At Salina Tech, ASE certified master technicians with over 30 combined years in the industry provide training and mentor students.
The major areas of car repair are taught: Engine Fundamentals, Repair and Performance, Automatic and Manual Transmission and Transaxle, Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, Brakes, Transfer Case and Driveline, Basic and Advanced Electricity and Electronic Systems, Steering and Suspension, Alignment Technology, and Automotive Body Electronics as well as preparation for ASE certification and employment skills.
Our shop facilities are top notch and equipped with the latest tools and equipment. Students work on customer’s cars with real problems providing instructor-supervised service throughout the eighteen months of the program.
The Automotive Technology program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), a division of the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE),
High school students must start the Automotive Technology program as juniors.
Career Opportunities: General Mechanic, Front End Specialist, Transmission Specialist, Parts Person, Brake Specialist, Tune-up Specialist, Service Writer, Factory Representative
| Automotive Technology Certificate | ||||
| First Semester | Credits | Third Semester | Credits | |
| AUT 100 Shop Safety/Management | 1 | AUT 240 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles | 6 | |
| AUT 109 Steering and Suspension 1 | 2 | AUT 115 Engine Repair 1 | 2 | |
| AUT 110 Steering and Suspension 2 | 2 | AUT 120 Engine Repair 2 | 3 | |
| AUT 135 Electrical 1 | 3 | AUT 221 Manual Drive Train 1 | 1 | |
| AUT 140 Electrical 2 | 2 | |||
| AUT 130 Engine Performance 1 | 3 | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 13 | TOTAL CREDITS: | 12 | |
| Second Semester | Credits | Fourth Semester | Credits | |
| AUT 160 Hybrid/Electric Vehicles | 1 | AUT 222 Manual Drive Train 2 | 3 | |
| AUT 230 Engine Performance 2 | 7 | AUT 210 Automotive HVAC | 4 | |
| AUT 250 Electrical 3 | 5 | AUT 260 ASE Preparation | 1 | |
| AUT 155 Automotive Diesel Technologies | 1 | AUT 145 Brakes 1 | 3 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 14 | AUT 150 Brakes 2 | 2 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 13 | |||
| TOTAL Certificate: | 52 | |||
Admission Criteria
Prior to enrollment student must:
Associate of Applied Science Degree: 67 Credits.
To complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree, a student must:
AUT 100 Shop Safety/Management, 1 credits.
This course provides students with an understanding of current safety regulations, established safety practices, hazard recognition, and the impact of behavior and environment on injury prevention. Students will also learn to complete repair orders, order parts, do vehicle inspections and manage a tool room.
AUT 135 Electrical 1, 3 credits.
In this course students will: complete service work orders; describe the relationship between voltage, ohms and amperage; perform basic electrical circuit repairs; identify electrical system faults; identify basic wiring diagram symbols, components, and legend information; perform basic electrical circuit measurements using a DVOM; describe basic circuit characteristics of series, parallel and series parallel circuits through a variety of classroom and shop learning and assessment activities.
AUT 140 Electrical 2, 2 credits. (Prerequisites: AUT 135 Electrical 1)
In this course students will: perform battery diagnosis; perform battery service; perform starting system diagnosis; perform starting system repair; perform charging system diagnosis; perform charging system repair; identify current flow on starting and charging system diagrams through a variety of learning and assessment activities.
AUT 109 Steering and Suspension 1, 2 credits.
Upon completion of this course the student will have an understanding of theory and practical application of front and rear suspension and complete steering systems and alignment. This includes the study of alignment angles, suspension, steering gears, shock and strut assemblies and the basic causes for tire and wheel unbalance. The application of fraction and degrees, ratios and geometry as it applies to alignment.
AUT 110 Steering and Suspension 2, 2 credits. (Prerequisites: AUT 109 Steering and Suspension 1)
In this course students will perform complex diagnostics and repair on steering and suspension systems. Additionally, students will perform pre-alignment inspection and complex repairs of wheel and tire systems.
AUT 131 Engine Performance 1, 3 credits.
In this course students will: complete work order and check history; identify engine mechanical integrity; explore the fundamentals of fuel system theory; identify fuel system concerns; explore the fundamentals of ignition theory; identify ignition system concerns; identify induction system concerns; identify exhaust system concerns; identify engine mechanical integrity through a variety of learning and assessment activities.
AUT 250 Electrical 3, 5 credits. (Prerequisites: AUT 135 Electrical 1 and AUT 140 Electrical 2)
Through a variety of learning and assessment activities students can: diagnose open circuit problems; diagnose short circuit problems; diagnose grounded circuit problems; diagnose high resistance problems; identify computer circuit problems using various test equipment; identify current flow on lighting, gauges, warning devices, driver information systems, horns, wiper/washer and accessory circuits on wiring diagrams; diagnose computer circuit problems using test equipment; repair computer circuit problems using test equipment; diagnose CAN/BUS systems; repair CAN/BUS systems; identify low/high voltage circuits and disconnects on hybrid vehicles.
AUT 160 Hybrid Electrical Vehicles, 1 credit
As the price for fossil fuel rises many vehicle manufacturers have advanced the use of hybrid/electric technology in their car & truck lines. This course covers the different types of systems used in today’s hybrid/electric vehicles along with the safety precautions that are a must when servicing these vehicles. Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, Chrysler, BMW, & Zenn vehicles will be covered in this course.
AUT 230 Engine Performance 2, 7 credits (Prerequisites: AUT 131 Engine Performance 1)
In this course students will: Perform battery diagnosis; perform battery service; perform starting system diagnosis; perform starting system repair; perform charging system diagnosis; perform charging system repair; identify current flow on starting and charging system diagrams through a variety of learning and assessment activities.
AUT 240 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, 6 credits.
Upon completion of this course the student will have an understanding of theory and operation of automatic transmissions and transaxles. Included will be the principal of hydrodynamics, friction materials apply devices, sealing compound, and final drive assemblies. Practical application of this class will include shop practices and service procedures for automatic transmission overhaul procedures.
AUT 115 Engine Repair 1, 2 credits.
Through a variety of learning and assessment activities students can: explore the theory and operation of internal combustion engine; demonstrate the basic ability to inspect and repair engine lubrication; and demonstrate the basic ability to inspect and repair engine cooling systems.
AUT 120 Engine Repair 2, 3 credits. (Prerequisites: AUT 115 Engine Repair 1)
Through a variety of learning and assessment activities students can: demonstrate the ability to remove an automotive engine; demonstrate the ability to install an automotive engine; demonstrate the basic ability to inspect and repair cylinder head, valve trains and timing defects; demonstrate the ability to disassemble short block; demonstrate the ability to inspect short block; inspect a cylinder head and valve train; repair a cylinder head and valve train; perform advanced level engine diagnosis.
AUT 155 Automotive Diesel Technologies, 1 credit.
In this course students will develop a basic understanding of diesel engine operation and be able to do basic repairs to automotive diesel engines.
AUT 221 Manual Drive Train 1, 1 credit
Through a variety of learning and assessment activities students can: determine the general transfer case diagnosis procedures; explore the fundamentals of transfer case operation; explore the fundamentals of transfer case removal, inspection and repair according to service specifications. Conduct the diagnosis, inspection and replacement of drive axle shafts and supporting components; conduct the diagnosis, inspection adjustment and repair of four- and all-wheel drive components.
AUT 222 Manual Drive Train 2, 3 credits. (Prerequisites: AUT 221 Manual Drive Train I)
Through a variety of learning and assessment activities students can: determine the general drive train diagnosis procedures; explore the fundamentals of clutch operation; explore the fundamentals of clutch removal, inspection and repair; determine the power flow of the manual transmission and transaxle; perform fundamental manual transmission and transaxle inspection and repair according to service specifications; perform fundamental differential inspection and repair according to service specifications; perform fundamental diagnosis, inspection and replacement of drive axle shafts and supporting components; perform fundamental diagnosis, inspection, adjustment and repair of four- and all-wheel drive components; diagnose drive train issues; diagnose clutch concerns; perform the removal, inspection and/or repair of the clutch and its components; conduct a transmission and transaxle inspection and repair according to service specifications; conduct a differential inspection and repair according to service specifications; conduct the diagnosis, inspection and replacement of drive axle shafts and supporting components; conduct the diagnosis, inspection, adjustment and repair of four- and all-wheel drive components.
AUT 210 Automotive HVAC, 4 credits.
Through a variety of learning and assessment activities students can: explore the fundamentals of automotive HVAC operations and environmental concerns, identify the appropriate refrigerant recovery and recycling guidelines; service refrigerant, recycling and handling systems; document fundamental heating and air conditioning system concerns; perform fundamental diagnostics of A/C systems; perform fundamental diagnostics of refrigeration systems components; perform fundamental repairs of refrigeration systems components; perform fundamental diagnostics of heating, ventilation, and engine cooling systems; perform fundamental repairs of heating, ventilation, and engine cooling systems; perform fundamental diagnostics of operating systems and related controls; perform fundamental repairs of operating systems and related controls; perform complex diagnostics of A/C Systems; document complex heating and air conditioning system concerns; perform complex diagnostics of refrigeration system components; perform complex repairs of refrigeration system components; perform complex diagnostics of heating, ventilation, and engine cooling systems.
AUT 260 ASE Preparation, 1 credit.
In this course the expectations an employer would require of a good employee will be covered—time management, productivity, attendance, etc. The ASE certification process will be discussed and students will do practice tests for the ASE exam.
AUT 145 Brakes 1, 3 credits.
In this course students will examine the components of the drum and disc braking systems. Through classroom and shop learning experiences, students will diagnose, inspect and repair brakes, bearings and hub assemblies.
AUT 150 Brakes 2, 2 credits. (Prerequisites: AUT 145 Brakes 1)
In this course students will: determine necessary brake system correction; conduct system pressure tests utilizing service specifications; perform diagnosis and correction for poor stopping, pulling or dragging concerns caused by malfunctions in the hydraulic system; conduct inspection, fabrication and/or replacement of brake lines and hoses; diagnose poor stopping noise vibration, pulling, grabbing, dragging or pedal pulsation concerns; perform service specifications pertaining to the removal, cleaning and refinishing procedures on brake drums; perform drum brake repair and replacement procedures; diagnose poor stopping noise vibration, pulling, grabbing, dragging or pedal pulsation concerns; perform disc brake repair and replacement procedures; machine rotor according to service specifications; perform caliper piston retraction where applicable; Inspect and test power assist systems; determine necessary action on wheel bearing noise, wheel shimmy and vibration concern diagnoses; perform the removal, inspection and replacement of bearing and hub assemblies through a variety of classroom and lab/shop learning and assessment activities.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires Salina Area Technical College to report about its graduates' gainful employment. In order to be eligible for funding under the Title IV programs, an educational program must lead to a certificate or degree (associate, bachelor's, graduate, or professional) or prepare students for "gainful employment in a recognized occupation" (GE Programs). Complete information on the GE Program requirements is available on the designated Gainful Employment Information Page that can be found at http://ifap.ed.gov/GainfulEmploymentInfo/.
| On-Time Completion Rates | |||
| Academic Year | Enrolled | Completed | On-time Completion Percentage |
| 2006-2007 | 38 | 17 | 44% |
| 2007-2008 | 25 | 16 | 64% |
| 2008-2009 | 15 | 13 | 87% |
| 2009-2010 | 44 | 18 | 41% |
| 2010-2011 | 33 | 29 | 88% |
| 2011-2012 | 26 | 10 | 38% |
| Academic Year | Placement Rates | |
| 2006-2007 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2007-2008 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2008-2009 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2009-2010 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2010-2011 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2011-2012 | Data for 2011-12 will be reported in 2013. | |
| Academic Year | Total # of Loans taken by Post-Secondary AUT students | Median Loan Debt |
| 2006-2007 | 7 | $3,500 |
| 2007-2008 | 9 | $6,185 |
| 2008-2009 | 13 | $0 |
| 2009-2010 | 6 | $9,725 |
| 2010-2011 | 8 | $4,742 |
| 2011-2012 | 21 | $500 |
