Automotive Technician
17 courses · Solano Community College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Spring 2026
ATEC 070 Automotive Fundamentals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly, 90 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides the knowledge and skills needed to prepare students for entry into the automotive core curriculum. The study of 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. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will in part prepare the student for the ASE Maintenance and Light Repair G1 Certification Examination.
ATEC 130 Automotive Suspension and Steering
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) (May enroll concurrently)
- Advisory
- ATEC 131 (Automotive Electrical Systems)
The study of automotive suspension and steering fundamentals including: Diagnosis, inspection, repair, and adjustment of modern automotive steering, suspension, supplemental restraint, tire pressure monitoring, and alignment systems. Theory of operation, common automotive steering and suspension systems, wheel alignment principles, methods of diagnosis, adjustment and repair, and the use of suspension service equipment will be covered. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will in part prepare the student for the ASE Suspension and Steering A4 Certification Examination.
ATEC 131 Automotive Electrical Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) (May enroll concurrently)
Theory and principles of automotive electrical systems. The course includes basic electrical theory, Ohms Law, series and parallel circuits, electrical symbols and schematics, automotive batteries, charging systems, voltage regulation, starting systems, lighting systems, and various accessory systems. The laboratory portion of the course will place emphasis on diagnosis and testing techniques required to effectively determine the necessary action in an electrical system failure. The use of schematics, technical specifications, voltmeters, ohmmeters, ammeters, and circuit testers will be required. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will in part prepare the student for the ASE Electrical / Electronic A6 Certification Examination.
ATEC 132 Automotive Brake Systems
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) May enroll concurrently
- Advisory
- ATEC 131 (Automotive Electrical Systems)
The study of modern automotive braking systems. Hydraulic principles, coefficients of friction, and thermodynamics will be discussed. Diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and adjustment procedures of drum, disc/drum, and four-wheel disc systems will be emphasized. Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) diagnostics, servicing, and repair procedures will also be covered. The course will cover common domestic and import passenger vehicles, and light trucks only. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will prepare the student for the ASE Brakes A5 Certification Examination.
ATEC 133 Automotive Engine Repair
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) May enroll concurrently
- Advisory
- ATEC 131 (Automotive Electrical Systems)
The study of four stroke combustion cycle theory, engine torque, horsepower, materials, and manufacturing processes as they relate to internal combustion powerplants used in production automobiles and light trucks. The theory, principles, and diagnosis of cooling systems, lubrication systems, and common engine mechanical failures will be emphasized. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on comprehensive engine testing, in-vehicle engine servicing, engine disassembly/reassembly, precision measuring, and inspection of internal engine components. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will prepare the student for the ASE Engine Repair A1 Certification Examination.
ATEC 134 Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) May enroll concurrently
- Advisory
- ATEC 131 (Automotive Electrical Systems)
The study of hydraulic and electronically actuated automatic transmissions and transaxles. Topics will include positive and variable displacement pumps, torque converters, bands and clutches, hydraulic valves, electronic shift solenoids, governors, and common compound planetary gear arrangements. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on diagnostic and overhaul procedures, in-vehicle testing, and bench testing of various components. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will prepare the student for the ASE Automatic Transmission A2 Certification Examination.
ATEC 135 Automotive Engine Performance
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) Minimum grade of C May enroll concurrently or equivilent
- Advisory
- ATEC 131 (Automotive Electrical Systems)
Experience in the operation, troubleshooting and repair of the ignition, fuel and emission control systems of import and domestic passenger vehicles and light trucks. Emphasis is on theoretical knowledge and the proper use of diagnostic tools and equipment. Prerequisite: ATEC070 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently, will in part, prepare the student for the ASE Engine Performance A8 Certification Examination.
ATEC 136 Automotive Manual Drivetrain and Axles
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) May enroll concurrently
Theory and principles of manual transmissions/transaxles, clutches, driveshafts, half shafts, variable and constant velocity joints, differentials, rear wheel drive axle assemblies, all wheel drives, and four wheel drives. Gear types, ratios, and noise, vibration, harshness diagnostic routines will be discussed. Diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and adjustment procedures for common domestic, import, and light truck drivetrain components will be emphasized. Prerequisite: ATEC070 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will prepare the student for the ASE Manual Transmission/Transaxle & Drivetrain A3 Certification Examination.
ATEC 137 Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) May enroll concurrently
An Automotive Technology course covering theory and operation of automotive heating systems and air conditioning refrigeration systems. Topics will include the refrigeration cycle, evacuation principles, humidity, heat transfer, automotive refrigerants, temperature pressure relationship, greenhouse gases, and proper handling and storage of refrigerants. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on the diagnosis and repair of heating and cooling systems, use of refrigerant recycling-reclaiming equipment, use of evacuation equipment, retrofitting, and environmentally sound refrigeration handling techniques. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently, will prepare the student for the ASE A7 Air Conditioning and Heating Certification Examination.
ATEC 138 Automotive Electronics
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) and ATEC 131 (Automotive Electrical Systems)
Emphasis on applied techniques in schematic reading, scan tool usage and diagnosis of various automotive electronic systems, including power doors, mirrors, windows and seats; sun roofs; air bags; keyless entry; networks and other body control electronics. This course builds on the concepts introduced in Automotive Electrical Systems. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and subsequently will in part prepare the student for the ASE Electrical / Electronic A6 Certification Examination.
ATEC 139 Advanced Engine Performance
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 6 hours lab weekly, 144 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) and ATEC 131 (Automotive Electrical Systems) and ATEC 135 (Automotive Engine Performance)
Emphasis on applied techniques in advanced engine performance systems diagnostics including fuel injection; ignition; emission controls; OBD II and CAN/BUS. The course is correlated with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence standards and is designed to prepare the student for the ASE A8 and L1 Engine Performance Certification Examination series.
ATEC 140 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technologies
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hours lecture weekly, 4 hours lab weekly, 90 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) May enroll concurrently
- Advisory
- ATEC 131 (Automotive Electrical Systems)
An overview of alternative fuel vehicles including gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, propane; alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, and butanol; vegetable and waste-derived oils; electric and gas-electric hybrid vehicle fundamentals. Topics will include safety issues associated with high voltage batteries and motor-generators, maintenance and repair of high voltage systems, drivability, inverter power transfer, and battery technologies. The course is designed in conjunction with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and prepares the student for the ASE Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle L3 certification exam.
ATEC 141 Smog Check Level I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 4 hours lab weekly, 108 contact hours total
Provides students with fundamental knowledge of engine and emission control theory, design and operation. Students who successfully complete this training will have met the first step of the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s training requirements for inexperienced or minimally experienced candidates for the Smog Check Inspector license. The training is a minimum of 68 hours and must be completed at a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) certified school. To pass Level 1 training, a student must successfully complete a series of hands-on assessments and pass a written examination.
ATEC 142 Smog Check Level II
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture weekly, 4 hours lab weekly, 99 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 141 (Smog Check Level I) Prerequisite ATEC141 Smog Check Level 1 Training is required for Inspector candidates with little or no experience. Smog Check Level 1 training provides students with the knowledge of engine and emission control systems necessary to conduct accurate smog inspections. Successful completion includes the ability to demonstrate minimum levels of competency related to engine and emission control systems. or Experienced candidates may skip the prerequisite ATEC141 Smog Check Level 1 training if they meet any of the following requirements: Possess current ASE A6, A8, and L1 certifications Possess an earned AA/AS degree in automotive technology AND 1 year documentable work experience in the engine performance area Possess a Certificate in automotive technology with a minimum of 720 hours of course work that includes a minimum of 280 hours in the engine performance area AND 1 year experience in the engine performance area Posses 2 years experience in the engine performance area AND completion of BAR Specified Diagnostic and Repair Training within the past 5 years Posses 2 years of comparable military experience/training in the engine performance area For more information see the CalARC web page @ SMOG-CHECK-INSPECTOR
This training provides students the procedural knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform Smog Check inspections. Students will be introduced to the maintenance and operation of the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) Smog Check Inspection equipment. The Smog Check Level II Training must be completed by all Smog Check Inspector Licensing candidates.
ATEC 144 Introduction to Light Duty Diesel
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hours lecture weekly, 4 hours lab weekly, 90 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ATEC 070 (Automotive Fundamentals) May enroll concurrently
The basic design and operational parameters for light-duty diesel (LDD) engines used in passenger vehicle applications. Topics include familiarization with the light-duty diesel, safety procedures, engine service and maintenance procedures, and introduction to combustion and emission chemistry. ASE A-9 certification learning objectives are addressed in this course.
ATEC 150 Automotive Data Acquisition
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture weekly, 36 contact hours total
Provides an understanding of OASIS (Online Automotive Service Information Systems) and the skills needed to adequately retrieve and apply automotive data, service procedures, and technical service bulletins. Includes the preparation of computer based repair orders and calculating repair estimates using web based service information providers.
ATEC 151 Automotive Parts and Service
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture weekly, 54 contact hours total
An introduction to the skills and knowledge utilized in the field of automotive parts and service consulting. This course offers preparation for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) C-1 and P-1 exam and certification. Topics include flow chart/diagnostic chart interpretation, parts removal/replacement, small group communication, and small business operations related to the automotive industry.