Automotive Technician Specialist
Competency-based
ONET: 49-3023.02
3
Years
176
Skills
Curriculum
- Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
- Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace
- Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace
- Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace
- Test and repair basic electrical circuits
- Diagnose and repair ignition management system
- Test, charge and replace batteries
- Diagnose and repair charging system
- Diagnose and repair starting system
- Diagnose and repair steering system
- Diagnose and repair hydraulic breaking system
- Diagnose and repair vehicle suspension system
- Diagnose and repair light vehicle engine system
- Diagnose and repair emission control system
- Carry out servicing operations
- Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies
- Inspect and service breaking and fuel systems
- Diagnose and repair Cooling systems
- Electric and hybrid automotive systems
- Diagnose and repair tires, wheels and suspension (including alignment) systems
- Manufacturer specific training
On-the-job training
- Maintain safety, health and professionalism at work
- Identify and follow workplace safety procedures - Identify shop hazards and explain the necessary steps to avoid personal injury or property damage
- Identify and follow workplace safety procedures - Identify and follow workplace emergency procedures regarding illness and accidents, safety warnings and emergency evacuations
- Identify and follow workplace safety procedures - Identify and follow workplace manual handling procedures
- Use and maintenance of tools and equipment - Display understanding of key functions, limitations and operating procedures of hand tools, power tools, air tools, vehicle lifting equipment and supporting equipment.
- Use and maintenance of tools and equipment - Select and use tools and equipment to meet task requirements
- Use and maintenance of tools and equipment - Use tools, equipment and personal protecting equipment according to manufacturer procedure and safety requirements
- Use and maintenance of tools and equipment - Service, adjust and maintain tools and equipment according to workplace and manufacturer schedules and procedures to ensure safe and accurate operation
- Use and maintenance of tools and equipment - Check tools and equipment for serviceability, clean and store according to workplace procedure
- Use and maintenance of tools and equipment - Follow basic maintenance and storage procedure for tools and equipment
- Engine Repair
- General - Research vehicle service information, including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
- General - Verify operation of the instrument panel engine warning indicators.
- General - Inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks; determine necessary action.
- General - Install engine covers using gaskets, seals, and sealers as required.
- General - Verify engine mechanical timing.
- General - Perform common fastener and thread repair, to include: remove broken bolt, restore internal and external threads, and repair internal threads with thread insert.
- Cylinder Head and Valve Train - Adjust valves (mechanical or hydraulic lifters).
- Lubrication and Cooling Systems - Perform cooling system pressure and dye tests to identify leaks; check coolant condition and level; inspect and test radiator, pressure cap, coolant recovery tank, heater core, and galley plugs; determine necessary action
- Lubrication and Cooling Systems - Inspect, replace, and/or adjust drive belts, tensioners, and pulleys; check pulley and belt alignment.
- Lubrication and Cooling Systems - Remove, inspect, and replace thermostat and gasket/seal.
- Lubrication and Cooling Systems - Inspect and test coolant; drain and recover coolant; flush and refill cooling system; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification; bleed air as required.
- Lubrication and Cooling Systems - Perform engine oil and filter change; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification; reset maintenance reminder as required.
- Lubrication and Cooling Systems - Identify components of the lubrication and cooling systems.
- Automatic Transmission and Transaxle
- General - Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
- General - Check fluid level in a transmission or a transaxle equipped with a dip- stick.
- General - Check fluid level in a transmission or a transaxle not equipped with a dip-stick.
- General - Check transmission fluid condition; check for leaks.
- General - Identify drive train components and configuration.
- In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle - Inspect, adjust, and/or replace external manual valve shift linkage, transmission range sensor/switch, and/or park/neutral position switch.
- In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle - Inspect for leakage at external seals, gaskets, and bushings.
- In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle - Inspect, replace and/or align power train mounts.
- In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle - Drain and replace fluid and filter(s); use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
- Off-Vehicle Transmission and Transaxle - Describe the operational characteristics of a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Off-Vehicle Transmission and Transaxle - Describe the operational characteristics of a hybrid vehicle drive train.
- Manual Drive Train and Axels
- General - Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
- General - Drain and refill manual transmission/transaxle and final drive unit; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
- General - Check fluid condition; check for leaks.
- General - Identify manual drive train and axle components and configuration.
- Clutch - Check and adjust clutch master cylinder fluid level; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification
- Clutch - Check for hydraulic system leaks.
- Drive Shaft, Half Shafts, Universal Joints and Constant-Velocity (CV) Joints (Front, Rear, All, and Four-wheel drive) - Inspect, remove, and/or replace bearings, hubs, and seals.
- Drive Shaft, Half Shafts, Universal Joints and Constant-Velocity (CV) Joints (Front, Rear, All, and Four-wheel drive) - Inspect, service, and/or replace shafts, yokes, boots, and universal/CV joints.
- Drive Shaft, Half Shafts, Universal Joints and Constant-Velocity (CV) Joints (Front, Rear, All, and Four-wheel drive) - Check for leaks at drive assembly and transfer case seals; check vents; check fluid level; use proper fluid type per manufacturer speci
- Differential Case Assembly - Clean and inspect differential case; check for leaks; inspect housing vent.
- Differential Case Assembly - Check and adjust differential case fluid level; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
- Differential Case Assembly - Drain and refill differential housing.
- Differential Case Assembly - Inspect and replace drive axle wheel studs.
- Suspension and Steering Systems
- General - Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
- General - Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS); verify indicator lamp operation.
- General - Identify suspension and steering system components and configurations.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect power steering fluid level and condition.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect for power steering fluid leakage.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Remove, inspect, replace, and/or adjust power steering pump drive belt.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm, mountings, and steering linkage damper.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect upper and lower control arms, bushings, and shafts.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect upper and lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators).
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect suspension system coil springs and spring insulators (silencers).
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect suspension system torsion bars and mounts.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect and/or replace front/rear stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect, remove, and/or replace strut cartridge or assembly; inspect mounts and bushings.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect front strut bearing and mount.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect rear suspension system lateral links/arms (track bars), control (trailing) arms.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect rear suspension system leaf spring(s), spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts, and mounts.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect, remove, and/or replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Inspect electric power steering assist system.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Identify hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits and safety precautions.
- Related Suspension and Steering Service - Describe the function of steering and suspension control systems and components, (i.e., active suspension, and stability control).
- Wheel Alignment - Perform pre-alignment inspection; measure vehicle ride height.
- Wheel Alignment - Describe alignment angles (camber, caster and toe)
- Wheels and Tires - Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.
- Wheels and Tires - Rotate tires according to manufacturers' recommendations including vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).
- Wheels and Tires - Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel; balance wheel and tire assembly.
- Wheels and Tires - Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel equipped with tire pressure monitoring system sensor.
- Wheels and Tires - Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; determine necessary action.
- Wheels and Tires - Repair tire following vehicle manufacturer approved procedure.
- Wheels and Tires - Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.
- Wheels and Tires - Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), including relearn procedure.
- Brakes
- General - Research vehicle service information including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
- General - Describe procedure for performing a road test to check brake system operation, including an anti-lock brake system (ABS).
- General - Install wheel and torque lug nuts.
- General - Identify brake system components and configuration.
- Hydraulic System - Describe proper brake pedal height, travel, and feel.
- Hydraulic System - Check master cylinder for external leaks and proper operation.
- Hydraulic System - Inspect brake lines, flexible hoses, and fittings for leaks, dents, kinks, rust, cracks, bulging, wear, and loose fittings/supports.
- Hydraulic System - Select, handle, store, and fill brake fluids to proper level; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
- Hydraulic System - Identify components of hydraulic brake warning light system.
- Hydraulic System - Bleed and/or flush brake system.
- Hydraulic System - Test brake fluid for contamination.
- Drum Brakes - Remove, clean, and inspect brake drum; measure brake drum diameter; determine serviceability.
- Drum Brakes - Refinish brake drum and measure final drum diameter; compare with specification.
- Drum Brakes - Remove, clean, inspect, and/or replace brake shoes, springs, pins, clips, levers, adjusters/self-adjusters, other related brake hardware, and backing support plates; lubricate and reassemble.
- Drum Brakes - Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks and proper operation; remove and replace as needed.
- Drum Brakes - Pre-adjust brake shoes and parking brake; install brake drums or drum/hub assemblies and wheel bearings; make final checks and adjustments.
- Disc Brakes - Remove and clean caliper assembly; inspect for leaks and damage/wear; determine necessary action.
- Disc Brakes - Inspect caliper mounting and slides/pins for proper operation, wear, and damage; determine necessary action.
- Disc Brakes - Remove, inspect, and/or replace brake pads and retaining hardware; determine necessary action.
- Disc Brakes - Lubricate and reinstall caliper, brake pads, and related hardware; seat brake pads and inspect for leaks.
- Disc Brakes - Clean and inspect rotor and mounting surface, measure rotor thickness, thickness variation, and lateral runout; determine necessary action.
- Disc Brakes - Remove and reinstall/replace rotor.
- Disc Brakes - Refinish rotor on vehicle; measure final rotor thickness and compare with specification.
- Disc Brakes - Refinish rotor off vehicle; measure final rotor thickness and compare with specification.
- Disc Brakes - Retract and re-adjust caliper piston on an integral parking brake system.
- Disc Brakes - Check brake pad wear indicator; determine necessary action.
- Disc Brakes - Describe importance of operating vehicle to burnish/break-in replacement brake pads according to manufacturers' recommendation.
- Power Assist Units - Check brake pedal travel with, and without, engine running to verify proper power booster operation.
- Power Assist Units - Identify components of the brake power assist system (vacuum and hydraulic); check vacuum supply (manifold or auxiliary pump) to vacuum-type power booster.
- Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) - Remove, clean, inspect, repack, and install wheel bearings; replace seals; install hub and adjust bearings.
- Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) - Check parking brake system components for wear, binding, and corrosion; clean, lubricate, adjust and/or replace as needed.
- Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) - Check parking brake operation and parking brake indicator light system operation; determine necessary action.
- Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) - Check operation of brake stop light system.
- Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) - Replace wheel bearing and race.
- Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) - Inspect and replace wheel studs.
- Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) - Identify traction control/vehicle stability control system components.
- Related Systems (i.e., Wheel Bearings, Parking Brakes, Electrical) - Describe the operation of a regenerative braking system.
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- General - Research vehicle service information including vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
- General - Demonstrate knowledge of electrical/electronic series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits using principles of electricity (Ohm's Law).
- General - Use wiring diagrams to trace electrical/electronic circuits.
- General - Demonstrate proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM) when measuring source voltage, voltage drop (including grounds), current flow, and resistance.
- General - Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and effects from shorts, grounds, opens, and resistance problems in electrical/electronic circuits.
- General - Use a test light to check operation of electrical circuits.
- General - Use fused jumper wires to check operation of electrical circuits.
- General - Measure key-off battery drain (parasitic draw).
- General - Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses; determine necessary action.
- General - Repair and/or replace connectors, terminal ends, and wiring of electrical/electronic systems (including solder repair)
- General - Identify electrical/electronic system components and configuration.
- Battery Service - Perform battery state-of-charge test; determine necessary action.
- Battery Service - Confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application; perform battery capacity and load test; determine necessary action.
- Battery Service - Maintain or restore electronic memory functions.
- Battery Service - Inspect and clean battery; fill battery cells; check battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs.
- Battery Service - Perform slow/fast battery charge according to manufacturers' recommendations.
- Battery Service - Jump-start vehicle using jumper cables and a booster battery or an auxiliary power supply.
- Battery Service - Identify safety precautions for high voltage systems on electric, hybrid-electric, and diesel vehicles.
- Battery Service - Identify electrical/electronic modules, security systems, radios, and other accessories that require reinitialization or code entry after reconnecting vehicle battery.
- Battery Service - Identify hybrid vehicle auxiliary (12v) battery service, repair, and test procedures.
- Starting System - Perform starter current draw test; determine necessary action.
- Starting System - Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine necessary action.
- Starting System - Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids; determine necessary action.
- Starting System - Remove and install starter in a vehicle.
- Starting System - Inspect and test switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits; determine necessary action.
- Charging System - Perform charging system output test; determine necessary action.
- Charging System - Inspect, adjust, and/or replace generator (alternator) drive belts; check pulleys and tensioners for wear; check pulley and belt alignment.
- Charging System - Remove, inspect, and/or replace generator (alternator).
- Charging System - Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests; determine necessary action.
- Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Driver Information, and Body Electrical Systems - Inspect interior and exterior lamps and sockets including headlights and auxiliary lights (fog lights/driving lights); replace as needed.
- Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Driver Information, and Body Electrical Systems - Aim headlights.
- Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Driver Information, and Body Electrical Systems - Identify system voltage and safety precautions associated with high- intensity discharge headlights.
- Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Driver Information, and Body Electrical Systems - Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS); verify indicator lamp operation.
- Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Driver Information, and Body Electrical Systems - Describe the operation of keyless entry/remote-start systems.
- Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Driver Information, and Body Electrical Systems - Verify operation of instrument panel gauges and warning/indicator lights; reset maintenance indicators.
- Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Driver Information, and Body Electrical Systems - Verify windshield wiper and washer operation; replace wiper blades.
- Heating, Ventilation, And Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- General - Research vehicle service information, including refrigerant/oil type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
- General - Identify heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components and configuration.
- Refrigeration System Components - Inspect and replace A/C compressor drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners; visually inspect A/C components for signs of leaks; determine necessary action.
- Refrigeration System Components - Identify hybrid vehicle A/C system electrical circuits and the service/safety precautions.
- Refrigeration System Components - Inspect A/C condenser for airflow restrictions; determine necessary action.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Engine Cooling Systems - Inspect engine cooling and heater systems hoses and pipes; determine necessary action.
- Operating Systems and Related Controls - Inspect A/C-heater ducts, doors, hoses, cabin filters, and outlets; determine necessary action.
- Operating Systems and Related Controls - Identify the source of A/C system odors.
- Engine Performance
- General - Research vehicle service information, including fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
- General - Perform engine absolute manifold pressure tests (vacuum/boost); document results.
- General - Perform cylinder cranking and running compression tests; document results.
- General - Perform cylinder leakage test; document results.
- General - Verify engine operating temperature.
- General - Remove and replace spark plugs; inspect secondary ignition components for wear and damage.
- Computerized Controls - Retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), OBD monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes when applicable.
- Computerized Controls - Describe the use of the OBD monitors for repair verification.
- Fuel, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems - Replace fuel filter(s) where applicable.
- Fuel, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems - Inspect, service, or replace air filters, filter housings, and intake duct work.
- Fuel, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems - Inspect integrity of the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, muffler(s), catalytic converter(s), resonator(s), tail pipe(s), and heat shields; determine necessary action.
- Fuel, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems - Inspect condition of exhaust system hangers, brackets, clamps, and heat shields; determine necessary action.
- Fuel, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems - Check and refill diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
- Emissions Control Systems - Inspect, test, and service positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter/breather, valve, tubes, orifices, and hoses; perform necessary action.
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