Apprenticeship: Automotive Technology
14 courses · Chabot College · 2026-2027 Catalog
APAU 9723 Automotive Braking Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 Lecture, 90 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 50 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Automotive Braking Systems including: Diagnosis, inspection, repair, and adjustment of modern automotive brakes and anti-lock braking systems, traction control, and dynamic stability control systems, theory of operation, the study of basic laws of hydraulics, brake service equipment.
APAU 9724 Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 Lecture, 45 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Automotive industry fundamentals including careers; safety; fasteners, hand tool identification and usage; vehicle systems, electrical fundamentals; service information access and use; automotive chemical and fluid applications; hazardous waste handling; general shop equipment usage, and vehicle servicing.
APAU 9725 Automotive Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 45 Lecture, 99 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 50 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently)
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
APAU 9727 Automotive Air and Fuel Delivery Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 45 Lecture, 99 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 6A or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
Automotive Air and Fuel Delivery including: Introduction to the principles of automotive fuel induction systems, including the inspection, diagnosis, and evaluation of fuel storage, fuel pumps, carburetion, intake and exhaust systems, engine operation principles, computerized engine controls, and fuel injection systems.
APAU 9729 Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 27 Lecture, 72 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 50
- Transfers to
- CSU
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning including: Diagnosis, testing, adjustment, and repair of air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, heat and energy, air flow, refrigerant recycling, equipment and controls.
APAU 9732 Automotive Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 Lecture, 90 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 50
- Transfers to
- CSU
Automotive Manual Transmission fundamentals including: Theory, diagnosis, repair, and adjustment of automotive manual transmissions/transaxles, driveshafts, half shafts, final drives, clutches, viscous couplings, and transfer cases. Two, four, and all-wheel drive assemblies, theory, service, and repair.
APAU 9733 Automotive Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 Lecture, 90 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 50 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the fundamentals of automotive automatic transmissions, including diagnosing, inspecting, repairing, and adjusting transmission and transaxle assemblies. Topics include torque converters, friction materials, hydraulic systems, gear trains, and manual and electronic control systems.
APAU 9734 Automotive Suspension and Steering
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 Lecture, 90 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 50
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a comprehensive study of modern automotive suspension and steering systems, with emphasis on diagnostic procedures, inspection techniques, and corrective repairs. Topics include steering geometry, suspension design, wheel alignment principles, supplemental restraint systems (SRS), tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and the use of specialized equipment. Students will develop skills in analyzing system performance, adjusting, and applying industry-standard repair practices in a shop environment.
APAU 9741 Automotive Advanced Engine Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 Lecture, 90 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 8 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces modern engine management systems, including ignition, fuel injection, combustion processes, emissions control, and on-board diagnostics. Focuses on diagnostic methods, systems integration, and emerging technologies. Prerequisite: ATEC 8 with a grade of "C" or better.
APAU 9747 Automotive Engines
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 45 Lecture, 99 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 50 or equivalent (May be taken concurrently)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the fundamentals of automotive engine operation and design, including various engine configurations and internal components. Students will learn mechanical diagnostic testing procedures, engine disassembly and inspection, thread repair, broken bolt removal, and precision measurement techniques. Additional topics include engine assembly, timing chain and belt installation, valve adjustments, and cooling system operation. The course also introduces basic engine machining concepts and emphasizes the proper use of shop tools, equipment, and safety practices.
APAU 9748 Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 Lecture, 90 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 6A or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
Automotive body electronics, vehicle lighting, instrumentation, OEM audio, navigation, and communication systems, supplemental restraint systems, starter interlock systems, computer controlled charging systems.
APAU 9749 California Emissions Testing Technician Training Course
- Units
- 7.5
- Hours
- 108 Lecture, 81 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 6A or equivalent, ATEC 8 or equivalent, ATEC 1 or equivalent, ATEC 10 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
Motor vehicle emission inspection and maintenance: Includes the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) requirements for: BAR Specified Diagnostic and Repair Training, Level 1, Level 2. Other requirements may be necessary, reference the California Bureau of Automotive Repair for full requirements.
APAU 9752 Automotive Service Consultant
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 Lecture, 27 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 50 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently), ATEC 250 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Automotive Service Consultant fundamentals including: Communications, customer service, legal documents, business interactions, billing, parts and labor guides, shop management applications, shop operations, sales, vehicle identification and systems operations. Course content is aligned with tasks identified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
APAU 9754 Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 81 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Study of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle architecture, operation, diagnosis, service and repair processes. This course prepares students for the electrification portion of ASE L3 certification exam. Students who have previously completed ATEC 90/91, ATEC 290/91, APAU 9750/9751 do not need to take this course.