Description:

This is a beginning level class for non-automotive majors, designed to introduce students to the basic function, operation and care of modern automobiles. Upon completion they should be able to discuss safe operation of a passenger car in everyday circumstances in including emergency situations. Students should be able to locate and understand information regarding repair and maintenance of modern automobiles. Safe practices while using basic hand tools, chemicals and jacks will be included in this course. After determining fair market costs and economic feasibility students will be able to determine whether to repair or replace an automobile. Students should be able to decide whether to attempt repairs themselves or to have them performed by a professional. Also, the basic costs of insuring and operating an automobile will be discussed. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Discuss safe operation of a modern passenger car and use an owner’s manual.
2. Understand basic automobile systems, such as power train, electrical and brakes, through research and locating key components using owner’s manual and repair manuals.
3. Identify and describe how to use basic automotive hand tools.
4. Understand the principals of general maintenance and care tasks including listing steps for changing oil/filter, changing spare tire, safe jump starts and checking tire air pressure.
5. Determine, list and analyze the costs of owning and operating a modern passenger car in order to evaluate feasibility of repair vs. replacement.
6. Investigate and list the criteria for leasing vs. purchasing and new car vs. used car concerns.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Safety
   A. Correctly select and list chemicals for repairs and maintenance.
      1. List and discuss precautions for handling hazardous automotive
chemicals.
      2. Research and locate proper disposal sites for hazardous waste in
compliance with EPA standards.
   B.Identify and list dangerous driving conditions and discuss avoidance
techniques.
   C. Analyze inclement weather conditions and list the driving dangers.
   D. Evaluate common road conditions and list the dangers that each
represents.
   E. Locate and illustrate jack lift points and discuss their
importance.
   F. Identify and describe safe use of jacks for emergencies and
maintenance.
   G. Identify and diagram hybrid automobile’s dangerous voltage
sources.
   H. Analyze and discuss the dangers associated with the quietness of an
electric drive automobile.
   I. Research and list the dangers of air bag (Safety Restraint System)
deployment.
   J. Locate and explain procedures for disarming an air bag.

II. Electrical
   A. Define and diagram types of electrical circuits.
      1. Complete
      2. Shorted
      3. Open 
   B. Identify, locate and test circuit protection.
      1. Fuses
      2. Circuit breakers
   C. Describe and illustrate Ohm’s law using mathematical formulas.
      1. Volts
      2. Ohms
      3. Amps
   D. Apply Ohm’s law describing basic microprocessors within automotive
systems.
      1. Input
      2. Output

III. Tools
   A. Identify and organize common automotive tools and list their usage.
   B. Underline potential hazards of common tools.
   C. Outline basic care for common tools.

IV. Engine: Function and Care
   A. Illustrate and analyze the four stroke cycle engine.
      1. Piston movement
      2. Valve opening
      3. Displacement of gases
      4. Temperatures
      5. Pressures
   B. Identify and list the basic engine systems. 
      1. Induction
      2. Exhaust
      3. Cooling
      4. Emission control
      5. Lubrication
   C. Differentiate, list and analyze the importance of the ingredients of
a running four stroke engine.
      1. Air and fuel 
      2. Spark
      3. Compression
   D. Identify and list cooling system components and potential dangers.
      1. Radiator and cap	
      2. Hoses
      3. Belts
      4. Thermostat
   E. Perform safe inspection of cooling system components.
      1. High pressures and temperatures.
      2. Hazardous waste disposal.
      3. Environmental Protection Agency regulations for coolants.
   F. Identify, list and describe basic lubrication system components.
      1. Oil fill cap
      2. Oil filter
      3. Oil dip stick
      4. Oil pan
   G. Discuss various types of motor oil and make proper selection of
motor oils.
      1. Motor oil selection
      2. Proper disposal
   H. Emissions
      1. Locate components and specifications in owner’s manual and shop
manuals.
      2. List common emission control components and their function.
   I. Batteries
      1. Discuss and illustrate safe jump starts.
      2. Perform safe jump start.
      3. List steps for safe handling of batteries.
      4. Research and list proper disposal sites and methods.

V. Transmission: Function and Care
   A. Contrast automatic, manual transmissions and continuously variable
transmissions.
   B. Discern between front wheel drive, rear wheel drive and all wheel
drive.
   C. List and describe basic operation of automatic transmissions
components.
      1. Planetary gears
      2. Hydraulic circuits
      3. Filters and coolers
      4. Torque converters
   D. List and describe basic components of manual transmissions.
      1. Fully synchronized gears
      2. Shifter
      3. Clutch
         a. cable
         b. hydraulic
         c. linkage 
   E. Describe basic operation of a Continuously Variable Transmissions
      1. Computer operation.
      2. Torque multiplication.
   F. Insure timely recommended maintenance by locating and listing
scheduled care.
      1. Proper selection of lubricants and oils.
      2. Proper selection of sealants.
      3. Locating service information.
   G. Describe the purpose and function of a differential.
   H. Discern the differences of a transmission, transaxle and
differential.
   I. Locate recommended maintenance schedules and describe maintenance
and care techniques.
      1. Proper selection of oil.
      2. Maintenance techniques.
      3. Proper disposal of oil.

VI. Steering and Suspension: Function and Care
   A. Discuss basic safety issues and identify potential dangers.
   B. Identify and evaluate condition of wear items.
   C. Lubrication techniques.
   D. Discuss the function and relationship between steering and
suspension.
      1. Principal geometry
      2. Types
   E. Discuss and contrast various types of springs.
      1. Air springs
      2. Coils
      3. Leaf
      4. Torsion bars
      5. Potential danger
   F. Describe the basic types of independent suspension.
      1. Long/Short Arm
      2. McPherson strut
      3. Modified strut
   G. Discuss principal issues regarding chassis alignment.
      1. Toe
      2. Caster
      3. Camber
      4. Set back
      5. Steering axis inclination
      6. Cross camber
      7. Drift vs. pull
      8. Ride height
      9. Tire issues

VII. Tires: Function and Care
   A. Describe  and illustrate various tire wear patterns.
   B. Discuss and outline proper tire selection issues.
      1. Identify and discuss load range.
      2. Locating correct recommended tire size.
      3. Discuss the importance of tire speed rating.
      4. Discuss the importance of  tire date codes.

VIII. Brakes: Function and Care
   A. Identify differences between disc brakes and drum brakes.
   B. Identify and select proper brake fluid. 
   C. Outline brake inspection procedures.
   D. Identifying types of power assist systems.
   E. Describe basic antilock brakes system function.
   F. Discern whether a car is equipped with antilock brakes.
   G. Locate procedures and discuss proper maintenance of brakes.
   H. List potential dangers of brake system repairs.
   I. Discuss and outline the difference between lining replacement vs. a
complete brake service.

IX. Climate Control: Function and Care
   A. Describe heater function and identify basic system components.
      1. Potential dangers
      2. Heater core
      3. Control valve
      4. Hoses
   B. Describe and diagram air conditioning basic components and their
function.  
      1. Potential dangers
      2. Compressor
      3. Evaporator
      4. Condenser
      5. Plumbing 
      6. Safety
      7. Types of refrigerant
      8. Environmental Protection Agency

X. Making an Automobile Purchase 
   A. Evaluate financial issues through research and outline market
conditions.
      1. New car values
      2. Used car values
      3. Financing
      4. Sources
      5. Interest rates
      6. Resources 
         a. library
         b. journals
         c. internet

XI. Repair Facility Considerations
   A. Describe and implement methods to determine the reputation for a
repair facility.
   B. Research fair market costs of repair and illustrate findings.
   C. List and prioritize issues regarding location, convenience and
rental cars.

XII. Insurance 
   A. Describe the importance of liability insurance.
   B. Discuss insurance needs and define adequate coverage.
   C. Discuss cost of insurance and contrast basic vs. full coverage.
   D. Describe deductibles and how they affect cost of insurance and
repairs.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Reports and worksheets:			20%-40%
Tests and quizzes:			20%-40%
Attendance, attitude and work habits:	20%-40%
Not to exceed 100% based on individual instructors Grade Criteria:
Attendance: Five class absences drop semester grade by one letter.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.