Automotive Technician Specialist

Anonymous

North Carolina (SAA)

Documents

Individual state requirements may vary. Please contact your local apprenticeship office to ensure this version is suitable to your state’s requirements.

Work Process Schedule

Work Process Content

On the Job Training

Anonymous

243

Skills

Engine Repair

Complete work order to include customer information, vehicle identifying information, customer concern, related service history, cause, and correction
Research vehicle service information including fluid type, internal engine operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
Verify operation of the instrument panel engine warning indicators.
Inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks; determine needed action.
Install engine covers using gaskets, seals, and sealers as required.
Verify engine mechanical timing.
Perform common fastener and thread repair, to include: remove broken bolt, restore internal and external threads, and repair internal threads with thread insert.
Remove cylinder head; inspect gasket condition; install cylinder head and gasket; tighten according to manufacturer’s specification and procedure.
Clean and visually inspect a cylinder head for cracks; check gasket surface areas for warpage and surface finish; check passage condition.
Inspect pushrods, rocker arms, rocker arm pivots and shafts for wear, bending, cracks, looseness, and blocked oil passages (orifices); determine needed action.
Adjust valves (mechanical or hydraulic lifters).
Inspect and replace camshaft and drive belt/chain; includes checking drive gear wear and backlash, end play, sprocket and chain wear, overhead cam drive sprocket(s), drive belt(s), belt tension, tensioners, camshaft reluctor ring/tone-wheel, and valve timing components; verify correct camshaft timing.
Establish camshaft position sensor indexing.
Inspect valve springs for squareness and free height comparison; determine needed action.
Replace valve stem seals on an assembled engine; inspect valve spring retainers, locks/keepers, and valve lock/keeper grooves; determine needed action
Remove, inspect, and/or replace crankshaft vibration damper (harmonic balancer).
Disassemble engine block; clean and prepare components for inspection and reassembly.
Inspect crankshaft for straightness, journal damage, keyway damage, thrust flange and sealing surface condition, and visual surface cracks; check oil passage condition; measure end play and journal wear; check crankshaft position sensor reluctor ring (where applicable); determine needed action.
Assemble engine block.
Perform cooling system pressure and dye tests to identify leaks; check coolant condition and level; inspect and test radiator, pressure cap, coolant recovery tank, heater core, and galley plugs; determine needed action.
Identify causes of engine overheating.
Inspect, replace, and/or adjust drive belts, tensioners, and pulleys; check pulley and belt alignment.
Inspect and/or test coolant; drain and recover coolant; flush and refill cooling system; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification; bleed air as required.
Remove, inspect, and replace thermostat and gasket/seal.
Inspect and test fan(s), fan clutch (electrical or mechanical), fan shroud, and air dams; determine needed action.
Perform oil pressure tests; determine needed action.
Perform engine oil and filter change; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.

Automatic Transmission and Transaxle

Identify and interpret transmission/transaxle concerns, differentiate between engine performance and transmission/transaxle concerns; determine needed action.
Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
Diagnose fluid loss and condition concerns; determine needed action.
Check fluid level in a transmission or a transaxle equipped with a dip-stick.
Check fluid level in a transmission or a transaxle not equipped with a dip-stick.
Perform pressure tests (including transmissions/transaxles equipped with electronic pressure control); determine needed action.
Diagnose noise and vibration concerns; determine needed action.
Perform stall test; determine needed action.
Diagnose transmission/transaxle gear reduction/multiplication concerns using driving, driven, and held member (power flow) principles.
Diagnose electronic transmission/transaxle control systems using appropriate test equipment and service formation.
Inspect, adjust, and/or replace external manual valve shift linkage, transmission range sensor/switch, and/or park/neutral position switch.
Inspect for leakage; replace external seals, gaskets, and bushings.
Inspect, test, adjust, repair, and/or replace electrical/electronic components and circuits including computers, solenoids, sensors, relays, terminals, connectors, switches, and harnesses; demonstrate understanding of the relearn procedure.
Drain and replace fluid and filter(s); use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
Inspect, leak test, flush, and/or replace transmission/transaxle oil cooler, lines, and fittings.
Disassemble, clean, and inspect transmission/transaxle.
Assemble transmission/transaxle.
Inspect, measure, and reseal oil pump assembly and components.
Measure transmission/transaxle end play and/or preload; determine needed action.
Inspect oil delivery circuits, including seal rings, ring grooves, and sealing surface areas, feed pipes, orifices, and check valves/balls.
Air test operation of clutch and servo assemblies.

Manual Drive Train and Axles

Identify and interpret drive train concerns; determine needed action.
Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
Check fluid condition; check for leaks; determine needed action.
Drain and refill manual transmission/transaxle and final drive unit; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
Diagnose clutch noise, binding, slippage, pulsation, and chatter; determine needed action.
Inspect clutch pedal linkage, cables, automatic adjuster mechanisms, brackets, bushings, pivots, and springs; perform needed action.
Inspect and/or replace clutch pressure plate assembly, clutch disc, release (throw-out) bearing, linkage, and pilot bearing/bushing (as applicable).
Bleed clutch hydraulic system.
Check and adjust clutch master cylinder fluid level; check for leaks; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
Inspect flywheel and ring gear for wear, cracks, and discoloration; determine needed action.
Measure flywheel runout and crankshaft end play; determine needed action.
Inspect, adjust, lubricate, and/or replace shift linkages, brackets, bushings, cables, pivots, and levers.
Describe the operational characteristics of an electronically-controlled manual transmission/transaxle.
Diagnose noise concerns through the application of transmission/transaxle powerflow principles.
Diagnose hard shifting and jumping out of gear concerns; determine needed action.
Diagnose transaxle final drive assembly noise and vibration concerns; determine needed action.
Disassemble, inspect clean, and reassemble internal transmission/transaxle components.
Diagnose constant-velocity (CV) joint noise and vibration concerns; determine needed action.
Inspect, remove, and/or replace bearings, hubs, and seals.
Inspect, service, and/or replace shafts, yokes, boots, and universal/CV joints.
Check shaft balance and phasing; measure shaft runout; measure and adjust driveline angles.
Clean and inspect differential case; check for leaks; inspect housing vent.
Check and adjust differential case fluid level; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
Drain and refill differential case; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
Diagnose noise and vibration concerns; determine needed action.
Diagnose noise, slippage, and chatter concerns; determine needed action.
Measure rotating torque; determine needed action.
Inspect and replace drive axle wheel studs.
Remove and replace drive axle shafts.
Inspect and replace drive axle shaft seals, bearings, and retainers.

Suspension and Steering

Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine needed action.
Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS); verify indicator lamp operation.
Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental restraint system (SRS) coil (clock spring).
Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt/telescoping mechanisms); determine needed action.
Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine needed action.
Inspect power steering fluid level and condition.
Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
Inspect for power steering fluid leakage; determine needed action.
Remove, inspect, replace, and/or adjust power steering pump drive belt.
Remove and reinstall power steering pump.
Inspect, test and diagnose electrically- assisted power steering systems (including using a scan tool); determine needed action.
Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine needed action.
Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine needed action.
Inspect, remove, and/or replace upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers.
Inspect, remove, and/or replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings.
Remove, inspect, service and/or replace front and rear wheel bearings.
Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine needed action.
Perform prealignment inspection; measure vehicle ride height; determine needed action.
Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on alignment machine; perform four-wheel alignment by checking and adjusting front and rear wheel caster, camber and toe as required; center steering wheel.
Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine needed action.
Check for front wheel setback; determine needed action.
Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.
Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine needed action.
Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine needed action.
Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel; balance wheel and tire assembly.
Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel equipped with tire pressure monitoring system sensor.
Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform needed action.
Repair tire following vehicle manufacturer approved procedure.
Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.
Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) including relearn procedure

Brakes

Identify and interpret brake system concerns; determine needed action.
Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
Describe procedure for performing a road test to check brake system operation including an anti-lock brake system (ABS).
Install wheel and torque lug nuts.
Diagnose pressure concerns in the brake system using hydraulic principles (Pascal's Law).
Measure brake pedal height, travel, and free play (as applicable); determine needed action.
Check master cylinder for internal/external leaks and proper operation; determine needed action.
Remove, bench bleed, and reinstall master cylinder.
Diagnose poor stopping, pulling or dragging concerns caused by malfunctions in the hydraulic system; determine needed action.
Inspect brake lines, flexible hoses, and fittings for leaks, dents, kinks, rust, cracks, bulging, wear; and loose fittings/supports; determine needed action.
Replace brake lines, hoses, fittings, and supports.
Inspect, test, and/or replace components of brake warning light system.
Test brake fluid for contamination.
Diagnose poor stopping, noise, vibration, pulling, grabbing, dragging or pedal pulsation concerns; determine needed action.
Remove, clean, and inspect brake drum; measure brake drum diameter; determine serviceability.
Refinish brake drum and measure final drum diameter; compare with specification.
Remove, clean, inspect, and/or replace brake shoes, springs, pins, clips, levers, adjusters/self-adjusters, other related brake hardware, and backing support plates; lubricate and reassemble.
Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks and proper operation; remove and replace as needed.
Diagnose poor stopping, noise, vibration, pulling, grabbing, dragging, or pulsation concerns; determine needed action.
Remove and clean caliper assembly; inspect for leaks, damage, and wear; determine needed action.
Inspect caliper mounting and slides/pins for proper operation, wear, and damage; determine needed action.
Remove, inspect, and/or replace brake pads and retaining hardware; determine needed action.
Lubricate and reinstall caliper, brake pads, and related hardware; seat brake pads; inspect for leaks.
Clean and inspect rotor and mounting surface; measure rotor thickness, thickness variation, and lateral runout; determine needed action.
Remove and reinstall/replace rotor.
Refinish rotor on vehicle; measure final rotor thickness and compare with specification.
Refinish rotor off vehicle; measure final rotor thickness and compare with specification.
Retract and re-adjust caliper piston on an integrated parking brake system.
Describe importance of operating vehicle to burnish/break-in replacement brake pads according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Check brake pedal travel with and without engine running to verify proper power booster operation.
Inspect vacuum-type power booster unit for leaks; inspect the check-valve for proper operation; determine needed action.
Inspect and test hydraulically-assisted power brake system for leaks and proper operation; determine needed action.
Diagnose wheel bearing noises, wheel shimmy, and vibration concerns; determine needed action.
Remove, clean, inspect, repack, and install wheel bearings; replace seals; install hub and adjust bearings.
Check parking brake system and components for wear, binding, and corrosion; clean, lubricate, adjust and/or replace needed.
Check parking brake operation and parking brake indicator light system operation; determine needed action.
Check operation of brake stop light system.
Replace wheel bearing and race.
Inspect and replace wheel studs.
Identify and inspect electronic brake control system components (ABS, TCS, ESC); determine needed action.
Describe the operation of a regenerative braking system.
Test, diagnose, and service electronic brake control system speed sensors (digital and analog), toothed ring (tone heel), and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM)/digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) (includes output signal, resistance, shorts to voltage/ground, and frequency data).
Diagnose electronic brake control system braking concerns caused by vehicle modifications (tire size, curb height, final drive ratio, etc.).

Electrical/Electronic Systems

Research vehicle service information including vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
Demonstrate knowledge of electrical/electronic series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits using principles of electricity (Ohm’s Law).
Demonstrate proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM) when measuring source voltage, voltage drop (including grounds), current flow and resistance.
Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and effects from shorts, grounds, opens, and resistance problems in electrical/electronic circuits.
Demonstrate proper use of a test light on an electrical circuit.
Use fused jumper wires to check operation of electrical circuits.
Use wiring diagrams during the diagnosis (troubleshooting) of electrical/electronic circuit problems.
Diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw); determine needed action.
Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses; determine needed action.
Inspect, test, repair, and/or replace components, connectors, terminals, harnesses, and wiring in electrical/electronic systems (including solder repairs); determine needed action.
Check electrical/electronic circuit waveforms; interpret readings and determine needed repairs.
Perform battery state-of-charge test; determine needed action.
Confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application; perform battery capacity and load test; determine needed action.
Maintain or restore electronic memory functions.
Inspect and clean battery; fill battery cells; check battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs.
Perform slow/fast battery charge according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Jump-start vehicle using jumper cables and a booster battery or an auxiliary power supply.
Identify safety precautions for high voltage systems on electric, hybrid, hybrid-electric, and diesel vehicles.
Identify hybrid vehicle auxiliary (12v) battery service, repair, and test procedures.
Perform starter current draw tests; determine needed action.
Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action.
Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids; determine needed action.
Remove and install starter in a vehicle.
Inspect and test switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits; determine needed action.
Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or a no-crank condition.
Demonstrate knowledge of an automatic idle-stop/start-stop system.
Perform charging system output test; determine needed action.
Diagnose (troubleshoot) charging system for causes of undercharge, no-charge, or overcharge conditions.
Inspect, adjust, and/or replace generator (alternator) drive belts; check pulleys and tensioners for wear; check pulley and belt alignment.
Remove, inspect, and/or replace generator (alternator).
Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action.
Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of brighter-than-normal, intermittent, dim, or no light operation; determine needed action.
Inspect interior and exterior lamps and sockets including headlights and auxiliary lights (fog lights/driving lights); replace as needed.
Aim headlights.
Inspect and test gauges and gauge sending units for causes of abnormal readings; determine needed action.
Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of incorrect operation of warning devices and other driver information systems; determine needed action.
Reset maintenance indicators as required.
Diagnose operation of comfort and convenience accessories and related circuits (such as: power window, power seats, pedal height, power locks, truck locks, remote start, moon roof, sun roof, sun shade, remote keyless entry, voice activation, steering wheel controls, back-up camera, parking assist, cruise control, and auto dimming headlamps); determine needed repairs.
Diagnose body electronic systems circuits using a scan tool; check for module communication errors (data communication bus systems); determine needed action.
Describe the process for software transfer, software updates, or reprogramming of electronic modules.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Identify and interpret heating and air conditioning problems; determine needed action.
Research vehicle service information including refrigerant/oil type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
Performance test A/C system; identify problems.
Identify abnormal operating noises in the A/C system; determine needed action.
Leak test A/C system; determine needed action.
Inspect condition of refrigerant oil removed from A/C system; determine needed action.
Determine recommended oil and oil capacity for system application.
Using a scan tool, observe and record related HVAC data and trouble codes.
Inspect, remove, and/or replace A/C compressor drive belts, pulleys, tensioners and visually inspect A/C components for signs of leaks; determine needed action.
Inspect, test, service and/or replace A/C compressor clutch components and/or assembly; check compressor clutch air gap; adjust as needed.38. Remove, inspect, and replace receiver/drier or accumulator/drier; determine recommended oil type and quantity.
Remove, inspect, and install expansion valve or orifice (expansion) tube.
Inspect evaporator housing water drain; perform needed action.
Diagnose A/C system conditions that cause the protection devices (pressure, thermal, and/or control module) to interrupt system operation; determine needed action.
Inspect engine cooling and heater systems hoses and pipes; perform needed action.
Inspect and test heater control valve(s); perform needed action.
Inspect and test HVAC system blower motors, resistors, switches, relays, wiring, and protection devices; determine needed action.
Diagnose A/C compressor clutch control systems; determine needed action.
Diagnose malfunctions in the vacuum, mechanical, and electrical components and controls of the heating, ventilation, and A/C (HVAC) system; determine needed action.
Identify the source of HVAC system odors.
Perform correct use and maintenance of refrigerant handling equipment according to equipment manufacturer’s standards.
Identify A/C system refrigerant; test for sealants; recover, evacuate, and charge A/C system; add refrigerant oil as required.
Recycle, label, and store refrigerant.

Engine Performance

Identify and interpret engine performance concerns; determine needed action.
Research vehicle service information including vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
Diagnose abnormal engine noises or vibration concerns; determine needed action.
Perform cylinder power balance test; determine needed action.
Perform cylinder leakage test; determine needed action.
Diagnose engine mechanical, electrical, electronic, fuel, and ignition concerns; determine needed action.. Verify correct camshaft timing including engines equipped with variable valve timing systems (VVT).
Retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), OBD monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes when applicable.
Access and use service information to perform step-by-step (troubleshooting) diagnosis.
Perform active tests of actuators using a scan tool; determine needed action.
Describe the use of OBD monitors for repair verification.
Diagnose the causes of emissions or driveablility concerns with stored or active diagnostic trouble codes (DTC); obtain, graph, and interpret scan tool data.
Diagnose emissions or driveablility concerns without stored or active diagnostic trouble codes; determine needed action.
Inspect and test computerized engine control system sensors, powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM), actuators, and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM)/digital storage oscilloscope (DSO); perform needed action.
Diagnose (troubleshoot) ignition system related problems such as no-starting, hard starting, engine misfire, poor driveablility, spark knock, power loss, poor mileage, and emissions concerns; determine needed action.
Inspect and test crankshaft and camshaft position sensor(s); determine needed action.
Inspect, test, and/or replace ignition control module, powertrain/engine control module; reprogram/initialize as needed.
Remove and replace spark plugs; inspect secondary ignition components for wear and damage.
Diagnose (troubleshoot) hot or cold no-starting, hard starting, poor driveablility, incorrect idle speed, poor idle, flooding, hesitation, surging, engine misfire, power loss, stalling, poor mileage, dieseling, and emissions problems; determine needed action.
Replace fuel filter(s) where applicable.
Inspect throttle body, air induction system, intake manifold and gaskets for vacuum leaks and/or unmetered air.
Inspect integrity of the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, muffler(s), catalytic converter(s), resonator(s), tail pipe(s), and heat shields; perform needed action.
Inspect condition of exhaust system hangers, brackets, clamps, and heat shields; determine needed action.
Perform exhaust system back-pressure test; determine needed action.
Diagnose oil leaks, emissions, and driveablility concerns caused by the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system; determine needed action.
Diagnose emissions and driveablility concerns caused by the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system; inspect, test, service and/or replace electrical/electronic sensors, controls, wiring, tubing, exhaust passages, vacuum/pressure controls, filters, and hoses of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems; determine needed action.
Diagnose emissions and driveablility concerns caused by the secondary air injection system; inspect, test, repair, and/or replace electrical/electronically-operated components and circuits of secondary air injection systems; determine needed action.
Diagnose emissions and driveablility concerns caused by the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system; determine needed action.
Diagnose emission and driveablility concerns caused by catalytic converter system; determine needed action.
Interpret diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and scan tool data related to the emissions control systems; determine needed action.

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