CCOG for AM 181 Fall 2024


Course Number:
AM 181
Course Title:
Engine Performance I
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture/Lab Hours:
80
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces the use of automotive scan tools, lab scopes, and electronic test equipment. Covers the operation and testing of electronic ignition systems. Introduces basic fuel delivery and emissions control system concepts and related components. This is the first course in a three-course sequence. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

This course is designed for students with no previous industry experience. Students will develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to perform, with limited supervision, the appropriate procedures involved in engine performance diagnosis and adjustments on cars, pickups and vans. This course will prepare students for the Auto Shop Lab capstone courses which provide the opportunity to practice learned skills on customer and school controlled vehicles in a “working shop” setting. This will begin the skill level necessary for employment at an apprentice level.The course material will be presented in a lecture/laboratory format and include videos, handouts and hands-on lab experience in the shop. Students are required to read assigned materials, take notes, complete homework assignments and research information in service manuals and with electronic service information systems.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Perform engine performance inspection, maintenance, diagnosis and repairs at an introductory level.
  • Demonstrate introductory-level knowledge of fuel delivery and emission control systems.
  • Access and utilize repair information in a rapidly changing technology.
  • Develop and implement strategies and processes to solve engine performance problems.
  • Perform diagnosis and repair of electronic ignition systems to professional and ethical standards.
  • Communicate professionally with employers, customers and co-workers using industry standard language and following industry standard protocols.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Students will demonstrate effective work with fellow technicians in the following ways:
    • Attendance requirements include penalties for excessive day’s missed and late arrivals.
    • Lecture participation requirements include bringing textbooks to class, being prepared to take notes and remaining attentive in class.
    • Laboratory participation requirements include demonstrating good craftsmanship, using time wisely, treating equipment properly, using procedures properly, demonstrating acquired skills and correct use of tools.
    • Demonstrate preparedness for ASE testing by achieving a passing score on all written exams and completing homework assignments.
    • Demonstrate understanding of course material through passing scores on lab activities.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • Define and discuss the automotive scan tool
  • Define and discuss pressure differential.
  • Discuss ignition system primary operation, components and circuits.
  • Discuss ignition system secondary operation, components and circuits.
  • Define and discuss ignition timing.
  • Discuss the operation and testing of ignition control systems.
  • Utilize the scan tool for diagnosis and repair.
  • Evaluate and diagnose engine operation using appropriate diagnostic tools.
  • Evaluate properly working ignition system primary circuits.
  • Evaluate properly working ignition system secondary circuits.
  • Evaluate properly working ignition control systems and repair failures.
  • Define and discuss the exhaust gas analyzer.
  • Introduce combustion chemistry and how failures impact exhaust emissions and engine controls.

Related Instruction

Computation
Hours: 15

  • Perform engine performance inspection, maintenance, diagnosis and repairs at an introductory level.
  • Develop and implement strategies and processes to solve engine performance problems.

Students measure engine performance (ignition system) components using voltmeters, lab scopes, secondary ignition scopes and low amp current probes, and compare results with manufactures/industry specifications.  Apply Ohm’s Law theory to ignition system circuit analysis.

Students perform engine performance (ignition system) analysis/testing, using voltmeters, lab scopes, secondary ignition scopes and low amp current probes, etc…, and compare readings to manufacturers/industry specifications.

Assessment:  Feedback is immediate, direct and pass/no pass for classroom or lab assessed activities.  Homework and exams are “A-F” grades with direct feedback delivered within 1 week.

Communication
Hours: 4

Communicate professionally with employers, customers and co-workers using industry standard language and following industry standard protocols.
  

Students work in teams to communicate with staff to check out tools, school cars, and have repair orders written for lab projects.

Students verbally explain to instructor methods and reasoning behind various types of testing procedures performed as hands on lab activities.


Students present a verbal report to the class on a subject of their choice related to current industry technical advances, innovations, safety standards, and/or diagnostic or trouble shooting procedures related to ignition systems.

Assessment:  Feedback is immediate, direct and pass/no pass for classroom or lab assessed activities.  Homework and exams are “A-F” grades with direct feedback delivered within 1 week.

Human Relations
Hours: 15

Perform diagnosis and repair of electronic engine performance ignition systems to professional and and ethical standards

Students build on previous course work in human relations to continue the practice of human relations introduced through class discussions and homework.
Students work in teams to complete assigned lab projects.  Team work is focused on working in a diverse cultural environment, being sensitive to Others needs and diffusing difficult situations in a calm and respectful manner. 
Students work with lab partners, staff members, and their instructor to bring customer/school cars in /out of the shop for class lab projects.

Assessment:  Feedback is immediate, direct and pass/no pass for classroom or lab assessed activities.  Homework and exams are “A-F” grades with direct feedback delivered within 1 week.