Course Outline for Automotive Technology 211
Advanced Diagnosis

Effective: Fall 2025
SLO Rev:
Catalog Description:

ATEC 211 - Advanced Diagnosis

126.00 Hours

May be repeated 99 time(s)
This course will provide high-level theoretical training and advanced diagnostic techniques. The class will use advanced diagnostics tools and testing methods to increase technician's efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, the course will cover Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen technology to prepare students to work on European automotive technology. 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, they should meet with ATEC faculty to discuss assessing equivalency and credit by exam. All prerequisites must be met, and instructor approval must be obtained prior to enrollment.
Prerequisite: ATEC 6A (same as APAU 9725) or ATEC 206A and ATEC 6B (same as APAU 9748) or ATEC 206B and ATEC 8 (same as APAU 9727) or ATEC 208 and ATEC 10 (same as APAU 9741) or ATEC 210 and instructor approval must be obtained prior to enrollment; contact course instructor for details.
0948.00 - Automotive Technology*
Optional
Type Hours
Lecture 54.00
Laboratory 72.00
Total 126.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. perform advanced-level oscilloscope measurements;
  2. perform advanced-level electrical tests;
  3. perform advanced-level mechanical testing;
  4. perform advanced level wiring harness diagnosis;
  5. perform current tests using ammeters, amp clamps, and oscilloscopes;
  6. perform lambda sensor and catalytic efficiency tests or using a scope;
  7. test a wheel speed sensor (Magnetoresistive type) using a scope;
  8. perform a crankshaft and camshaft position sensor comparison to determine timing problems;
  9. assess CAN bus physical layers and perform CAN line testing using oscilloscopes;
  10. perform advanced electrical diagnosis of body equipment such as radio, navigation, voice command, power seats, windows, locks, and cabin accessories;
  11. perform advanced electrical diagnosis on chassis and powertrain components;
  12. perform advanced diagnosis of electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and components;
  13. understand tunning and mapping, and the effects of modifications on engine performance.
Course Content:
  1. The Diagnostic Journey
    1. Where To Start
    2. What To Do
    3. How To Succeed
  2. Diagnosis Principles
    1. Gathering Complete Information
    2. Duplicating The Concern
    3. Checking The Basics
    4. Develop A Strategy
  3. Understanding The Diagnosis Process
    1. Accuracy
    2. Precision
    3. Baselining
    4. The Importance Of A Focused Approach
  4. Finding And Testing The Root Cause
    1. Data Stream Interpretation
    2. Freeze Frame Analysis
    3. Baselining
    4. Fault Code Prediction
    5. Fault Code Interpretation
  5. Electrical Principles
    1. Measuring Voltage
      1. Open Circuit Voltage
      2. Source Voltage
      3. Load Voltage
      4. Available Voltage
      5. Voltage Drop
    2. Checking Grounds
      1. Chassis Ground
      2. Signal Ground
      3. Low Reference
      4. Signal Return
      5. Floating Ground
    3. Measuring Resistance
      1. Ohmmeter Use
      2. Voltage Drop And Amp Clamp
      3. Oscilloscope And Amp Clamp
      4. Oscilloscope (Tiepie, Sureconnect)
    4. Measuring Current
      1. Dc Amp Clamp
      2. Ac Amp Clamp
      3. Oscilloscope And Shunt
      4. Oscilloscope And Current Probe
  6. Oscilloscope Basics
    1. Waveform And Signal Analysis
    2. The Oscilloscope's Graph
    3. The Significance Of Signal Integrity
    4. Understanding Waveform And Waveform Measurements
    5. Types Of Waves
    6. Waveform Measurements
  7. Oscilloscope Types
    1. Introduction
    2. Types Of Digital Oscilloscopes
    3. Digital Storage Oscilloscopes (Dso)
    4. Digital Phosphor Oscilloscopes (Dpo)
    5. Mixed Domain Oscilloscopes (Mdo)
    6. Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes (Mso)
    7. Digital Sampling Oscilloscopes (Dso)
  8. Evaluating Oscilloscopes
    1. Introduction
    2. Ease-Of-Use
    3. The Complete Measurement System Probes
    4. Bandwidth
    5. Rise Time
    6. Sample Rate
    7. A Note About Bandwidth And Sample Rate
    8. Waveform Capture Rate
    9. Record Length
    10. Triggering Capabilities
    11. Effective Bits
    12. Frequency Response
    13. Vertical Sensitivity
    14. Sweep Speed
    15. Gain Accuracy
    16. Horizontal Accuracy (Time Base)
    17. Vertical Resolution (Analog-To-Digital Converter)
    18. Timing Resolution Mixed Signal Oscilloscopes (Mso)
    19. Connectivity
    20. Expandability
  9. Oscilloscope Systems And Controls
    1. Introduction
    2. The Three Systems
    3. Vertical System And Controls
    4. Horizontal System And Controls
    5. Trigger System And Controls
    6. Controls For Math And Measurement Operations
    7. Digital Timing And State Acquisitions
    8. Other Controls
  10. Setting Up And Using An Oscilloscope
    1. Introduction
    2. Proper Grounding
    3. Setting The Controls
    4. Calibrating The Instrument
    5. Connecting The Probes
    6. Compensating The Probes
    7. Oscilloscope Measurement Techniques
  11. Sensor Operation And Testing
    1. One Wire
    2. Two Wire
    3. Three Wire
    4. Four Wire
    5. Reference Voltage
    6. Reference Ground
  12. Actuator Operation And Testing
    1. Operation
    2. Power Supply
    3. Current Draw
    4. Sound/Noise Levels
    5. Signal Integrity
    6. Control Integrity
    7. True Load Speed Test
    8. Speed Test
    9. Bench Testing
    10. Test Tools

Brand Specific Diagnosis

  1. Engine Diagnosis
    1. Engine Technology
      1. Mechanical Troubleshooting
        1. Induction System
        2. Compression
        3. Leak Down
        4. Mechanical Timing
        5. Lubrication System
        6. Cooling System
        7. Exhaust System
        8. Noise, Vibration, And Harshness
      2. Electrical Troubleshooting
        1. Power Supply Management
        2. Starting System
        3. Charging System
        4. 12 Volt System
      3. Electronic Controls
        1. Fuel Injection System
        2. Ignition System
        3. Variable Valve Timing
        4. Throttle Control
        5. Theft Deterrent Systems
        6. Wastegate Control
        7. Launch Control
        8. Emission Control Systems
        9. Software
          1. Programming
          2. Coding
  2. Transmission Diagnosis
    1. Transmission Technology
      1. Types Of Transmissions/Transaxles
        1. Automatic
        2. Manual
        3. Constantly Variable
        4. Electronically Controlled Manual
      2. Mechanical Troubleshooting
        1. Hydraulic Pressure
        2. Clutch Slip Rate
        3. Torque Converter Efficiency
        4. Wet Clutch Operation
        5. Dual Clutch Operation
        6. Standard Clucth Assembly
        7. Cvt Belts And Pulleys
      3. Electrical Troubleshooting
        1. Power Supply Management
        2. Connectors And Wiring
      4. Electronic Controls
        1. Valve Body
        2. Control Unit
        3. Sensors And Solenoids
        4. Software
          1. Programming
          2. Coding
  3. Driveline Diagnosis
    1. Driveline Technology
      1. Driveshafts
      2. Axles
      3. Constant Velocity Joints
      4. U-Joints
      5. Guibo Discs (Flex Coupling)
      6. Transfer Case
      7. Differentials
      8. Wheel Bearings
  4. Chassis Diagnosis
    1. Steering And Suspension
      1. Standard Steering Assist Control
      2. Electric Steering Systems
      3. Active Suspension Systems
      4. Ride Height Control
      5. Electronic Stability Control
    2. Braking Systems
      1. Antilock Braking Systems
      2. Traction Control
      3. Electronic Parking Brakes
      4. Brake Assist
  5. Body Electrical Diagnosis
    1. Audio And Voice Control
      1. Entertainment Systems
      2. Rear Entertainment
      3. Steaming
      4. Internet
      5. Navigation And Voice Control
    2. Comfort Systems
      1. Power Seats
      2. Power Locks
      3. Power Mirrors
      4. Power Windows
      5. Air Conditioning, Heating And Ventilation
  6. Lighting Systems
    1. Exterior Lights
    2. Ambient Lights
    3. Convenience Light
  7. Safety Systems
    1. Airbags
    2. Adas Systems
  8. Electric Drive
    1. Types of electric drive
    2. EV vehicle basics
    3. HV Basics
  9. Technical Discussions
    1. Tires And Tire Wear
    2. Maintenance Intervals
    3. Fuel Grade Requirements
    4. Additives
    5. Modifications
    6. Tunning
    7. Mapping
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Problem Solving
  2. Case Study
  3. Research Report
  4. Performance
  5. Group Activities
  6. Individual Performance
  7. Practice/Demonstration
  8. Laboratory exercises
  9. Lectures
  10. Textbook reading assignments
  11. Class and group discussions
  12. Presentation of audio-visual materials
  13. Oral and Written Analysis
  14. Demonstration
  15. Simulations
  16. Online Assignments
  17. Computer-based interactive curriculum
  18. Diagnostic Quizzes
  19. Review
  20. Lecture/Discussion
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. TEST 1: Relative compression - gasoline Tools Required: Four-Channel Oscilloscope Objective: Checking Suspected compression issues Skill level 5 1. Connect the high amp current clamp around the battery-positive cable. Make sure that the orientation of the clamp is correct concerning the current flow away from the battery. 2. Start the oscilloscope 3. The waveform shows the amperage to crank the engine, usually between 100 and 300 amps. Once the engine has overcome the initial friction and inertia, the waveform should settle into a consistent ‘sawtooth’ pattern. Zoom and rulers can help you evaluate the waveform, although a drop in cylinder compression is usually apparent. Suppose the waveform confirms that a cylinder is losing compression. In that case, further testing with a low amp current clamp connected to an injector or ignition coil will help you identify the offending cylinder. Using our WPS500X pressure transducer will highlight any mechanical issues requiring further attention. 4. Take a screenshot of your results and show it to your instructor. 5. Remove one spark plug and repeat the test. This time, you should see a distinct break in the pattern; describe its appearance and discuss it with your teammates. 6. Show your pattern to your instructor and explain what you see. 7. By observing the waveform, can you determine which cylinder has a problem? 8. Discuss how to connect the oscilloscope to determine which cylinder has the low compression. Explain your strategy to your instructor. 9. Once your instructor approves your strategy, connect the oscilloscope to your plan and retest. 10 Capture your screen and consult the results with your instructor.
  2. Tool Required: Automotive Oscilloscope Checking Dual-trace testing of CAN High and CAN Low lines Skill level: 8 The purpose of this test is to determine the physical integrity of a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus by checking its low (CAN-L) and high (CAN-H) line voltages. 1. Locate the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC). Connect Channel A to terminal 6 and chassis earth and connect Channel B to terminal 14 and chassis ground. 2. You will see that the scope has displayed an example waveform and is preset to capture your waveform. 3. Start the scope to see live data and turn on the ignition. 4. With your live waveforms on screen, stop the scope and turn off the ignition. 5. Use the Waveform Buffer, Zoom, and Measurements tools to examine your waveform. The peak voltages are correct. 6. Analyze the waveform using the evaluation tools in the scope 7. Use the measuring tools to determine the Dominant voltage level 8. Use the measuring tools to determine the recessive voltage level 9. Use the measuring tools to determine the CAN-H voltage level 10. Use the measuring tools to determine the CAN-L voltage level 11. Share your result with your instructor
  3. TEST 2: Coil-on-plug - secondary voltage (probe) Tools Required: Automotive Scope Checking Vehicle Single Coil Packs Skill level: 8 1.Connect the COP and Signal probe to Channel A and ensure a good earth connection onto the engine block. 2.The engine must be idling for this test. Start the scope and place the end of the COP probe on the top of the coil pack to capture the signal. You should see a clear signal. Refer to the sample picture in your task sheet. 3.The waveform will look something like the example. Now you can see every detail. In our example, you can clearly see the ‘burn time’ from the spark plug. It also shows the coil oscillation period. Remember how easy it is to use rulers to measure the different parts of the waveform and our reference waveforms to compare with different coil packs. 4.Move the probe around to pick up the best signal. This test investigates and examines the secondary voltage waveform from a coil-on-plug (COP) ignition unit using the Scope-COP and Signal probe. 5.Show your best waveform to your instructor and discuss your results.
  1. Class Participation
  2. Competency
  3. Critical thinking exercises
  4. Auditions with instructor
  5. Assigned activities
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. obtain a deeper theoretical and applied understanding of automotive technology and the diagnostic process, and learn how to baseline systems to develop a focused diagnosis strategy. Progress will be assessed by direct interaction with the instructor.
  2. use high-level diagnostic equipment to isolate complicated electrical, electronic, and mechanical problems and gain proficiency using specialized software and tools to perform advanced measurements.
  3. apply advanced diagnosis techniques to resolve electronic control problems and isolate mechanical faults in engines, transmissions, driveline, body, and chassis components,
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Tom Denton (2021). Advanced Automotive Fault Diagnosis (4th). EOM.
  2. Graham Stoakes (2017). Automotive Oscilloscopes: Waveform Analysis (First). Graham Stoakes.
  3. Michael Klyde (Author), CDX Automotive (Author) (2021). Advanced Automotive Engine Performance (Master Automotive Technician) (First). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
This class explores advanced diagnostics theory, tools, and testing methods to increase technician's efficiency and accuracy. Instructor approval must be obtained prior to enrollment. 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. For information regarding requirements and acceptance, contact the Automotive department Coordinator.
Prerequisite: ATEC 6A (same as APAU 9725) or ATEC 206A and ATEC 6B (same as APAU 9748) or ATEC 206B and ATEC 8 (same as APAU 9727) or ATEC 208 and ATEC 10 (same as APAU 9741) or ATEC 210 and instructor approval must be obtained prior to enrollment; contact course instructor for details.
Discipline:
Automotive Technology