Discipline: Automotive Technology Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Automotive Technology 45


COURSE DESCRIPTION
45 Ford Chassis Systems-MLR Units: 4.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
This course presents the principles of operation, diagnosis, and repair of the brake system, the suspension and steering system, and the climate control system. The course content includes hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic operation and repair, as well as brake system overhaul and service operations. Additionally, it presents the fundamentals of suspension and steering system operation and repair, including base and electronically controlled systems. Wheel alignment service and tire balancing will also be covered. Furthermore, the course will include climate control fundamentals. Emphasis will be placed on the diagnosis of brake system concerns, as well as the diagnosis of steering and suspension system performance concerns, and climate control concerns using Ford testing methods and equipment. This course may be taken a total of 2 times. 54 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Operation, diagnosis and repair of Ford automotive brake, steering, suspension and climate control systems to include brake service, anti-lock brakes, electronic suspension, alignment, refrigeration, air management, and electronic climate control.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate the proper usage of electrical test equipment to make accurate measurements.

  2. Perform selected electrical circuit and wiring harness repairs.

  3. Define inputs, processing and outputs

  4. Explain how a system module processes inputs and selects outputs

  5. Analyze customer concerns with the electrical system and determine needed repairs.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Diagnose and troubleshoot customer concerns on the hydraulic
braking and computer-controlled antilock systems, and determine
needed repairs.

Perform inspections, evaluations, tests, measurements, and/or
adjustments on the hydraulic brake and computer controlled
antilock brake systems while using Ford service procedures and
scan tools (i.e. New Generation Stat Tester, NGS, and World-wide
Diagnostic System WDS).

Disassemble, inspect, and reassemble brake system components
using Ford procedures and tools.

Machine the friction surfaces of brake drums and rotors to
specifications using Ford procedures and tools.

Remove and replace selected brake system components using
Ford procedures and tools.

Diagnose and troubleshoot customer concerns on steering and
suspension systems, both base and electronically controlled, and
determine needed repairs.

Perform inspections, tests, and/or adjustments on the steering
and suspension systems, both base and electronically controlled,
while using Ford procedures and tools.

Disassemble, inspect, evaluate, and reassemble rack and pinion,
and recirculating ball steering gears using Ford procedures and
tools.

Accurately balance tire and wheel assemblies, using electronic
wheel balancing equipment.

Perform a complete four-wheel alignment of the car and/or light
truck suspension systems to specifications using Ford procedures
and tools.

Diagnose and troubleshoot customer concerns on the climate
control and electronic climate control systems, and determine
needed repairs.

Perform inspections, evaluations, tests, measurements, and/or
adjustments on climate control and electronic climate control
systems while using Ford service procedures and scan tools.

Disassemble, inspect, and reassemble climate control and
electronic climate control systems system components using Ford
procedures and tools.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 

This course is the comprehensive study of three closely related systems of the modern automobile; Brakes, Steering, and Suspension Systems. 

  1. Overview of the three systems, their relation and their interaction
  2. Detail description of operation of each individual system, to include:
    1. Base brake systems theory and operation
    2. Base steering and suspension theory and operation
    3. Refrigeration theory and operation
  3. In depth description, operation, and proper name of the components that compose each system
    1. Advanced brake system operation
    2. Electronic steering and suspension operation
    3. Air management and distribution
    4. Electronic climate control operation
  4. Study of the various methods for testing the systems and components using logical and approved diagnostic routines
    1. Brake system diagnosis
    2. Base steering and suspension diagnosis
    3. Climate control system diagnosis
  5. Detail instruction for the correct repair procedures
    1. Brake service procedures
    2. Steering and suspension system service
    3. Steering and suspension alignment
    4. Refrigerant recovery, recycle, and recharge procedures
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Present class lectures, along with demonstrations in order to assist students in achieving the learning outcomes by using visual and tangible methods, and by reviewing applicable course content.
  • Show videos, films, and or audio tapes in order to give students alternate learning methods and expose them to activities related to the automotive industry and specially to the standard operations of Ford dealers.
  • Create and assign small groups activities such as round table discussions in which students can prepare and exchange challenging questions for other groups. A competition format may be used in this process.  This is done in order to help students achieve outcomes by stimulating individual participation in group activities.
  • Invite guest lectures to class in order to bring current industry experience directly into the classroom and help students attain learning objectives through direct interface with active industry experts.
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written reports designed to demonstrate in writing the ability to do research and organize material to show mastery of an individual learning outcome such as computer system operation.
  • Oral presentations and written reports designed to give students opportunities to research, analyze and express content related to the various learning objectives.
  • Quizzes, examinations, midterm and final exams designed to assess students’ knowledge of course content for achievement of learning outcomes.
  • Class and individual projects designed to encourage alterative and creative methods for the students to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes or share knowledge and experience.  
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Vehicle Brake Systems 38S01W0
    Brake Service Procedures 38S02W0
    Advanced Brake System Theory and Operation 38S03W0
    Advanced Brake System Diagnosis 38S04W0
    Brake System Diagnosis and Service 38S07T0
    Base Steering and Suspension Theory and Operation 33S01W0
    Base Steering and Suspension 33S03W0
    Base Steering and Suspension Classroom 33S04T0
    Climate Control Theory and Operation 35S01W0
    Electronic Climate Control Operation and Diagnosis 35S02W0

    (All course materials are published and provided by Ford Motor Company.)
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