Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students will study fundamental electrical theory. This includes series, parallel and series-parallel circuits, voltage, amperage, resistance, electromagnetism and circuit protection. Hands on use of volt-ohm-ammeters will be done in the classroom and laboratory. Students will learn fundamental theory of battery operation, testing, diagnosing and servicing. They will also study starter circuit operation. Diagnosing and problem solving will be done on school owned vehicles. Students will work with diagnostic test equipment to determine reasons for starter circuit failures. Students will study and practice various forms of wire splicing, repair and soldering techniques.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Perform basic electrical system inspection, maintenance, diagnosis and repairs relating to starting and charging systems.
• Access and utilize repair information in a rapidly changing technology.
• Develop and implement strategies and processes to repair electrical system problems relating to starting systems.
• Perform electrical system repair of starting systems to professional and ethical standards.
• Communicate professionally with employers, customers and co-workers using industry standard language and following industry standard protocols.

To reach the outcomes goals students will complete the following tasks
1.Build samples of series, parallel and series-parallel circuits
2.Complete disassembly, testing and reassembly of starter motor
3.Access technical information for wiring schematics and circuit protection
4.Perform testing and assessment of automotive batteries
5.Test and diagnose complete automotive starter system using appropriate electrical test equipment
6.Complete soldering projects
7.Achieve minimum of 70% on written tests
8.Meets minimum requirements for attendance and standard shop practices

Students will study the following concepts:
•sources of voltage
•atomic structure of electricity
•electrical circuits
•electro-magnetism
•Ohm’s Law
•volt drop
•parasitic loads
•battery drains
•opens, shorts and grounds
.Competencies/Skills:
•Ability to construct series, parallel and series-parallel circuits
•Perform volt drop tests on various electrical circuits
•Use proper techniques of wire splicing, soldering and repair
•Use analog and digital electrical test equipment
•Demonstrate use of written and computerized information gathering
•Practice safe tool and equipment usage
•Test various forms of circuit protection
•Perform complete battery evaluation, service and testing
•Perform complete starter system evaluation, service and testing
•Troubleshoot simple starter circuit problems
•Read and interpret simple wiring diagrams and understand electrical symbols and nomenclature