Diesel Electric Transportation Technology
21 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
DETT 101 Introduction to Diesel-Electric Technology
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This introductory course explores the emerging field of Diesel-Electric Transportation Technology (DETT). Students will gain foundational knowledge of diesel power and alternative fuels systems, electric drivetrains, hybrid technologies, hydrogen technologies, and high-voltage safety practices. The course emphasizes the fundamentals of diesel and electric equipment while also examining labor market trends, salaries, industry outlooks, and career opportunities. Designed for students considering careers in transportation technology. The course introduces key regulatory standards, industry practices, and pathways to advanced technical training and certifications. Field trips may be required.
DETT 115 Heavy Duty Mobile Hydraulics
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 72 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course presents the operation, service, and troubleshooting procedures for hydraulic systems found on modern light-medium and heavy-duty equipment and trucks. This class covers hydraulics systems used in diesel, hybrid, and electric applications. Hands-on procedures are emphasized. Students must furnish approved safety glasses. Field trips may be required.
DETT 121 Diesel Engines
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 81 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Service, repair, rebuilding, diagnosing, operation, function, and features of diesel engines. Hands-on procedures and safety are emphasized. Students must furnish approved safety glasses. Field trips may be required.
DETT 131 Transmissions and Drive Train
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 81 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the drive train systems used on medium and heavy-duty trucks. Operation, service, and troubleshooting of manual, semi-automated, Allison automatic transmissions, clutch, and rear axle systems are emphasized. Introduction to high-voltage electric drive trains for electric mid-heavy duty vehicles is included. Service procedures and diagnosis using diagnostic software will be covered. Computer control systems and high-voltage performance systems are emphasized as required on modern medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Students must furnish their own safety glasses. Field trips may be required.
DETT 132 Alternative Fuels, Diesel, Emissions, and Zero Emissions Systems
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 72 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Theory, testing, and service of mechanical and electronic diesel. CNG and alternative fuel systems. Engine diagnosis techniques for current production of medium/heavy-duty diesel and CNG engines. Diesel emissions will also be covered. Zero emissions, electric trucks, and theory of operation will be covered. Hands-on procedures and safety are emphasized. Students must furnish approved safety glasses. Field trips may be needed.
DETT 141 Medium/Heavy Duty Chassis Systems
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 81 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of mid and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) chassis and suspension configurations. Emphasis on electronic air suspension and leaf spring configurations. Principles of operation for MHDV air and hydro-boost hydraulic brake systems. Study of steering systems and performing service procedures. Emphasis on collision prevention and autonomous guides for MHDV technologies. Study of vehicles to everything (V2E) technological platforms. Overview of MHD electric vehicle chassis requirements. Field trips may be required.
DETT 161 Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 63 Lecture, 81 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the fundamentals of electrical and electronic systems for mid-heavy-duty vehicles. Diagnosis, service, and repair procedures for conventional, multiplexed, and other networked electrical systems. Overview of electronic control modules, sensors, actuators, and control area networks (CAN). Study of low and high voltage AC/DC circuits. Analysis of high voltage battery pack management. Introduction to electric mid/heavy-duty vehicles technologies. Field trips may be required.
DETT 165 Diesel-Electric Transport Refrigeration
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 72 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the principles of transport refrigeration for Thermoking and Carrier units. Emphasis on the fundamentals of heat transfer and its relationship between pressure and temperature in a liquid. Safety practices when working on transport refrigeration units. A deep overview of all the components and their functions while the unit is going through all three phases of the refrigeration process. Description of the cooling, heating, and defrost cycles. Preparation for the EPA 608 Universal HVAC technician certification. Study of inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures following OEM recommendation and EPA guidelines. Practice soft solder and silver brazing techniques. Overview of the proper use of service equipment and special tools used in the recovery, dehydration, vacuum, and charge of the units. Introduction to all electric high voltage units. Field trips may be required.
DETT 168 High Voltage and Electrical Systems
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 72 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 161
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class will train the students with the essential skills to enter the emerging electric heavy-duty vehicles (EHDV) industry. High voltage safety is highly emphasized. Overview of charging level systems. Recognize safe and proper procedures for maintenance, service, troubleshooting and repair techniques on battery packs, electrical and electronic controls, and high voltage electric drive train components. This class is highly recommended for individuals seeking a career as an EHDV technician, service manager, fleet managers, and commercial vehicle inspectors. Field trips may be required.
DETT 171 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Units
- 3.5
- Hours
- 45 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Operation, testing, and servicing of truck cab air conditioning and heating systems. Auxiliary power units (APU) are also covered. Introduction to electric heavy-duty vehicles (EHDV) heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) and electric APU systems. Overview of HVAC units as an alternative system to the EHDV battery thermal management systems. Preparation for the student to pass the environmental protection agency (EPA) 609 exam for automobile air conditioning technician certification. Field trips may be required.
DETT 181 Introduction to Preventative Maintenance Inspection
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 36 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with basic knowledge and skills in medium and heavy-duty truck maintenance. Safety, inspections, and hands-on practice are emphasized. Close overview of CHP and DOT safety and maintenance inspection format and records filing. Introduction to electric heavy-duty vehicle systems and inspection. Field trips may be required.
DETT 201 Introduction to Transit Systems
- Units
- 0.3
- Hours
- 6 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: Approved safety equipment is required for live shop instructor demonstrations on running transit buses.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will introduce students the bus transit systems, including tools, components, location of components, safety, regulations, and procedures. This course is meant for students working in a transit field as an entry-level technician.
DETT 202 Transit Preventative Maintenance
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 12 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 201
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with an overview of the Certified Maintenance courses CERT1 through CERT10. Covers the ground rules and expectations of the program. Transit bus vehicle and shop safety training is highlighted. This safety training is required for participation in all CERT1 though CERT10 courses. Familiarizes students with the proper and safe use of hand tools and equipment. Includes an overview of the functions and procedures for preventive maintenance on current transit buses.
DETT 203 Transit Vehicle Electrical Systems
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 45 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 201
- Formerly
- DSL 203, Transit Vehicle Electrical Systems
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the functions and components of the electrical systems on current transit buses. Principles of electricity and safety are highlighted. An overview of troubleshooting techniques for both conventional and computer controlled buses are emphasized. This is the Certified Maintenance course CERT3.
DETT 205 Transit Vehicle Air Brake Systems
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 21 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 201
- Formerly
- DSL 205, Transit Vehicle Air Brake Systems
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the students to the operation of air brake systems found on current transit buses. Diagnosis, service, and repair procedures are emphasized. Principles of air supply and safety are also included. An overview of troubleshooting techniques for both conventional and computer controlled buses will be discussed. This is Certified Maintenance course CERT5.
DETT 206 Transit Vehicle Automatic Transmissions
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 24 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 201
- Formerly
- DSL 206, Transit Vehicle Automatic Transmissions
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the students to the basic theory of operation of the automatic transmissions currently used on transit buses. Diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques, repair, and service will be emphasized. This is the Certified Maintenance course CERT6.
DETT 207 Transit Vehicle Engines
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 39 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 201
- Formerly
- DSL 207, Transit Vehicle Engines
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will introduce students to the basic theory of operation of current transit bus engines. Diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques, repair, and service will be emphasized. This is the Certified Maintenance course - CERT7.
DETT 208 Transit Vehicle Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 24 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 201
- Formerly
- DSL 208, Transit Vehicle Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the student to the basic theory of operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used on current transit buses. Service, maintenance, and troubleshooting will be emphasized. This is the Certified Maintenance course - CERT8.
DETT 209 Transit Vehicle Drive Train Suspension
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 21 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 201
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to the basic theory of operation of transit bus drive train and suspension systems. Diagnostic techniques, repair, and service of current transit bus drive train and suspension systems will be emphasized. This is the Certified Maintenance course - CERT9.
DETT 210 Transit Vehicle Wheelchair Lifts
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 15 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: DETT 201
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the student to the basic theory of operation of wheelchair lifts and ramps currently used on transit buses. Service, maintenance, and troubleshooting will be emphasized. This is the Certified Maintenance course - CERT10.
DETT 299 Work Experience - Diesel-Electric
- Units
- 0.5-4
- Hours
- 27-216 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion of at least 6 units of Diesel-Electric Transportation Technology courses with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This work experience course of supervised employment assists students to acquire desirable work habits, attitudes, and skills in diesel-electric maintenance and repair. A student can earn 0.5 to 4 units per semester, up to a maximum of 14 units total. Additionally, students must work 54 hours to earn 1 unit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5, Section 55253.