Automotive Electrical Systems Course

Lesson 1 • Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits

Distinguishes circuit configurations and their behaviour under load. Learners calculate total resistance and voltage drops in each configuration.

Lesson 2 • Voltage, Current, and Resistance

Defines the three core electrical quantities and their units of measurement. Learners apply Ohm's Law to solve basic automotive circuit problems.

Lesson 3 • Electrical Units and Measurement Tools

Introduces the multimeter, test light, and logic probe as primary diagnostic tools. Learners perform accurate voltage, resistance, and continuity measurements.

Lesson 4 • Atomic Structure and Electron Flow

Covers how atomic structure drives electron movement and establishes the basis for current flow. Grounds all subsequent electrical concepts in physical reality.

Lesson 1 • Grounding Systems and Ground Paths

Examines chassis ground strategy, ground distribution blocks, and ground faults. Learners identify poor grounds as a root cause of electrical complaints.

Lesson 2 • Wire Types, Gauges, and Insulation

Covers wire construction, American Wire Gauge sizing, and insulation ratings. Learners match wire gauge to current load and temperature requirements.

Lesson 3 • Connectors, Terminals, and Splices

Identifies connector families, terminal types, and proper splicing methods. Learners crimp, solder, and seal connections to factory specifications.

Lesson 4 • Reading Automotive Wiring Diagrams

Teaches schematic symbols, diagram conventions, and circuit tracing techniques. Learners locate components and trace power and ground paths on factory diagrams.

Lesson 1 • Alternator Operation and Output Testing

Explains rotor, stator, and rectifier functions within the alternator. Learners measure output voltage and current to verify charging system performance.

Lesson 2 • Battery Testing and Diagnosis

Applies load testing, conductance testing, and open-circuit voltage checks. Learners interpret test results to determine battery serviceability.

Lesson 3 • Charging System Diagnosis and Service

Addresses undercharge, overcharge, and no-charge faults using voltage drop testing. Learners follow a systematic diagnostic path to isolate charging faults.

Lesson 4 • Battery Ratings and Selection

Covers CCA, reserve capacity, and amp-hour ratings used to match batteries to vehicles. Learners select replacement batteries using OEM specifications.

Lesson 1 • Cranking Circuit Layout and Components

Maps the complete cranking circuit from battery through ignition switch to starter. Learners identify each component's role in enabling or inhibiting cranking.

Lesson 2 • No-Crank and Slow-Crank Diagnosis

Provides a structured diagnostic approach for no-crank and slow-crank complaints. Learners use symptom analysis and test data to reach a confirmed root cause.

Lesson 3 • Starter Motor Construction and Operation

Covers armature, field windings, brushes, and the overrunning clutch. Learners trace torque production from electromagnetic principles to pinion engagement.

Lesson 4 • Starter Service and Replacement

Covers safe removal, bench testing, and installation of starter motors. Learners verify correct operation after replacement using a post-repair test sequence.

Lesson 1 • Ignition System Diagnosis and Testing

Applies oscilloscope patterns, spark testers, and scan data to isolate ignition faults. Learners confirm misfire root cause before replacing components.

Lesson 2 • Distributor and Electronic Ignition Systems

Traces the evolution from breaker-point distributors to electronic trigger systems. Learners identify pickup coils, reluctors, and Hall-effect sensors.

Lesson 3 • Distributorless and Coil-on-Plug Systems

Covers waste-spark and coil-on-plug architectures controlled by the engine control module. Learners map coil assignments to cylinders using wiring diagrams.

Lesson 4 • Ignition System Fundamentals

Explains primary and secondary circuit roles, spark timing, and energy requirements. Establishes the electrical foundation for all ignition system types.

Lesson 1 • Power Windows and Door Locks

Analyses motor-driven window regulators and actuator-based door lock circuits. Learners isolate faults to switch, motor, actuator, or wiring using voltage tests.

Lesson 2 • Exterior Lighting Systems

Covers headlight types, beam adjustment, turn signals, and brake light circuits. Learners trace lighting circuits and replace bulbs and LED assemblies correctly.

Lesson 3 • Body Control Module Functions

Introduces the BCM as a central controller for body electrical functions. Learners use scan tool data to identify BCM-controlled faults and module communication errors.

Lesson 4 • Wiper and Washer Systems

Covers wiper motor operation, park position circuits, and washer pump control. Learners diagnose speed, park, and intermittent wiper faults systematically.

Lesson 1 • Oxygen and Air-Fuel Ratio Sensors

Distinguishes zirconia switching sensors from wideband air-fuel ratio sensors. Learners interpret sensor waveforms to evaluate fuel control accuracy.

Lesson 2 • Fuel Injectors and Actuator Testing

Covers injector driver circuits, pulse width, and balance testing methods. Learners use a noid light, oscilloscope, and injector tester to confirm actuator function.

Lesson 3 • Temperature and Pressure Sensors

Covers NTC thermistors, MAP sensors, and barometric pressure sensors. Learners test sensor output voltage against known temperature and pressure values.

Lesson 4 • Engine Management System Overview

Maps the ECM's role in processing sensor inputs and commanding actuator outputs. Learners identify closed-loop and open-loop control strategies.

Lesson 1 • Module Programming and Software Updates

Covers flash reprogramming, calibration files, and programming prerequisites. Learners perform a module reflash using a factory or aftermarket programming interface.

Lesson 2 • Oscilloscope Use in Advanced Diagnostics

Applies the oscilloscope to capture sensor waveforms, injector patterns, and network signals. Learners set trigger, time base, and voltage scale for accurate captures.

Lesson 3 • Systematic Diagnostic Strategy

Presents a structured six-step diagnostic process from complaint verification to repair confirmation. Learners apply the process to multi-system faults without guessing.

Lesson 4 • Network Communication Protocols

Compares LIN, MOST, and FlexRay protocols used alongside CAN in modern vehicles. Learners identify which protocol governs a given module from wiring diagrams.

Lesson 5 • Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Scan Tools

Explains OBD-II monitor readiness, DTC categories, and freeze frame data. Learners retrieve, interpret, and clear codes using professional scan tools.