2017-18 AcademicCatalog - 20

automotive technology (AT)
AT 106 (2 credits)
Automotive Service Fundamentals

This course presents an overview of the automotive
industry, including an introduction to the automobile and its
systems. Jobs in the automotive service field are covered
as are shop work and service information and how to find
it. Electronic information systems Mitchell 1 and ALLDATA
are utilized. Safety in the auto shop, including the proper use
of basic hand and common power tools, is demonstrated.
Environmental protection is taught, including recycling and
the proper use and approved disposal methods of common
automotive shop chemicals are discussed. Demonstrations
and hands-on training in common automotive shop
practices, such as tube flaring and thread construction and
repair. Fasteners, including torque to yield are thoroughly
covered. Measurement systems, USC and metric, are
discussed, including hands-on training using all common
automotive precision measurement tools like micrometers,
dial indicators, and torque wrenches. The theory and
servicing of automotive rolling bearings are covered; wheel
bearings are emphasized.

AT 111 (4 credits)
Internal Combustion Engine Service

This course covers the basic theory, design, and operating
fundamentals of spark ignition piston engines. Extensive
mechanical testing and diagnostic procedures are
demonstrated, including compression and vacuum testing
utilizing wave form analysis with lab scopes. Power balance,
including both intrusive and non-intrusive are demonstrated.
Running and snap-throttle compression testing are featured.
Methods to check valve timing on pushrod and overhead
cam engines are demonstrated. Engine lubrication systems
and automotive lubricants are studied; diagnostic and test
procedures are performed. Engine cooling systems, theory,
and standard service procedures are also included. Machining
of engine components and restoring of all tolerances are
covered. Cylinder head servicing is performed, and the
three-angle cut method is used. Complete disassembly, all
precession measurements, component servicing, resealing
and reassembly on actual engines takes place.
Prerequisite: AT 106

AT 116 (3 credits)
Chassis Service/Steering and Suspension

The basic theory and operating principles of automotive
suspension and steering systems are studied; service, repair
and diagnostic procedures are featured. Tire and wheel
service and computer balancing are performed by students.
The Hunter Road Force wheel balancer and vibration solver,
Model 9700 is featured. Even the widest tires mounted on
the newest custom wheels will be no problem when learning
to use the Hunter Model TS3500 tire changer. The safe
and proper method of airbag module handling is taught.
Wheel alignment principles are covered, including both
the simple basic maintenance wheel alignment and the
more complicated diagnostic wheel alignment. Complex
alignment factors such as tire scrub radius, included angle
and steering axis inclination, is covered in depth. Handson tire and wheel servicing, pre-alignment inspections, and
wheel alignment measurements are taken on live vehicles.
20 * Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

AT 156 (3 credits)
Automotive Brake Systems

Modern automotive brake systems and their operating
principles are studied and standard repair and service
procedures are performed. Drum, disc/drum, and fourwheel disc systems are featured. Power-assist systems and
parking brake systems are included. An introduction to the
theory and servicing of antilock brake systems, including
first generation Bosch type and the newest non-integral
systems, are covered. Trouble code retrieval and onboard
diagnostics using scan tools is featured.

AT 161 (4 credits)
Automotive Electrical/Electronic Principles

The theory of electricity-including Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's
Law, series and parallel circuits, AC and DC current flow-
is studied. Basic test meter procedures are featured,
and solid state devices, integrated circuits, and on-board
microcomputers are explained. Automotive wiring and
common automotive accessory systems are studied, and
servicing and repair procedures are performed. Automotive
batteries, their construction, theory of operation, and
standard service procedures are also included. Handson extensive electrical system service is performed using
digital volt ohm meters and automotive lab scopes. The PDI
DVOM, the Fluke 98 Series II, Vetronix Master Tech, and the
cutting-edge Vetronix MTS 5100/5200 lab/ignition scopes
are all featured. Low resolution amp clamps from Fluke and
Vetronix allows students to experience the latest diagnostics
using the latest amp-ramping diagnostic procedures. New
material has been incorporated into the electrical and
fuel and emissions courses after the instructors attended
drive ability training/seminars hosted by such nationally
recognized "gurus" as Jim Linder, Linder Technical Services,
Indianapolis; Bill Fulton, Ohio; Jerry Truglia, New York;
Dan Marrinucci, Motor Magazine; and Mac Vanden Brink,
Michigan.

AT 166 (4 credits)
Engine Electrical/Electronic Principles

Cranking circuits and starter motors, charging systems,
alternators and voltage regulators, and ignition systems (DIS
& EI, including C.O.P./coil on plug) are studied. Simulators
are featured to help students better understand system
operation. Construction, theory of operation, standard
service procedures, and system malfunction diagnosis are
covered using the latest test equipment; the new Vetronix
MTS 5100/5200 lab scope/engine analyzers, and the Fluke
98 series II is featured. Hands-on comprehensive testing
procedures are performed on live vehicles. One of the major
goals of this course is for students to gain skills in problem
solving through the use of on-car testing and diagnostic
procedures. This course culminates with each student
performing comprehensive tests on the engine mechanical
condition, battery, cranking system, charging system, and
the complete ignition system. This is followed by a report
analyzing good/bad results.
Prerequisite: AT 111

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2017-18 AcademicCatalog