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.
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 130 Engine Fundamentals | 2 | AUT 102 Basic Electricity/Electronics Systems | 4 | |
| AUT 101 Brakes | 5 | |||
| AUT 106 Engine Repair | 6 | AUT 103 Basic Engine Performance | 5 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 13 | AUT 202 Advanced Electricity/Electronics Systems | 5 | |
| AUT 203 Advanced Engine Performance | 5 | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 19 | |||
| Second Semester | Credits | Fourth Semester | Credits | |
| AUT 105 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle | 5 | AUT 104 Steering & Suspension | 5 | |
| AUT 222 Alignment Technology | 2 | |||
| AUT 108 Heating/Air Conditioning | 4 | AUT 312 Automotive Electronics | 2 | |
| AUT 107 Manual Transmission/Transaxle | 5 | AUT 314 Automotive Body Electronics | 2 | |
| AUT 215 Transfer Case/ Driveline | 1 | AUT 235 Employment/ASE Testing | 1 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 15 | TOTAL CREDITS: | 12 | |
| TOTAL CERTIFICATE CREDITS: | 59 | |||
Associate of Applied Science Degree: 74 Credits. To complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree, select 15 more credits from the General Education requirements found in the Degree and Certification Information section.
AUT 130 Engine Fundamentals, 2 credits.
This course covers the basics of automobile engine design and operation. It all begins with general safety and an introduction to shop operation. Automotive chemicals, hand tools, specialty tools and shop equipment are taught in this course. Engine removal, disassembly, assembly and installation are taught in addition to general engine diagnosis. All students practice in the shop and are required to demonstrate their ability.
AUT 101 Brakes, 5 credits.
Theory and operation of modern automobile braking systems are covered in this course. Hydraulics, disc and drum brake diagnosis and overhaul, power systems and antilock systems are all included in the instruction. Students apply the skills learned with “hands on” practice in the shop.
AUT 106 Engine Repair, 6 credits.
This course uses the information taught in the engine fundamentals course and goes into the diagnosis, measuring and reconditioning of internal engine parts. Students are involved in “hands on” projects or exercises to practice the skills taught. Domestic and imported car and light truck internal combustion engines of all kinds are part of the instruction.
AUT 105 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, 5 credits.
Students learn to diagnose, remove, disassemble, inspect and determine needed parts or repair, and reassemble and then install automatic transmissions and transaxles. Theory of hydraulic systems and power flow are part of the instruction. Torque converters and clutch materials and operation along with all other aspects of modern automobile automatic transmissions/transaxles are well covered in this course. Each student is given the opportunity to practice skills taught in an actual automotive shop setting.
AUT 108 Automotive Heating/Air Conditioning, 4 credits.
Diagnosis and repair of any automotive heating or air conditioning problem is covered in this course. Students are taught theory of A/C and heater systems in addition to chemical handling and component diagnosis and replacement. All students practice using the equipment involved and practice in an actual shop setting.
AUT 107 Manual Transmission/Transaxle, 5 credits.
Manual transmission/transaxle theory and operation is covered along with diagnosis, removal, disassembly, inspection, reassembly, adjustment and installation. Clutch theory diagnosis and repair are taught in this course also. Students practice their skills and prove their ability in the shop on actual automobiles.
AUT 215 Transfer Case/Driveline, 1 credit.
This course covers the rest of the driveline beyond the transmission. It includes drive shaft/U-joint diagnosis and repair. Front wheel drive axles, joints and differential theory, diagnosis and repair, and transfer case theory are also part of the instruction. Students work on projects in the shop on actual cars involving all of these areas.
AUT 102 Basic Electricity/Electronic Systems, 4 credits.
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of electricity and will advance that learning to apply it to automotive electrical systems. Basic testing of electrical circuits will be a part of this course.
AUT 103 Basic Engine Performance, 5 credits.
In this course students will be taught about the external components that are required for an engine to operate. These include fuel delivery systems and ignition systems. Students begin with older simpler systems, tuning and repairing, and advance to more complex and modern ignition and fuel systems.
AUT 202 Advanced Electricity/Electronic Systems, 5 credits.
Students will understand basic theory of charging and starting systems, lighting and accessory systems, and basic circuitry used in these systems. Practical application of charging systems, starting systems, lighting systems, driver information and warning systems, wiper/washer systems and accessory equipment. Students will use their shop time diagnosing and repairing the most modern and complex electronic engine controls systems.
AUT 203 Advanced Engine Performance, 5 credits.
Students will use their Engine Performance skills and advance them to learn about fuel injection systems, advanced ignition systems, emissions systems and on board diagnostics second generation (OBD II) electronic engine controls. The students use their shop time diagnosing and repairing the most modern and complex electronic engine controls systems.
AUT 104 Steering and Suspension, 5 credits.
This course is a thorough study of modern automobile suspension systems. Students learn about springs, shock absorbers and all the other components related to the suspension system. Diagnosis and repair of vehicles in the shop is part of the curriculum.
AUT 222 Alignment Technology, 2 credits.
Students learn the science of automotive alignment angles. Modern automobiles have more complex suspension systems than ever before. In this course students learn about these systems, perform four-wheel alignments, and make adjustments to compensate for various conditions.
AUT 312 Automotive Electronics, 2 credits.
This is the third course of the series on electrical systems. In it students become involved in the electronic systems of the automobile. They learn about the various diagnostic tools and procedures for modern powertrain systems. Students are involved in the diagnosis and repair of automotive electronic and electrical systems in their shop exercises.
AUT 314 Automotive Body Electronics, 2 credits.
As more complex automotive electronic systems have evolved, this fourth course has been implemented to meet the need for education on body electronics. Systems covered in this course include body computers, electronic suspension controls, safety systems such as anti-lock brakes and air bag systems, and entertainment electronics.
AUT 235 Employment/ASE Testing, 1 credit.
Students learn job-seeking skills such as developing a resume, job interview skills, and the expectations an employer would require of a good employee. They also learn about the ASE certification process and do practice tests for the ASE exam.
