Course Outline for Automotive Technology 206B
Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems

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

ATEC 206B - Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems

117.00 Hours

May be repeated 99 time(s)
Automotive body electronics, vehicle lighting, instrumentation, OEM audio, navigation, and communication systems, supplemental restraint systems, starter interlock systems, computer controlled charging systems. 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 206A or ATEC 6A (same as APAU 9725) or equivalent
0948.00 - Automotive Technology*
Pass/No Pass/Satisfactory Progress
Type Hours
Lecture 27.00
Laboratory 90.00
Total 117.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM), digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), test lights and fused jumper wires during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems;
  2. inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses, repair wiring harnesses and connectors, and perform wire and terminal repair of electrical wiring;
  3. identify and interpret electrical/electronic system concern, and determine necessary action related to body electrical systems;
  4. verify Bus system communications;
  5. diagnose the cause of brighter than normal, intermittent, dim, or no light operation in lighting systems;
  6. inspect, replace, and aim headlights and bulbs;
  7. inspect and diagnose vehicle instrumentation;
  8. inspect and diagnose OEM vehicle audio systems;
  9. inspect and diagnose OEM vehicle navigation systems;
  10. inspect and diagnose OEM vehicle communication systems;
  11. diagnose, service and repair of supplemental restraint systems;
  12. inspect and diagnose starter interlock systems;
  13. inspect and diagnose computer controlled charging systems;
  14. inspect and diagnose OEM power window systems;
  15. inspect and diagnose OEM locking systems.
Course Content:
Course Content (Lecture):
  1. Fundamentals of body electronics
  2. Input, Processing, Output
  3. Bus systems
  4. Lighting systems
  5. Instrumentation
  6. OEM Audio systems
  7. OEM Navigation systems
  8. OEM Communication systems
  9. Supplemental Restraint systems
  10. Starter Interlock systems
  11. Computer Controlled Charging systems
  12. Power Windows
  13. Locking Systems
  14. Hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel safety
  15. Hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel applicable systems awareness
  16. Soft Skills

Course Content (Laboratory):

  1. Demonstrate proper shop safety and working practices, including tools and equipment, and hazardous waste handling
  2. Diagnosis and repair of body electrical systems
  3. Bus system testing
  4. Diagnosis and repair of vehicle lighting systems
  5. Diagnosis and repair of vehicle instrumentation systems
  6. Diagnosis and repair of vehicle audio, navigation, and communication systems
  7. Diagnosis and repair of vehicle supplemental restraint systems
  8. Diagnosis and repair of starter interlock systems
  9. Diagnosis and repair of computer controlled charging systems
  10. Diagnosis and repair of power window systems
  11. Diagnosis and repair of locking systems
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 Lighting.
  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 or Project
  7. Practical Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. test the CAN bus system signal with a DSO. Set up the DSO to capture the CAN hi (+) and CAN lo (-) signals;
  2. test a computer controlled charging system for proper operation using a DSO. Check and record the signal on a DSO from the PCM to the generator;
  3. check a variable speed blower control system for proper operation using a DSO. Check and record the HZ signal from the control head to the blower module.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Halderman, James D (2017). Automotive Electricity and Electronics (5). Pearson.
  • Shop/safety clothing
  • Safety glasses
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Automotive body electronics, vehicle lighting, instrumentation, OEM audio, navigation, and communication systems, supplemental restraint systems, starter interlock systems, computer controlled charging systems. 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 206A or ATEC 6A (same as APAU 9725) or equivalent