Automotive Service Technician

Follows policies and procedures to promote a safe working environment

19

Identifies and follows general shop safety rules and procedures
Attends safety trainings and maintains safety certifications
Reads and follows the vehicle manufacturer's most current service procedures and safety guidelines for all tasks
Handles, stores, and disposes of chemicals/materials following manufacturer recommendations as well as local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations
Utilizes safe procedures for handling tools and equipment
Identifies and uses proper placement of floor jacks and jack stands
Identifies and uses proper procedures for safe lift operation
Utilizes proper ventilation procedures for working within the lab/shop area
Identifies marked safety areas
Identifies the location and the types of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment; demonstrates proper use of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment, following established procedures
Identifies the location and use of eye wash stations
Identifies the location of the posted evacuation routes
Complies with the required use of safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, and shoes during lab/shop activities
Identifies and wears appropriate clothing for lab/shop activities
Secures hair and jewelry for lab/shop activities
Maintains awareness of the safety aspects of supplemental restraint systems (SRS), electronic brake control systems, and hybrid vehicle high-voltage circuits
Maintains awareness of the safety aspects of high voltage circuits (e.g., high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, ignition systems, and injection systems)
Demonstrates ability to locate and use safety data sheets (SDS)
Maintains situational awareness and follows safety protocols by limiting the use of personal technology (e.g., earbuds, cellphones) in the work environment

Demonstrates professional aptitude and communications skills

13

Follows directions from supervisors, journeyworkers, and coworkers
Demonstrates persistence and focus to complete tasks accurately and on time, even when challenges arise
Dresses appropriately and uses language and manners suitable for the workplace
Maintains appropriate personal hygiene, according to shop rules
Meets employment eligibility criteria by complying with drug and alcohol policies and maintaining a clean driving record
Demonstrates timeliness, honesty, integrity, and reliability
Follows workplace rules, policies, and applicable laws
Contributes to the success of the team, assists others, and requests help when needed
Demonstrates professionalism with customers and coworkers, including written and verbal communications
Negotiates solutions to interpersonal and workplace conflicts
Analyzes and resolves problems that arise in completing assigned tasks
Identifies and addresses the needs of customers, providing helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable service and advice
Demonstrates professionalism when using cell phones and other personal technology

Demonstrates foundational shop skills

10

Reports to work on time and uses the time system to clock in appropriately
Identifies standard and metric designations
Properly identifies, uses, cleans, stores, and maintains tools and equipment, including precision measuring tools (i.e., micrometer, dial-indicator, dial-caliper)
Reads and interprets work orders and other workplace documents
Researches vehicle service information such as fluid type, system design (hydraulic, electronic, etc.), vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and recalls
Identifies and uses fender covers and mats
Tracks time spent on tasks accurately and ethically
Documents work, test procedures, test results, and other necessary information
Completes work order to include customer information, vehicle identifying information, customer concern, related service history, cause, and correction
Ensures vehicle is prepared to return to customer per company policy (e.g., floor mats, steering wheel cover)

Demonstrates technical diagnostic and computer skills

8

Demonstrates basic computer skills to access software systems, documents, and training materials
Uses a scan tool to retrieve on-board diagnostics, identify Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), verify system operation, monitor status, perform tests and checks, and collect freeze frame data, clearing codes and data when directed
Navigates and inputs information into the shop management system (SMS) to complete tasks, including managing repair orders, tracking job progress, and entering inspection results
Uses automotive information system (AIS) to access and interpret original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair procedures and diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), and technical service bulletins (TSBs) to support diagnostics and repair
Conducts digital vehicle inspections using a digital vehicle inspection (DVI) system and follows inspection checklists, captures visual evidence, documents findings, and submits results to the service advisor
Identifies manufacturer-specified services based on original equipment manufacturer (OEM) schedules
Performs software updates as needed and according to the manufacturer's requirements
Recommends services based on vehicle condition, service intervals, and industry best practices

Inspects and repairs suspension, steering, and alignment

15

Follows proper procedure to disable and re-enable the supplemental restraint system (SRS), verifying system readiness by checking indicator lamp operation
Identifies electronically controlled steering and suspension systems and components (e.g., active suspension, stability control)
Inspects, repairs, or replaces suspension components, including: upper and lower control arms, bushings, and shafts; rebound or jounce bumpers; track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings; suspension system coil springs and spring insulators (silencers); suspension system torsion bars and mounts; front/rear stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links; strut cartridge or assembly; inspect mounts and bushings; front strut bearing and mount; shock absorbers, mounts, and bushings; rear suspension system lateral links/arms (track bars), control (trailing) arms; rear suspension system leaf or coil spring(s), shackles, brackets, bushings, and mounts
Inspects, repairs, and/or replaces steering components, including: rack and pinion steering gear, tie rod ends (sockets), and bellows boots; pitman arm, relay (center/intermediate) rod, idler arm, mountings, and steering linkage damper; tie rod sleeves and clamps; upper and lower ball joints (shared with suspension)
Inspects, flushes, fills, and bleeds power steering fluid using the proper fluid type
Inspects for power steering fluid leakage, replacing components as necessary
Removes, inspects, replaces, and adjusts drive belts related to the power steering system
Inspects electric power steering assist system
Inspects hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits and safety precautions
Uses a scan tool to reset the steering angle sensor and verify proper operation of related systems
Performs pre-alignment inspection and measures vehicle ride height; places vehicle in service mode as required
Uses a scan tool to enable alignment-related functions or reset systems as needed
Measures and adjusts alignment angles (camber, caster, and toe) according to manufacturer specifications
Inspects front and rear wheel bearings, replacing as necessary
Performs road force balancing and match mounting

Inspects and repairs wheels and tires

7

Inspects tire condition and age, identifies tire wear patterns, and verifies correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard or label
Rotates tires according to manufacturers’ specifications, including tires on vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and resets TPMS
Identifies indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), calibrates the system, and verifies operation of instrument panel lamps
Removes and replaces sensors in tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)
Dismounts, inspects, and remounts tires; balances wheel and tire assemblies—including those with tire pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS), and performs road force balancing or match mounting as needed
Inspects tire and wheel assembly for air loss and determines needed action
Repairs tires following the tire manufacturer-approved procedure

Inspects and repairs brakes, including hydraulic systems, drum brakes, and disc brakes

26

Performs road tests to verify brake system operation, including anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Uses a scan tool to check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), system status, and electronic brake system readiness
Researches requirements and places vehicle in service mode before servicing the brake system, as required
Identifies brake system components and configuration
Inspects brake components, including inner and outer pad thickness, friction material, caliper slides and bushings, piston boots and seals, and wear indicators
Measures brake pedal height, travel, and free play
Inspects the master cylinder for leaks and proper operation
Inspects brake lines, flexible hoses, and fittings for signs of leaks, corrosion, cracks, bulging, kinks, wear, and loose or damaged supports
Tests brake fluid for contamination
Selects brake fluid according to specifications
Bleeds or flushes the brake system
Removes, cleans, and inspects brake drum, measures brake drum diameter and determines serviceability, refinishes brake drum, and compares it with specifications
Removes, cleans, inspects, and replaces brake shoes, springs, pins, clips, levers, adjusters/self-adjusters, backing plates, and related hardware; lubricates components and reassembles the brake system
Inspects and replaces wheel cylinders as needed
Pre-adjusts brake shoes and parking brake; installs brake drums or drum/hub assemblies and wheel bearings; makes final adjustments
Removes and cleans caliper assembly; repairs or replaces as needed
Inspects caliper mounting and slides/pins for proper operation, wear, and damage; repairs or replaces as needed
Removes, inspects, or replaces brake pads and retaining hardware; repairs or replaces as needed
Lubricates and reinstalls caliper, brake pads, and related hardware; seats brake pads and inspects for leaks
Cleans and inspects rotor and mounting surface, measures rotor thickness, thickness variation, and lateral runout, and determines necessary action
Removes and reinstalls or replaces rotors; verifies rotor fit, and inspects and cleans rotor-to-hub mating surfaces
Refinishes rotor according to the manufacturer's specification; measures final rotor thickness and runout, comparing with specifications and replacing as needed
Retracts and readjusts caliper piston on an integral parking brake system according to the manufacturer's specification or verifies internal parking brake shoe condition and operation
Performs calibration, initialization, or relearn procedures as required
Removes and installs wheel studs and lug nuts and torques to the manufacturer's specifications
Test-drives the vehicle after brake service and burnishes or breaks in replacement brake pads according to manufacturer's specifications

Inspects and repairs brake-related support and control systems

8

Verifies brake pedal travel with and without the engine running to verify the power brake booster functioning
Identifies components of the brake power assist system (electric, vacuum, and hydraulic); inspects and verifies vacuum supply (manifold or auxiliary pump) to vacuum-type power booster
Removes, cleans, inspects, and replaces wheel bearings; replaces seals; installs hub and adjusts bearings
Inspects parking brake system components for wear, binding, and corrosion; cleans, lubricates, adjusts and replaces as needed
Verifies parking brake operation and parking brake indicator light system operation and determines necessary action
Verifies the operation of brake stop light system
Identifies traction control/vehicle stability control system components, including anti-lock braking system (ABS) components, replacing components as needed
Demonstrates understanding of the operation of a regenerative braking system

Inspects and repairs internal combustion engines (ICE)

17

Verifies operation of instrument panel engine warning indicators
Verifies fluid levels using manufacturer procedures and specifications
Inspects engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks, and verifies engine mechanical timing if applicable, identifying any causes of leaks and repairing as necessary
Installs engine covers using gaskets, seals, and sealers as necessary
Performs common fastener and thread repairs, including removing broken bolts, restoring internal and external threads, and repairing internal threads with thread insert
Identifies service precautions related to service of the internal combustion engine of hybrid vehicles
Identifies and inspects cylinder head and valve train components and configurations
Identifies and inspects engine block assembly components and configurations
Performs cooling system pressure and dye tests to identify leaks; verifies coolant condition and level; inspects and tests radiator, pressure cap, coolant recovery tank, heater core, and galley plugs
Inspects, replacing and adjusting drive belts, tensioners, and pulleys, verifying pulley and belt alignment
Removes, inspects, and replaces thermostat and gasket/seal
Determines the location of water/coolant pump and its type
Inspects, flushes, and refills cooling system using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification and bleeding air as required
Identifies causes of engine overheating and repairs as needed
Performs engine oil and filter change using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification
Resets maintenance indicator lights as needed or required
Inspects components of the lubrication system

Inspects and repairs automatic transmission and transaxle—both in-vehicle transmission/transaxle and off-vehicle

9

Verifies fluid level in transmissions and transaxles with or without dipsticks according to manufacturer specifications; adjusts fluid level as needed
Verifies transmission fluid condition and inspects for leaks, including leakage at external seals, gaskets, and bushings
Inspects drive train components and configuration
Identifies, inspects, and performs needed repairs to external manual valve shift linkages, transmission range sensors/switches, and park/neutral position switches
Performs relearn procedures as required
Identifies, inspects, replaces, and aligns power train mounts
Flushes and exchanges transmission fluid using a fluid exchange unit
Demonstrates understanding of the operational characteristics of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a hybrid vehicle drive train
Demonstrates understanding of the operational characteristics of a dual-clutch transmission (DCT)

Inspects and repairs manual drive train and axles

12

Drains and refills manual transmission/transaxle and final drive unit using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification
Verifies fluid condition and inspects for leaks
Inspects manual drive train and axle components and configuration and replaces components as needed
Verifies and adjusts clutch master cylinder fluid level using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification
Inspects for hydraulic system leaks and replaces components as needed
Inspects, removes, and replaces bearings, hubs, and seals
Inspects, services, and replaces shafts, yokes, boots, and universal/CV joints
Inspects for leaks at drive assembly and transfer case seals; inspects vents and fluid levels and condition; using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification; and replaces components as needed
Cleans and inspects differential case; checks for leaks; inspects housing vent; and replaces components as needed
Verifies and adjusts differential case fluid level using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification
Drains and refills differential housing using proper fluid type per manufacturer specification
Inspects and replaces drive axle wheel studs

Inspects and repairs low voltage electrical/electronic systems (General and battery service)

18

Identifies electrical and electronic system components and configuration
Uses a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure source voltage, voltage drop (including grounds), current flow, and resistance
Uses wiring diagrams to trace electrical and electronic circuits
Identifies causes and effects of shorts, grounds, opens, and resistance problems in electrical/electronic circuits
Inspects and cleans battery and checks battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs
Performs battery charging according to manufacturer’s specifications
Jump-starts vehicle using jumper cables and a booster battery, or an auxiliary power supply as recommended by the manufacturer
Identifies and follows procedure for unlocking and jumpstarting a vehicle with electric door latches as necessary
Identifies and performs reinitialization as required on electrical/electronic modules, security systems, radios, and other accessories after reconnecting the vehicle’s battery, per manufacturer specifications
Identifies hybrid vehicle auxiliary (12V) battery service, repair, and test procedures
Uses fused jumper wires to verify or test the operation of electrical circuits
Measures key-off battery drain (parasitic draw) using appropriate diagnostic tools and procedures
Inspects and tests fusible links, circuit breakers, fuses, and determines necessary action
Verifies correct battery size, type, and application for the vehicle; performs battery, starting, and charging system tests according to manufacturer specifications; and determines necessary service actions based on results
Performs battery state-of-charge test and replaces as needed
Repairs and replaces connectors, terminal ends, and wiring of electrical and electronic systems, including soldering where applicable
Maintains or restores electronic memory functions
Repairs, adjusts, and recalibrates advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and components, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance

Inspects and repairs low voltage electrical/electronic systems (starting, charging, lighting, instrument cluster, driver info, and body electrical systems)

15

Performs starter current draw test and determines necessary action
Performs starter circuit voltage drop tests and determines necessary action
Inspects and tests starter relays and solenoids; replaces as needed
Removes and installs starter in a vehicle
Inspects and tests switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits, and replaces as needed
Performs charging system output test and replaces components as needed
Inspects, adjusts, and/or replaces generator (alternator) drive belts; inspects pulleys and tensioners for wear; verifies pulley and belt alignment
Removes, inspects, and replaces the generator (alternator)
Performs charging circuit voltage drop tests and determines necessary action
Inspects interior and exterior lamps and sockets, including headlights and auxiliary lights (fog lights/driving lights) and replaces as needed
Disables and enables the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and verifies system operation
Removes and reinstalls the door panel
Demonstrates understanding of the operation of keyless entry/remote-start systems and repairs or replaces components as needed
Verifies operation of instrument panel gauges and warning/indicator lights, and resets maintenance indicators
Verifies windshield wiper and washer operation and replaces components as needed

Inspects and repairs high voltage electrical/electronic systems

14

Identifies safety precautions for high voltage systems on electric, hybrid-electric, and diesel vehicles, including high-intensity discharge headlights and A/C system electrical circuits
Locates and follows procedures to de-energize/disable and energize/enable high-voltage systems safely
Identifies potential safety and materials handling concerns associated with high-voltage battery/energy storage systems
Properly uses special multimeters, insulated tools, and other test equipment required for use in high-voltage circuits
Properly uses required personal protective equipment (PPE) while servicing high-voltage circuits
Uses live-dead-live/zero potential tests to verify isolation of the high-voltage battery/energy storage system
Tests and verifies ground circuit isolation between the vehicle chassis ground and the high-voltage circuits and components
Locates and performs procedures to de-energize/disable and energize/enable high-voltage systems safely
Identifies electrified propulsion vehicle (xEV) high-voltage system configurations and components
Identifies high-voltage circuits
Identifies the various warning lights, pedestrian awareness alarms, and labels on and around the vehicle
Maintains awareness of the safety concerns associated with servicing electrified propulsion vehicles, including scheduled maintenance, conventional low-voltage services, and high-voltage services and repairs; follows the manufacturer's procedures and safety practices for working around and on high-voltage systems
Uses safe handling procedures associated with high-voltage A/C compressors and wiring
Inspects high-voltage battery thermal management systems and performs periodic coolant and filter service per manufacturer specifications

Inspects and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including those in hybrid, electric, and gas combustion engines

14

Recovers, recycles, and handles refrigerants using proper equipment and procedures and with EPA-required credentials
Performs A/C performance tests and interprets pressure readings as specified by the manufacturer
Identifies heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components and configuration
Differentiates normal and abnormal operating noises in the A/C system
Visually inspects the A/C system for signs of leaks with and without dye
Inspects and replaces A/C belts, pulleys, and tensioners; checks A/C components for leaks and determines needed repairs
Removes and replaces A/C system components such as compressor, lines, hoses, receiver/drier, expansion valve, evaporator, and condenser, determining recommended oil type and quantity
Inspects for proper A/C airflow, temperature, and mode door operation, determining needed action
Inspects the evaporator housing, condensation drain, and clears the housing if needed
Inspects A/C-heater ducts, doors, actuators, hoses, cabin filters, and outlets and replaces components as needed
Identifies the source of A/C system odors and repairs as needed
Inspects engine cooling and heater systems, hoses, and pipes for condition and leaks, determining necessary action
Verifies coolant flow and thermostat operation
Pressure tests the cooling system and radiator cap

Performs tests and repairs components to optimize ICE engine performance

14

Performs engine vacuum/boost tests and compares to manufacturer specifications
Performs cylinder power balance, cranking and running compression, and leakage tests, and compares to manufacturer specifications
Removes and replaces spark plugs; inspects secondary ignition components (e.g., wires, coils) for wear and damage
Uses a lab scope to test and analyze primary and secondary ignition system waveforms to diagnose ignition-related performance issues
Replaces fuel filter(s) and fuel pumps where applicable
Inspects, services, or replaces air filters, filter housings, and intake duct work
Inspects the integrity of the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, muffler(s), catalytic converter(s), resonator(s), tail pipe(s), and heat shields, and determines necessary action
Inspects the condition of exhaust system hangers, brackets, clamps, and heat shields, and determines necessary action
Inspects and refills diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)
Inspect, test, and service positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system (filter, valve, hoses, etc.)
Inspect, test, service, and replace evaporative emission control (EVAP) system components as needed
Verifies that the cooling system is functioning properly according to manufacturer specifications
Uses a scan tool to actuate and test various components, sensors, and actuators
Uses OBD monitors for repair verification, ensures the effectiveness of repairs, and confirms readiness

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