Diesel Service Technology

pcc.edu/programs/diesel

Career And Program Description

The diesel service technician repairs and maintains diesel powered trucks and equipment and their support systems.

The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in diesel service technology. Training is varied to give students a broad understanding and background in the different phases of the diesel service industry. Students have additional cost for tools and books.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Diesel Service Technology
Electric Power Generation Service Technology

Two-Year Certificate

Diesel Service Technology

Less than One-Year Certificate

Diesel Service Technology

Less than One-Year Certificate Career Pathway

Electric Power Generation Service Technology

Academic Prerequisites

Diesel Service Technology AAS:

  • Completion of RD 80 or higher or equivalent placement test score.
  • Completion of MTH 20 or higher or equivalent placement test score or successful completion of the diesel service technology math entrance exam.

Electric Power Generation Service Technology AAS:

  • Applicants must pass the placement test administered through the testing center at PCC or an equivalent testing center.
  • Required minimum program entrance level requirements: completion of  WR 121 or higher, and MTH 98, MTH 65  or any course for which MTH 65 is a prerequisite.
  • This is a limited entry program.
    • Application and acceptance process: All prospective students must apply to PCC and the department. For details on final program acceptance and other information contact 971-722-7488.

Diesel Service Technology Certificates:

  • Completion of RD 80 or higher or equivalent placement test score.
  • Completion of MTH 20 or higher or equivalent placement test score or successful completion of the Diesel Service Technology Math Entrance Exam.

Electric Power Generation Service Technology Certificate:

  • Applicants must pass the placement test administered through the testing center at PCC or an equivalent testing center.
  • Required minimum program entrance level requirements: completion of  WR 121 or higher, and MTH 98 MTH 65  or any course for which MTH 65 is a prerequisite.
  • The Electric Power Generation Service Technology certificate is a limited entry program requiring department chair approval. For more details, see the Diesel Department webpage or contact the department chair at 971-722-7488. Completing the certificate admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Academic Requirements

  • Students must complete every DS course with a grade of "C" or "P" or higher to receive credit for that course towards a DS degree or certificate.
  • Students must complete every EPG course with a grade of "C" or "P" or higher to receive credit for that course towards a EPG degree or certificate.

Non-Academic Prerequisites

  • None

Non-Academic Requirements

  • None

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Diesel Service Technology
Electric Power Generation Service Technology

Diesel Service Technology AAS Degree

Minimum 92 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. Math/computation competency is met through the math course(s) required in the program of study. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.

Diesel Service Degree Courses

CG 209Job Finding Skills1
DS 100Heavy Duty Diesel Electrical/Cummins Electronic Controls 12
DS 101Diesel Engine Rebuild and Lab Procedures12
DS 102Truck Power Train6
DS 103Fuel Injection Systems6
DS 105Fundamentals of Mobile Air Conditioning Systems3
DS 106PMI/Detroit Diesel Electronic Control4
DS 202Heavy Duty Power Train6
DS 203Fuel Injection Diag, Elect Eng Controls & Aftertreatment6
DS 205Mobile and Hydrostatic Hydraulics9
DS 206Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Brake, Suspension & Steering8
MTH 65Introductory Algebra - Second Term 1(4)
WLD 217Diesel Welding3
WR 121Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) Z4
General Education: 4 courses
Total Credits92
1

Complete MTH 65 or higher, or successful completion of MTH 65 Competency test.

Z

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

Electric Power Generation Service Technology AAS Degree

Minimum 91 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. Math/computation competency is met through the math course(s) required in the program of study.  Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.

Electric Power Generation Service Technology Degree Courses

CG 209Job Finding Skills1
EPG 101Electrical Industry Basic Tooling and Safety4
EPG 102AC/DC Theory 6
EPG 103Engine Systems4
EPG 104Generator, Alternator, and Motor Fundamentals4
EPG 105Generator Application and Installation2
EPG 106Instruments, Controls, and Protection5
EPG 107Power Generation Troubleshooting and Diagnostics5
EPG 108Generator Paralleling and Load Sharing5
MTH 65Introductory Algebra - Second Term(4)
WLD 217Diesel Welding3
WR 121Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) Z4
General Education: 4 courses
Complete all courses in Diesel Service Track One OR all courses in Dealer Service Track Two 36
Total Credits91
1

DS 100 requirement may be fulfilled by the completion of DS 104 and DS 204. 

Z

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

Diesel Service Track One

DS 100Heavy Duty Diesel Electrical/Cummins Electronic Controls 112
DS 101Diesel Engine Rebuild and Lab Procedures12
DS 103Fuel Injection Systems6
DS 203Fuel Injection Diag, Elect Eng Controls & Aftertreatment6

Dealer Service Track Two

DST 110Caterpillar Engine Fundamentals8
DST 111Introduction to Caterpillar Service Industry3
DST 112Caterpillar Hydraulic Fundamentals4
DST 113Caterpillar Engine Fuel Systems4
DST 114Fundamentals of Electrical Systems4
DST 115Air Conditioning3
DST 117Caterpillar Machine Hydraulic Systems4
DST 201Machine Electronic Systems4
DST 202Caterpillar Engine Performance3
DST 203Caterpillar Machine Diagnostic3
DST 204Machine Specific Systems6

Two-Year Certificate

Diesel Service Technology

Less than One-Year Certificate

Diesel Service Technology

Less than One-Year Certificate Career Pathway

Electric Power Generation Service Technology

Diesel Service Technology Two-Year Certificate

Minimum 92 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements.

Diesel Service Technology Certificate Courses

CG 209Job Finding Skills1
DS 100Heavy Duty Diesel Electrical/Cummins Electronic Controls 12
DS 101Diesel Engine Rebuild and Lab Procedures12
DS 102Truck Power Train6
DS 103Fuel Injection Systems6
DS 105Fundamentals of Mobile Air Conditioning Systems3
DS 106PMI/Detroit Diesel Electronic Control4
DS 202Heavy Duty Power Train6
DS 203Fuel Injection Diag, Elect Eng Controls & Aftertreatment6
DS 205Mobile and Hydrostatic Hydraulics9
DS 206Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Brake, Suspension & Steering8
MTH 105Math in Society (MTH105=MTH105Z) (or any course for which MTH 95 is a prerequisite) §,Z4
WLD 217Diesel Welding3
WR 121Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) §,Z4
or WR 122 Composition II (WR122=WR122Z)
or WR 227 Technical Writing (WR227=WR227Z)
Diesel Service Technology Human Relations Electives §8
Total Credits92
§

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

Z

This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
MTH 105 and MTH 105Z
WR 122 and WR 122Z
WR 227 and WR 227Z

Diesel Service Technology Related Instruction Human Relations Electives

Students must complete a minimum of 8 credits from this list to fulfill the human relations related instruction requirement.
CG 191Exploring Identity and Diversity for College Success4
PSY 101Psychology and Human Relations4
PSY 201AIntroduction to Psychology - Part 14
PSY 202AIntroduction to Psychology - Part 24
PSY 214Introduction to Personality4
PSY 215Human Development4
PSY 216Social Psychology4
PSY 222Family & Intimate Relationships4
PSY 231Foundations of Human Sexuality4
PSY 232Human Sexuality in Social Context4
PSY 236Psychology of Adult Development and Aging4
PSY 239Introduction to Abnormal Psychology4
PSY 240Personal Awareness and Growth4
SOC 204Introduction to Sociology4
SOC 206Social Problems4
SOC 213Diversity in the United States4
SOC 218Sociology of Gender4
SOC 232Death and Dying: Culture and Issues4
WS 101Women's Studies4

Diesel Service Technology Less than One-Year Certificate

Minimum 40 credits. Students must also meet all certificate requirements.

Diesel Service Technology Certificate Courses

CG 209Job Finding Skills1
WLD 217Diesel Welding3
Diesel Service Technology Electives36
Total Credits40

Diesel Service Technology Certificate Electives

DS 100Heavy Duty Diesel Electrical/Cummins Electronic Controls 112
DS 101Diesel Engine Rebuild and Lab Procedures12
DS 102Truck Power Train6
DS 103Fuel Injection Systems6
DS 105Fundamentals of Mobile Air Conditioning Systems6
DS 106PMI/Detroit Diesel Electronic Control4
DS 202Heavy Duty Power Train6
DS 203Fuel Injection Diag, Elect Eng Controls & Aftertreatment6
DS 205Mobile and Hydrostatic Hydraulics6
DS 206Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Brake, Suspension & Steering8
1

 DS 100 requirement may be met by the completion of DS 104 and DS 204.

Electric Power Generation Service Technology Career Pathway Certificate

Minimum 30 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements.

Electric Power Generation Service Technology Courses

EPG 101Electrical Industry Basic Tooling and Safety4
EPG 102AC/DC Theory 6
EPG 103Engine Systems4
EPG 104Generator, Alternator, and Motor Fundamentals4
EPG 105Generator Application and Installation2
EPG 106Instruments, Controls, and Protection5
EPG 107Power Generation Troubleshooting and Diagnostics5
Total Credits30

DS 100. Heavy Duty Diesel Electrical/Cummins Electronic Controls. 12 Credits.

Covers basic and advanced electrical theory, electrical components, and proper electric diagnostic procedures. Introduces basic and advanced electrical systems, the use of diagnostic tools, and maintenance. Includes Cummins electronic engine controls and multiplexing. Prerequisite: RD 90 or equivalent placement and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.

DS 101. Diesel Engine Rebuild and Lab Procedures. 12 Credits.

Examines engine theory, engine components, and proper diesel engine rebuild procedures. Introduces basic engine electrical and fuel systems, shop tool use and maintenance. Includes lift truck inspection and operator training. Prerequisites: (RD 90 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

DS 102. Truck Power Train. 6 Credits.

Explores concepts in gear transmissions, differentials and clutches involved in the application of diesel-powered vehicles. Prerequisites: (RD 80 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

DS 103. Fuel Injection Systems. 6 Credits.

Covers fuel injection systems and how they relate to diesel engine performance and operation. Explores the operations of all major fuel injection devices including diesel fuels, fuel transfer pumps, fuel nozzles, fuel injectors, filtration systems, metering systems and governing systems. Prerequisites: (RD 90 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

DS 105. Fundamentals of Mobile Air Conditioning Systems. 3 Credits.

Covers fundamentals of mobile air conditioning in theory and shop practice. Provides a solid background in applications of air conditioning in the trucking and heavy equipment industry. Covers mobile heavy duty air conditioning operation, troubleshooting and system repair. Prerequisites: (RD 90 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

DS 106. PMI/Detroit Diesel Electronic Control. 4 Credits.

Covers Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) of vehicles, Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) out of service criteria, PM scheduling, lubricants and winterizing. Covers Detroit Diesel Electronic Control (DDEC) operation and diagnostics. Prerequisites: (RD 90 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

DS 202. Heavy Duty Power Train. 6 Credits.

Introduces advanced theory and applications of automatic and power shift transmissions used in the heavy equipment industry. Prerequisites: (RD 90 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

DS 203. Fuel Injection System Diagnostics & Cat Elect Eng Controls. 6 Credits.

Covers fuel injection pumps and their applications, fuel system diagnostics and Caterpillar electronic engine controls. Explores careers in diesel service technology. Prerequisites: (RD 90 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

DS 205. Mobile and Hydrostatic Hydraulics. 9 Credits.

Covers fundamental and advanced hydraulics and hydrostatics used on heavy equipment, farm machinery, marine equipment, hydraulic cranes, backhoes and other equipment. Emphasizes troubleshooting. Prerequisite: (RD 90 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

DS 206. Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Brake, Suspension & Steering. 8 Credits.

Examines concepts in medium/heavy duty truck brake systems, suspension and steering. Covers air brake systems, hydraulic brake systems, truck foundation brakes, antilock brakes, automatic slack adjusters, wheels, tires and fifth wheels. Emphasizes safety and the use of service manuals and textbooks. Prerequisites:(RD 90 or equivalent placement) and (MTH 20 or equivalent placement). Audit available.

EPG 101. Electrical Industry Basic Tooling and Safety. 4 Credits.

Covers basic tooling used in the power generation industry. Encompasses safety hazards associated with the electrical industry.

EPG 102. AC/DC Theory. 6 Credits.

Introduces principles of electricity as they relate to direct and alternating current. Includes magnetism, voltage, current, resistance, and watts. Explores the formulas and laws related to these principles. Prerequisite/concurrent: EPG 101.

EPG 103. Engine Systems. 4 Credits.

Covers basic engine performance and systems related to prime movers in power generation. Covers ignition, starting, charging, fuel, exhaust, cooling, governing, preheating, and protective systems. Includes troubleshooting and diagnosing system-related issues. Prerequisite/concurrent: EPG 102.

EPG 104. Generator, Alternator, and Motor Fundamentals. 4 Credits.

Covers the construction, operation, and repair of generators, alternators, and motors. Covers utilization of different resources for finding service literature and specifications on prime movers and alternators. Includes alternator voltage regulator operation and adjustment. Prerequisite/concurrent: EPG 103.

EPG 105. Generator Application and Installation. 2 Credits.

Introduces installation and maintenance of a power generation system. Covers cooling, exhaust, starting, mounting, fuel storage, and ventilation. Includes load requirements, generator sizing, and power applications. Prerequisite/concurrent: EPG 104.

EPG 106. Instruments, Controls, and Protection. 5 Credits.

Covers instrumentation, control, and protection of the prime mover and generator. Encompasses the operation of circuit breakers, relays, controllers, gauges, sensors, and switch gear. Prerequisite/concurrent: EPG 105.

EPG 107. Power Generation Troubleshooting and Diagnostics. 5 Credits.

Introduces methods for systematically and efficiently troubleshooting problems on electric power generation (EPG) systems. Covers performing diagnostic testing and troubleshooting on various models of generators. Prerequisite/concurrent: EPG 106.

EPG 108. Generator Paralleling and Load Sharing. 5 Credits.

Introduces generator paralleling and load sharing. Includes the use of multiple generators in grid supply and peak shaving. Covers different switchgear systems utilized in generator control systems. Prerequisite/concurrent: EPG 107.