Automotive Electronics Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>ETCC 109C</p>

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday 1:00pm - 1:30pm

By Appointment on Fridays 

Email me or contact me on my cell by calling or texting. If you call my cell, please leave a message if there is no answer. Text is my preferred method of communication. My cell is 806-236-2623

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

AUMT-2337-001 Automotive Electronics

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: AUMT 1305 and AUMT 1307

Course Description

Study of electronic principles applied to microcomputers and communication systems. Includes digital fundamentals and use of electronic test equipment. May be taught manufacturer specific.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

CDX Fundamentals of Automotive Technology 2nd Edition

Online Access/Textbook Bundle 

ISBN:  9781284171822

Supplies

AC Logo Shirt

Face Mask

Safety Glasses or Goggles

Closed-toe Non-slip work shoes or boots

Student Performance

 
 

WECM End-of-Course Outcomes: Employ proper safety procedures; use scan tools, digital storage oscilloscopes, and other electronic test equipment; and apply electronic principles to the diagnosis of microcomputers, analysis of communication circuits, and interpretation of sensor data.

ASE TASK LIST
General: Electrical System Diagnosis

  • Research applicable vehicle and service information including vehicle service history, service precautions,and technical service bulletins. (P-1)
  •  
  • Demonstrate proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM) when measuring source voltage, voltage drop (including grounds), current flow and resistance. (P-1)
  •  
  • Diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw); determine needed action. (P-1)
  •  
  • Inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses; determine needed action. (P-1)
  •  
  • Inspect, test, repair, and/or replace components, connectors, terminals, harnesses, and wiring in electrical/electronic systems (including solder repairs); determine needed action.  (P-1)

Battery Diagnosis and Service

  • Perform battery state-of-charge test; determine needed action. (P-1)
  •  
  • Confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application; perform battery capacity and load test; determine needed action. (P-1)
  •  
  • Maintain or restore electronic memory functions. (P-1)
  •  
  • Inspect and clean battery; fill battery cells; check battery cables, connectors, clamps, and hold-downs. (P-1)
  •  
  • Perform slow/fast battery charge according to manufacturers' recommendations. (P-1)
  •  
  • Identify electrical/electronic modules, security systems, radios, and other accessories that require reinitialization or code entry after reconnecting vehicle battery. (P-1)
  •  
  • Identify safety precautions for high voltage systems on electric, hybrid-electric, and diesel vehicles. (P-2)
  •  
  • Identify hybrid vehicle auxiliary (12v) battery service, repair, and test procedures. (P-2)

Starting System Diagnosis and Repair

  • Perform starter current draw tests; determine needed action. (P-1)
  •  
  • Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action. (P-1)
  •  
  • Remove and install starter in a vehicle. (P-1)
  •  
  • Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids; determine needed action. (P-2)
  •  
  • Inspect and test switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits; determine needed action. (P-2)
  •  
  • Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or a no-crank condition. (P-2)
  •  
  • Demonstrate knowledge of automatic idle-stop/start-stop system. (P-2)

Charging System Diagnosis and Repair

  • Perform charging system output test; determine necessary action. (P-1)
  •  
  • Diagnose (troubleshoot) charging system for causes of undercharge, no-charge, or overcharge conditions. (P-1)
  •  
  • Inspect, adjust, and/or replace generator (alternator) drive belts; check pulleys and tensioners for wear; check pulley and belt alignment. (P-1)
  •  
  • Remove, inspect, and/or replace generator (alternator). (P-1)
  •  
  • Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action. (P-1)

Lighting Systems Diagnosis and Repair

  • Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of brighter-than-normal, intermittent, dim, or no light operation; determine needed action. (P-1)
  •  
  • Inspect interior and exterior lamps and sockets including headlights and auxiliary lights (fog lights/driving lights);replace as needed. (P-1)
  •  
  • Aim headlights. (P-2)
  •  
  • Identify system voltage and safety precautions associated with high-intensity discharge headlights. (P-2)

Instrument Cluster and Driver Information systems Diagnosis and Repair

  • Inspect and test gauges and gauge sending units for causes of abnormal readings; determine needed action. (P-2)
  •  
  • Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of incorrect operation of warning devices and other driver information systems; determine needed action. (P-2)
  •  
  • Reset maintenance indicators as required. (P-2)

Body Electrical Systems Diagnosis and Repair

  • Describe operation of comfort and convenience accessories and related circuits (such as: power window, power seats, pedal height, power locks, truck locks, remote start, moon roof, sun roof, sun shade, remote keyless entry, voice activation, steering wheel controls, back-up camera, parking assist, cruise control, and auto dimming headlamps); determine needed repairs. (P-3)
  •  
  • Describe operation of security/anti-theft systems and related circuits (such as: theft deterrent, door locks, remote keyless entry, remote start, and starter/fuel disable); determine needed repairs. (P-3)
  •  
  • Describe operation of entertainment and related circuits (such as: radio, DVD, remote CD changer, navigation, amplifiers, speakers, antennas, and voice-activated accessories); determine needed repairs.    (P-3)
  •  
  • Describe operation of safety systems and related circuits (such as: horn, airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners. occupancy classification, wipers, washers, speed control/collision avoidance, heads-up display, parking assist, and back-up camera); determine needed repairs. (P-3)
  •  
  • Demonstrate testing of body electronic system circuits using a scan tool; check for module communication errors (data communication bus systems); determine needed action. (P-3)
  •  
  • Describe the process for software tranfser, software updates, or reprogramming of electronic modules. (P-3)

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are required to comply with the Amarillo College Technical Education Code of Professional Conduct. The Amarillo College Technical Education Code of Professional Conduct will be posted on the bulletin board in the Transportation Career Center and the Academic Classroom Center and will be explained in detail by the Instructor on the first day of class.

Students must come to class wearing the appropriate AC uniform shirts

Students MUST wear a face mask at all times while in the building. Maintain social distancing when possible

Students MUST wear safety glasses in the shop and lab setting

Place phones/smart devices on vibrate or on silent. If you must answer a call, step out of the classroom to do so. Stay off of social media while class is in session. During our breaks would be the best time for that. 

Students will be respectful of other classes being conducted in the building, respectful of their peers, and of the other instructors.

Watch your language. Foul language is strongly frowned upon. 

Students are expected to dress appropriately and clothing must appear and smell to have been laundered regularly.  Shirts are to be tucked in and hats are not to be worn in the building or shop*. Hoodies are to be down as well

Students are expected to demonstrate proper hygiene while enrolled 

Keep topics of conversation appropriate. 

Maintain communication with your instructor and with your peers. This also means CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY!!

ALL tools must be accounted for by the end of class. NO ONE is to leave until ALL tools have been located. While in lab on campus, if a student must leave early, that student MUST inform the instructor. 

 

 

 

Grading Criteria

TBD Daily Attendance & Participation

TBD Homework, Quizzes, Handouts, Worksheets

TBD Lab Performance/Tool Box 

TBD Final

 

Improperly dressed = point deduction from daily grade TBD

A zero will be given for your lab grade if you are not wearing safety glasses in the shop or when designated during lab. You can purchase a new pair from the bookstore. Be prepared!

 

90 - 100 = A

80- 89= B

70 - 79= C

60 - 69 = D

0 - 59 = F

Attendance

You are expected be in class on time and stay for the whole class. 10 points may be deducted from your Daily Attendance and Participation grade for each instance you are late.

A tardy will be considered 5 minutes after class begins. Class begins at 7:30 am

Attendance will be taken by the instructor on an attendance form and recorded daily in Blackboard. You MUST see me to sign out. If you leave without signing out with me, you will get a zero for the day. 

Attendance grade is TBD

Calendar

WEEK 1 & 2

Chapter 54 Starting and Charging Systems 

Lab Activities - Quizzes - End of Chapter Questions - Chapter Test

Explain the purpose of the charging system

Identify major components of the charging system

Explain the purpose of the major parts of an AC generator

Explain half and full-wave rectification and how they relate to AC generator operation

Identify the different types of AC voltage regulators

Describe the two types of stator windings

Explain the features enabled by the use of a  starter/generator

Perform charging system inspection and testing procedures using electrical test equipment

  Review safety components of electricity, review of the major circuit faults, wire repair and circuit components and operation.

  Operation of automotive electronic components; diodes, transistors, relays, thermistors, and capacitors.

WEEK 3 & 4

Chapter 55 Lighting Systems

Lab Activities - Quizzes - End of Chapter Questions - Chapter Test

Explain the operating principles of the various lighting systems

Describe the different types of headlights and how they are controlled

Explain the purpose of auxiliary automotive lighting

Describe the operation and construction of the various automotive lights

Understand the functions of turn, stop, and hazard warning lights

Know how back up lights work

Replace headlights and other burned out bulbs

Explain how to aim headlights

Diagnose lighting problems

 

WEEK 5 & 6

Chapter 56 Network Communications and Body Accessories

Lab Activities - Quizzes - End of Chapter questions - Chapter Test

Describe the two types of instrument panel displays

Know the purpose of the various gauges used in today's vehicles and how they function

Describe the operation of the common types of gauges found in an instrument cluster

List and explain the function of the various indicators found on today's vehicles

List and explain the function of the various warning devices found on today's vehicles

Explain the basics for diagnosing a gauge or warning circuit

 Understand the purpose and operation of a capacitor

Describe how semiconductors, diodes, and transistors work

Explain the advantages of using electronic control systems

Explain the basic function of the central processing unit (CPU)

List and describe the functions of the various sensors used by computers

Explain the principle of computer communications

Summarize the function of a binary code

Name the various memory systems used in automotive computers

List and describe the operation of output actuators

Explain the principle of multiplexing

Describe the precautions that must be taken when diagnosing electronic systems

Perform a communications check on a multiplexed system

Reprogram a control module in a vehicle

WEEK 7 & 8

Chapter 57 Safety, Entertainment, and Antitheft Systems

Lab - Quizzes - End of Chapter Questions - Chapter Test

Explain the basic operation of electric windshield wiper and washer systems

Explain the operation of power door locks, power windows, and power seats

Understand how cruise or speed control operates and the differences of various systems

Know how to diagnose blower motor problems

Determine how well the defroster system performs

Identify the components of typical audio and video systems

Diagnose problems with power door and window systems

Understand the operation of the various security systems

WEEK 8 - Final

  

Additional Information

Exact dates for chapter tests and labs will vary on classroom performance and understanding. 

Manufacturer specific information may be used

ProDemand may be used as well as manufacture specific service information

There is a large amount of information that we must go over. Bringing personal vehicles must be scheduled ahead of time and must pertain to the subject matter. As an example, do not bring in your vehicle to do a brake job when we are reviewing lighting. 

There is no warranty on work performed. This is a learning facility, mistakes can and will be made. The instructor nor Amarillo College will be liable. Have ALL supplies, materials, parts prior to performing repairs. Amarillo College does not supply parts or materials that may be needed for student repairs. 

Work space and lifts are shared with other classes. Due to the large sizes of the classes, no "projects" will be permitted.  ***

Syllabus Created on:

08/24/20 1:07 AM

Last Edited on:

08/28/20 8:14 AM