Automotive Service Technology

pcc.edu/programs/auto-service/

Career and Program Description

The automotive service technician maintains, diagnoses and repairs mechanical, hydraulic, fuel and electrical systems on modern automobiles and light-duty trucks. Automotive Service Technology graduates find jobs in independent repair shops, dealerships and fleet maintenance facilities. Some start their own businesses.

The PCC Automotive Service Technology Department provides flexible, career-oriented automotive repair education and training in an authentic and diverse environment. As a PCC Automotive student, you may prepare for any segment of the repair industry, including dealerships, fleets and independent repair shops. Partnerships between PCC and automotive repair businesses will allow you to learn in the classroom and on the job.

Students may select a certificate or degree program that meets their needs. The program consists of instructional modules of seventeen days, each module being an intensive course in a specialized area. At the completion of each module, students are assessed according to their success in meeting course outcomes. The automotive modules consist of lecture and hands-on laboratory work. Students will have additional costs for tools and equipment.

PCC Automotive provides comprehensive training to technicians already working in the field. See the Automotive Department chairperson to develop a personalized training plan.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Automotive Service Technology

Two-Year Certificate

Automotive Service Technology

Academic Prerequisites

Academic Requirements

  • Students must complete each AM course with a "C" or "P" or higher in order to earn the degree or certificate.

Non-Academic Prerequisites

  • The Automotive Service Technology program accepts new students three times a year. New students must contact the PCC automotive department for advising and registration.

Non-Academic Requirements

  • None

Automotive Service Technology AAS Degree

Minimum 93 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.

Course of Study

The coursework listed below is required. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown. 

Plan of Study Grid
First TermCredits
AM 100 Intro to Automotive Systems 4
AM 161 Electrical Systems I 4
AM 162 Electrical Systems II 4
CG 209 Job Finding Skills 1
General Education: 1 course
Second Term
AM 151 Brakes 4
AM 141 Suspension and Steering 4
AM 142 Advanced Suspension, Steering and Brakes 4
General Education: 1 course
Third Term
AM 111 Engine Repair 4
AM 163 Advanced Electrical/Electronic Systems 4
AM 171 Heating & Air Conditioning Systems 4
General Education: 1 course
Fourth Term
AM 181 Engine Performance I 4
AM 182 Engine Performance II 4
AM 183 Engine Performance III 4
Automotive Service Technology Elective 4
General Education: 1 course
Fifth Term
AM 121 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 4
AM 131 Manual Drive Train and Axles 4
AM 132 Advanced Automatic and Manual Drive Train 4
Sixth Term
AM 201 Auto Shop Lab I 4
AM 202 Auto Shop Lab II 4
AM 203 Auto Shop Lab III 4
WR 121 Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) 1, Z 4
 Total Credits93
1

Or any writing course for which WR 121 is a prerequisite.

Z

This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. WR 121 and WR 121Z are equivalent.

Automotive Service Electives

AM 190Subaru-U Specialized Technical Training4
AM 191Automotive Light Duty Diesel Service and Repair4
AM 192Vehicle Electrification Technologies4
AM 280ACooperative Education: Automotive Service4
BA 101Introduction to Business4
BA 206Management Fundamentals3
BA 211Principles of Financial Accounting4
BA 213Managerial Accounting4
BA 223Principles of Marketing4
BA 226Business Law I4
CAS 1334
CG 101College Survival and Success: Personal Responsibility1
CG 111AStudy Skills for College Learning3
CG 140ACareer and Life Planning3
COMM 111Public Speaking (COMM111=COMM111Z) Z4
COMM 130Business & Professional Communication4
EC 201Principles of Economics: Microeconomics4
EC 202Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics4
MSD 101Principles of Management and Supervision3
MSD 105Workplace Communication Skills3
MSD 110Gender Conflict Resolution1
MSD 115Improving Work Relations3
MSD 117Customer Relations3
MSD 119AIntercultural Communication1
MSD 123Job Search Strategies1
MSD 128Crisis Intervention: Handling the Difficult Person1
MSD 130Creative Problem Solving3
MTH 111Precalculus I: Functions (MTH111=MTH111Z) Z4
WLD 136ABeginning Wire Welding3
WLD 156ABeginning Oxy-Acetylene Welding Practice3
WR 122Composition II (WR122=WR122Z) Z4
WR 227Technical Writing (WR227=WR227Z) Z4
Z

This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
COMM 111 and COMM 111Z
MTH 111 and MTH 111Z
WR 122 and WR 122Z
WR 227 and WR 227Z

 

Automotive Service Technology Two-Year Certificate

Minimum 77 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements.

Course of Study

The coursework listed below is required. The following is an example of a term-by-term breakdown.

Plan of Study Grid
First TermCredits
AM 100 Intro to Automotive Systems § 4
AM 161 Electrical Systems I § 4
AM 162 Electrical Systems II 4
CG 209 Job Finding Skills 1
Second Term
AM 151 Brakes 4
AM 141 Suspension and Steering 4
AM 142 Advanced Suspension, Steering and Brakes § 4
Third Term
AM 111 Engine Repair 4
AM 163 Advanced Electrical/Electronic Systems 4
AM 171 Heating & Air Conditioning Systems § 4
Fourth Term
AM 181 Engine Performance I 4
AM 182 Engine Performance II 4
AM 183 Engine Performance III § 4
Automotive Service Technology Elective 4
Fifth Term
AM 131 Manual Drive Train and Axles 4
AM 121 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 4
AM 132 Advanced Automatic and Manual Drive Train § 4
Sixth Term
AM 201 Auto Shop Lab I 4
AM 202 Auto Shop Lab II 4
AM 203 Auto Shop Lab III § 4
 Total Credits77
§

Course contains Related Instruction and cannot be substituted with another course; Related Instruction details can be viewed here.

Automotive Service Electives

AM 190Subaru-U Specialized Technical Training4
AM 191Automotive Light Duty Diesel Service and Repair4
AM 192Vehicle Electrification Technologies4
AM 280ACooperative Education: Automotive Service4
BA 101Introduction to Business4
BA 206Management Fundamentals3
BA 211Principles of Financial Accounting4
BA 213Managerial Accounting4
BA 223Principles of Marketing4
BA 226Business Law I4
CAS 1334
CG 101College Survival and Success: Personal Responsibility1
CG 111AStudy Skills for College Learning3
CG 140ACareer and Life Planning3
COMM 111Public Speaking (COMM111=COMM111Z) Z4
COMM 130Business & Professional Communication4
EC 201Principles of Economics: Microeconomics4
EC 202Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics4
MSD 101Principles of Management and Supervision3
MSD 105Workplace Communication Skills3
MSD 110Gender Conflict Resolution1
MSD 115Improving Work Relations3
MSD 117Customer Relations3
MSD 119AIntercultural Communication1
MSD 123Job Search Strategies1
MSD 128Crisis Intervention: Handling the Difficult Person1
MSD 130Creative Problem Solving3
MTH 111Precalculus I: Functions (MTH111=MTH111Z) Z4
WLD 136ABeginning Wire Welding3
WLD 156ABeginning Oxy-Acetylene Welding Practice3
WR 122Composition II (WR122=WR122Z) Z4
WR 227Technical Writing (WR227=WR227Z) Z4
Z

This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
COMM 111 and COMM 111Z
MTH 111 and MTH 111Z
WR 122 and WR 122Z
WR 227 and WR 227Z

 

AM 100. Intro to Automotive Systems. 4 Credits.

Introduces automotive tools, fasteners, precision measurement, service information systems/manuals and shop procedures. Includes basic automotive service, inspection, and measuring procedures and the practical application of mathematics for the automotive trade. Corequisites: AM 161, AM 162. Audit available.

AM 111. Engine Repair. 4 Credits.

Introduces the theories, operations, and components used in the 4-stroke internal combustion engine. Includes disassembly and reassembly of school-owned engines to gain experience in hand tool use, proper engine repair, and evaluation procedures. Audit available.

AM 121. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle. 4 Credits.

Introduces automatic transmissions/transaxles, the study of power flow, and diagnosis of automatic transmission mechanical and hydraulic systems. Includes proper rebuild procedures, component identification and dynamometer testing of a student-built automatic transmission. Audit available.

AM 131. Manual Drive Train and Axles. 4 Credits.

Introduces manual transmissions/transaxles, the study of power flow and diagnosis of manual transmission systems. Includes proper repair procedures, component identification and service procedures performed on school-owned vehicles and components. Audit available.

AM 132. Advanced Automatic and Manual Drive Train. 4 Credits.

Introduces work on approved customer vehicles, including diagnosing and servicing automatic and manual drive train customer concerns. Provides a realistic experience and develops an understanding of procedures, which take place daily in an automotive repair facility. This is the capstone course building on the skills, knowledge and abilities learned through successful completion of AM 121 and AM 131. Audit available.

AM 141. Suspension and Steering. 4 Credits.

Introduces basic principles of suspension, steering and wheel alignment including tire construction, types and sizing for passenger cars and light duty trucks. Includes disassembling and reassembling suspension and steering system components. Introduces computerized 4-wheel-alignment, tire balancing and tire-changing equipment. Audit available.

AM 142. Advanced Suspension, Steering and Brakes. 4 Credits.

Covers diagnosis and repair of suspension, steering and brake systems in a laboratory/shop setting. Includes how to perform complete suspension, steering, and brake system inspections and determine what repairs are needed and how to order parts and complete repairs under close instructor supervision. Vehicles serviced are drawn from a pool of customer or school-owned vehicles. This is the capstone course building on the skills, knowledge and abilities learned through successful completion of AM 151 and AM 141. Audit available.

AM 151. Brakes. 4 Credits.

Introduces principles of automotive braking systems. Includes disassembling and reassembling brake system components using school-owned equipment. Includes proper measuring and machining of brake drums and discs. Audit available.

AM 161. Electrical Systems I. 4 Credits.

Introduces electrical theories, circuit construction, operations and testing, schematic symbols, battery and starter theories, diagnosis, and repairs. Covers proper repair procedures, component identification, and service procedures performed on school-owned vehicles and components. Corequisites: AM 100, AM 162. Audit available.

AM 162. Electrical Systems II. 4 Credits.

Covers reading schematics, starting and charging system theories, operations, diagnosis and repair. Includes proper repair procedures, electrical circuit diagnosis, component identification, and service procedures performed on school-owned vehicles and components. Corequisites: AM 100, AM 161. Audit available.

AM 163. Advanced Electrical/Electronic Systems. 4 Credits.

Introduces customer work on approved automobiles including diagnosis of electrical problems, reading of schematics, use of test equipment, satisfactory completion of wire connections, testing, repair, and/or replacement of electrical units. This is the capstone course building on the skills, knowledge and abilities learned through successful completion of AM 161 and AM 162. Audit available.

AM 171. Heating & Air Conditioning Systems. 4 Credits.

Introduces theories and operations of automotive heating and air conditioning. Includes service, testing and repair of air conditioning, ventilation, and heater and engine cooling systems. Covers federal laws related to mobile air conditioning refrigerants. Audit available.

AM 181. Engine Performance I. 4 Credits.

Introduces the use of automotive scan tools, lab scopes, and electronic test equipment. Covers the operation and testing of electronic ignition systems. Introduces basic fuel delivery and emissions control system concepts and related components. This is the first course in a three-course sequence. Audit available.

AM 182. Engine Performance II. 4 Credits.

Reinforces the use of automotive scan tools, lab scopes, and electronic test equipment. Reviews the operation and testing of electronic ignition systems. Introduces intermediate fuel delivery and emissions control system concepts and testing. This is the second course in a three-course sequence. Audit available.

AM 183. Engine Performance III. 4 Credits.

Covers advanced use of automotive scan tools, lab scopes, and electronic test equipment. Emphasizes advanced engine performance theory and practice through diagnosis and repair of electronic ignitions, fuel delivery and emission control systems in a shop environment. This is the third course in a three-course sequence. Audit available.

AM 190. Subaru-U Specialized Technical Training. 4 Credits.

Provides instruction and reinforcement of Subaru-specific vehicle systems, theory, and operation. Introduces Subaru-specific operational structures, tooling, and service information relevant to the diagnosis and repair of Subaru vehicles. Requirement: current enrollment in Automotive Service Technology program. Prerequisites: AM 100, AM 161 and AM 162. Audit available.

AM 191. Automotive Light Duty Diesel Service and Repair. 4 Credits.

Covers the design and operation of light duty diesel engines used in automotive, on-road applications. Includes familiarization with light-duty diesel, safety procedures, engine service and maintenance procedures, fuel and emissions system theory, operation, diagnosis, and repair. Prerequisites: (AM 100, AM 161, and AM 162) or department permission.

AM 192. Vehicle Electrification Technologies. 4 Credits.

Covers the history, evolution, basic design and operational parameters for Vehicle Electrification Technologies used in current automotive designs. Includes familiarization with the normal operation and design of electrified vehicles, safety procedures, system operation, personal protective equipment (PPE) specific to electrified vehicles, battery chemistry and construction, electric machine operation/diagnosis, powertrain and auxiliary controls operation, inverter/converter operation, and additional comfort and convenience systems as they pertain to electrified vehicles. Prerequisites: (AM 100, AM 161, and AM 162) or department permission.

AM 201. Auto Shop Lab I. 4 Credits.

Emphasizes advanced engine performance theory and practice. Includes automotive service work in a live shop setting on campus. This is a capstone course and the first course in a three-course sequence. Prerequisite/concurrent: CG 209. Audit available.

AM 202. Auto Shop Lab II. 4 Credits.

Emphasizes advanced engine performance theory and practice. Includes automotive service work in a live shop setting on campus. This is a capstone course and the second course in a three-course sequence. Prerequisite/concurrent: CG 209. Audit available.

AM 203. Auto Shop Lab III. 4 Credits.

Emphasizes advanced engine performance theory and practice. Includes automotive service work in a live shop setting on campus. This is a capstone course and the third course in a three-course sequence. Prerequisite/concurrent: CG 209. Audit available.

AM 280A. Cooperative Education: Automotive Service. 1-12 Credit.

Includes automotive service work in a live shop setting performing diagnostic and repair work supervised by on site professionals and program instructor(s). Emphasizes independent learning and workplace skills with limited instruction. Requires work mastered at an automotive repair facility. May be taken three times for credit. Prerequisites: CG 209 and Department permission required.