Course Outline for Automotive Technology 206A
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 02/26/2021
Catalog Description:

ATEC 206A - Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals

144.00 Hours

May be repeated 99 time(s)
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals including: Ohm's Law, basic electrical circuits, components, battery, starting, charging, and basic wiring systems, electrical components and the use of basic wiring diagrams for trouble shooting systems, repair of wiring circuits and correct use of diagnostic equipment. This course is free and students may repeat this course until mastery of the skills is met. This course is a noncredit course that is equivalent to the ATEC credit course of the same title. Both options cover the same content and students will be enrolled in the same class at the same time. If a student chooses to move from noncredit to credit courses, please meet with ATEC faculty to discuss assessing equivalency and credit by exam. This course is part of a Certificate of Completion. Available Certificates can be found in the Chabot College Catalog.
Prerequisite: ATEC 250 or ATEC 50 (same as APAU 9724) or equivalent (may be taken concurrently)
0948.00 - Automotive Technology*
Pass/No Pass/Satisfactory Progress
Type Hours
Lecture 45.00
Laboratory 99.00
Total 144.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. identify and interpret electrical/electronic system concern, and determine necessary action;
  2. diagnose electrical/electronic integrity for series, parallel and series-parallel circuits using principles of electricity (Ohm’s Law, Watts Theory);
  3. demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM), test lights, logic probes, and fused jumper wires during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems;
  4. measure and diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw);
  5. inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses, repair wiring harnesses and connectors, and perform solder repair of electrical wiring;
  6. perform battery state-of-charge test, capacity test, and confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application;
  7. perform battery service, perform slow/fast battery charge, inspect and clean battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs, repair or replace as needed;
  8. start a vehicle using jumper cables and a battery or auxiliary power supply;
  9. perform starter current draw tests, generator (alternator) output tests, circuit voltage drop tests;
  10. inspect and test starter relays and solenoids;
  11. remove and install starters and alternators;
  12. inspect, adjust, or replace generator (alternator) drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners; check pulley and belt alignment;
  13. complete DVOM meter certification.
Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture):

  1. Fundamentals of basic electricity/electronics
  2. Rules and principles of magnetism and how it relates to relays, solenoids, motors, alternators
  3. Battery systems
  4. Starter systems
  5. Charging systems
  6. Diagnostic equipment (digital multimeter, battery testers, ignition analyzers)
  7. Electrical/electronics troubleshooting
  8. Hazardous material handling
  9. Parasitic on car battery testing
  10. Shop safety and safety practices
  11. Complete DVOM meter certification
  12. Hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel safety
  13. Hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel applicable systems awareness
  14. Soft Skills

Course Content (Laboratory):

  1. Demonstrate proper shop safety and working practices, including tools and equipment, and hazardous waste handling
  2. Perform Ohm’s Law calculations
  3. Perform Watts Theory calculations
  4. Identify circuit types
  5. Identify electrical system components
  6. Perform wire and terminal repairs
  7. Perform battery tests utilizing appropriate test equipment
  8. Perform charging system tests utilizing appropriate test equipment\
  9. Perform starting system tests utilizing appropriate test equipment
  10. Demonstrate multimeter usage
  11. Perform voltage drop tests
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Demonstration
  3. Guest speakers
  4. Laboratory
  5. Field Trips
  6. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read chapter on Circuits
  2. Complete review quiz at the end of chapter
  3. Complete laboratory assignments using service information, lecture materials, and text
  1. Class Participation
  2. Laboratory exercises
  3. Homework
  4. Quizzes
  5. Midterm Examination
  6. Final Examination
  7. Practical Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM) during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems, including: source voltage, voltage drop, current flow, and resistance;
  2. analyze and diagnose an automotive Charging system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment;
  3. analyze and diagnose an automotive starting system using appropriate electrical tools and equipment;
  4. analyze and diagnose an automotive battery using appropriate electrical tools and equipment.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Halderman, James (2017). Automotive Electricity and Electronics (5). Pearson.
  • Safety glasses
  • Shop/safety clothing
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals including: Ohm's Law, basic electrical circuits, components, battery, starting, charging, and basic wiring systems, electrical components and the use of basic wiring diagrams for trouble shooting systems, repair of wiring circuits and correct use of diagnostic equipment. This course is a noncredit course that is equivalent to the ATEC credit course of the same title. Both options cover the same content and students will be enrolled in the same class at the same time.
Prerequisite: ATEC 250 or ATEC 50 (same as APAU 9724) or equivalent (may be taken concurrently)