced braking and suspension system skills with lift and lowering controls, computer area networks (CAN), and vehicle remote access for diagnostics. Upon completing the course, students are granted an interview with Tesla, Inc. for placement at a permanent service center. Río Hondo's Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program.