Definition: An entry-level automotive technician performs
diagnosis and repair to gasoline powered cars and light trucks with limited
supervision. The last two bands of
duties, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle and Engine Performance represent
important duties and tasks of automotive technicians, but may not be required
for entry-level technicians.
A.
PRACTICE SAFETY
A.1 Follow company procedures and policies
A.2 Wear personal protective equipment as required
A.3 Use tools and equipment according to manufacturer's
specifications
A.4 Handle hazardous materials according to guidelines
A.5 Maintain clean shop environment
A.6 Use fire extinguisher properly
A.7 Report safety violations
A.8 Lift vehicle using proper techniques; i.e., manufacturer’s
specifications
B.
APPLY
COMMUNICATION/PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
B.1 Practice active listening
B.2 Ask appropriate questions
B.3 Work as a team member
B.4 Demonstrate customer-service focus; i.e., customer's interests
first
B.5 Write legibly and accurately
B.6 Read and follow work orders
B.7 Fill out work order information completely
B.8 Demonstrate telephone etiquette
B.9 Demonstrate computer skills
B.10 Read and interpret service manuals in print and computer formats
B.11 Check mail; e.g., voice, email
B.12 Attend training sessions
B.13 Read professional publications; e.g., service manuals, trade
journals
C.
FOLLOW
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
C.1 Verify/duplicate complaint
C.2 Perform diagnostic circuit check
C.3 Keep accurate records
C.4 Determine the problem
C.5 Estimate repair cost and parts availability
C.6 Obtain authorization
C.7 Perform repair
C.8 Retest
D.
CONDUCT
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
D.1 Change oil and lubricate parts
D.2 Replace filters
D.3 Rotate and balance tires
D.4 Perform 4-wheel alignments
D.5 Replace spark plugs
D.6 Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
D.7 Flush transmission system
D.8 Replace belts and hoses
D.9 Conduct visual inspection of vehicle; e.g., wiper blades and
head, tail, and brake lights
D.10 Conduct brake inspection
D.11 Check for leaks; i.e., transmission, engine, brake, cooling
system
D.12 Service crank case ventilation
D.13 Flush cooling system
D.14 Change manual transmission and rear-axle fluids (per OEM specs)
E.
BRAKES
E.1 Perform preventive maintenance
E.2 Check basic brake system type
E.3 Road test and verify complaint; i.e., noise, vibration,
harshness
E.4 Diagnose, replace master cylinder
E.5 Diagnose, replace power brake booster
E.6 Diagnose, replace, repair lines and hoses
E.7 Replace wheel cylinder
E.8 Replace brake calipers
E.9 Replace brake pads and shoes
E.10 Measure and resurface drums and rotors according to OEM specs
E.11 Adjust park brake cable
F.
STEERING AND
SUSPENSION
F.1 Perform preventive maintenance
F.2 Perform
4-wheel alignment
F.3 Diagnose
and repair problems related to springs, struts, shocks, control arms, and
linkages
F.4 Check
for faults in the steering column and connections
F.5 Adjust
steering gear
F.6 Inspect,
replace rack and pinion and conventional steering
F.7 Evaluate
tire wear patterns
F.8 Disable
air bag prior to operation
F.9 Repair
CV joints and wheel bearings
F.10 Mount
and balance tires
G.
ELECTRICAL
SYSTEMS
G.1 Demonstrate knowledge of electronics; e.g., Ohm's Law
G.2 Perform basic diagnosis of electrical system
G.3 Read and properly use multimeters
G.4 Diagnose
and repair problems related to charging and starting systems
G.5 Read
and understand electrical schematics components and systems
G.6 Remove
and replace electrical components
G.7 Perform
wiring repair according to OEM specifications
H.
ENGINE REPAIR
H.1 Perform preventive maintenance
H.2 Identify engine noise
H.3 Replace engine components; e.g., water pumps, seals and
gaskets, timing belts
H.4 Determine origin of fluid leaks; e.g., oil and coolant
H.5 Diagnose
and repair all internally lubricated parts or components; e.g., rod and main
bearings, oil pump, cam and lifters
H.6 Diagnose
and repair cooling system
H.7 Tear
down, inspect and reassemble engine
H.8 Remove
and replace engine
H.9 Change
engine and transmission mounts
I.
HEATING AND AIR
CONDITIONING
I.1 Perform preventive maintenance
I.2 Identify basic operation of heating and air conditioning
systems
I.3 Identify types and operations of heating and air
conditioning systems
I.4 Recover and recycle refrigerant
I.5 Diagnose
and repair cooling fan operation
I.6 Understand
and repair control panel; e.g., vacuum selector, actuated doors, cable controls
I.7 Diagnose
and repair blower motor circuit
I.8 Diagnose
and repair heating and air conditioning systems
J.
MANUAL DRIVE
TRAIN
J.1 Determine causes of drive line noises and vibrations
J.2 Diagnose
and repair manual transmission
J.3 Diagnose,
remove, and replace clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and flywheel
J.4 Diagnose,
remove, and replace drive shaft and “U” joint
J.5 Road
test, inspect, install, and set up gears and bearings of rear axle
J.6 Diagnose,
inspect, and replace axles and axle bearing oil seals
J.7 Recognize
differences between hydraulic clutch and mechanical clutch
K. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE
K.1 Perform preventive maintenance
K.2 Determine type of problem; i.e., drivability or transmission
K.3 Identify basic transmission operation
K.4 Determine type of transmission problem; i.e., hydraulic or
electronic/hydraulic
K.5 Read powerflow chart
K.6 Read
hydraulic flow chart and perform line pressure test
K.7 Adjust/replace
external components
K.8 Remove
and repair automatic transmission
K.9 Replace
flywheel
L. ENGINE PERFORMANCE
L.1 Perform preventive maintenance
L.2 Recognize
and diagnose primary and secondary circuitry of various types of ignition
systems
L.3 Determine
types of fuel injection
L.4 Perform
fuel pressure test
L.5 Diagnose
and replace fuel system components; e.g., fuel pumps, fuel regulators, fuel
injectors
L.6 Determine
types of components of the computer system; e.g., TPS, MAP
L.7 Diagnose,
repair, or replace components of emissions system; e.g., AIR system, OBDII
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DESIRABLE
WORKER TRAITS/BEHAVIORS |
BASIC
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
|
|
Accepts feedback Common Sense Endurance (mental and physical) Good communication Good listener Loyalty to company Manual dexterity |
Patience Positive Pride in work Problem solving Punctual Self-motivated Willingness to learn |
Ability to research Internet, manuals, and
service bulletins Air braking systems Basic math and measurement Basic electrical knowledge Basic engine Basic supplemental and primary restraints Computer skills Metric conversion |
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TOOLS |
ACRONYMS |
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Alignment machine Basic hand tools Bearing removers and installers Brake lathe Charging systems tester Coil spring compressor Combustion gas detector Compression tester |
Dial calipers Dial indicators Micrometer Multimeter Personal computer Pressure tester Race installers Recovery machines (R12 & R134A) |
Scan tools Test light Timing light Tire machine Torque wrenches Transmission dyno Vacuum gauge Wheel balancer |
ABS AIR EMI LOF MAP OBDII OEM TPS TV |
Antilock Brake System Air Injection Reactor Electrical Magnetic Interference Lubricate Oil and Filter Manifold Absolute Pressure On Board Diagnostic Second Generation Original Equipment Manufacturer Throttle Position Sensor Throttle Valve |
PANEL PARTICIPANTS
Industry:
Mr. Harry Abercrombie,
Mechanic, Abe’s Garage,
Mr. Charles Carroll, Shop
Foreman, Honda Cars of
Mr. Jim Dickerson, Vice
President, Dickerson Ford, Dickerson Motor Co., Inc.,
Mr. Timothy E. Gilgallon,
Service Tech II, City of
Mr. Derek Robinson, Sub Shop
Foreman (Mechanic), Pep Boys of
Mr. John Weaver, Team
Leader, Burns Chevrolet Cadillac,
Facilitator:
Mrs.
Lori Ochsner, Instructional Developer
Co-Recorders:
Mrs.
Sylvia L. Maupin, CPS, Administrative Specialist, Instructional Development
Mrs.
Teresa Smith, Administrative Specialist, Health and Human Services
Program
Manager:
Mr.
Jamey Abercrombie, Automotive Department
Date/Location:
Adapted from DACUM competency
profile t developed at