Automotive Systems Technology
The Automotive Systems Technology curriculum prepares individuals for employment as Automotive Service Technicians. It provides an introduction to automotive careers and increases student awareness of the challenges associated with this fast and ever-changing field.
Classroom and lab experiences integrate technical and academic coursework. Emphasis is placed on theory, servicing and operation of brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, steering/suspension, automatic transmission/transaxles, engine repair, climate control, and manual drive trains.
Upon completion of this curriculum, students should be prepared to take the ASE exam and be ready for full-time employment in dealerships and repair shops in the automotive service industry.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in automotive systems employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Automotive Systems Technology (A60160)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree - Automotive Systems Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Program Accreditation
The BMW-ADP and GM-ASEP programs are Master Certified by the National Automotive Technician Foundation (NATEF) Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.).
Program Manufacturer Partners
General Motors’ Automotive Service Excellence Program (ASEP), and BMW (ADP) are options for this associate degree program. In addition, Central Piedmont currently offers a Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) program certificate as an Express Service Technician. Contact the Public Service & Transportation Division Cooperative Education Coordinator at 704.330.4157 or the Transport Systems Technology Division at 704.330.2722 ext. 7331 for manufacturer program information.
Note: Students must furnish required hand tools and protective clothing, as well as textbooks. A list of these items can be obtained from an instructor or by contacting the Program Chair at 704.330.2722 ext. 7331.
Contact Information
The Automotive Systems Technology program is in the Public Service & Transportation Division, which can be reached at 704.330.2722 ext. 7331.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
or COM 231 | Public Speaking | |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| TRN 110 | Introduction to Transport Technology | 2.0 |
| TRN 120 | Basic Transportation Electricity | 5.0 |
| TRN 140 | Transportation Climate Control | 2.0 |
| TRN 145 | Advanced Transportation Electronics | 3.0 |
| AUT 141 | Suspension & Steering Systems | 3.0 |
| AUT 151 | Brake Systems | 3.0 |
| AUT 181 | Engine Performance 1 | 3.0 |
| AUT 183 | Engine Performance 2 | 4.0 |
| TRN 170 | Pc Skills for Transportation | 2.0 |
| AUT 116 | Engine Repair | 3.0 |
| AUT 163 | Advanced Automotive Electricity | 3.0 |
| Select 2 credits from the follwoing | 2.0 | |
| Green Trans Safety and Service | ||
| Basic Welding for Transportation | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following | 6.0 | |
| Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles | ||
| Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains | ||
| Hybrid-Electric Transportation | ||
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 9 credits of the following: | 9.0 | |
| Basic Transportation Electrical Lab | ||
| Transportation Climate Control Lab | ||
| Basic Welding for Transportation Lab | ||
| Automotive Servicing I | ||
| Safety and Emissions | ||
| Safety and Emissions Lab | ||
| Engine Repair Lab | ||
| Suspension & Steering Lab | ||
| Brakes Systems Lab | ||
| Automotive Servicing 2 | ||
| Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lab | ||
| Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains Lab | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Work-Based Learning III | ||
| Work-Based Learning IV | ||
| Auto Shop Management | ||
| Emerging Transportation Technology | ||
| Advanced Engine Performance | ||
AUT 181A | ||
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Automotive Systems Technology Diploma (D60160)
This diploma is also available for students enrolled in Career & College Promise.
Diploma Awarded
A diploma in Automotive Systems Technology is awarded by the College upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required as the foundation of a career in this area.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Program Accreditation
This program is Master Certified by the National Automotive Technician Foundation (NATEF) Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.).
Note: Students must furnish required hand tools and protective clothing, as well as textbooks. A list of these items can be obtained from an instructor or program chair by contacting the program chair at 704.330.4183.
Contact Information
The Automotive Systems Technology program is in the Transport Systems Technologies Division. For more information, call the program office at 704.330.4122 or the program chair at 704.330.4183.
Choose 42 hours from Major and Related Course Requirements listed below:
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 101 | Applied Communications I | 3.0 |
| MAT 110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3.0 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| TRN 110 | Introduction to Transport Technology | 2.0 |
| TRN 120 | Basic Transportation Electricity | 5.0 |
| TRN 140 | Transportation Climate Control | 2.0 |
| AUT 141 | Suspension & Steering Systems | 3.0 |
| AUT 151 | Brake Systems | 3.0 |
| AUT 181 | Engine Performance 1 | 3.0 |
| TRN 140A | Transportation Climate Control Lab | 2.0 |
| TRN 170 | Pc Skills for Transportation | 2.0 |
| AUT 116 | Engine Repair | 3.0 |
| AUT 116A | Engine Repair Lab | 1.0 |
| AUT 151A | Brakes Systems Lab | 1.0 |
| AUT 183 | Engine Performance 2 | 4.0 |
| AUT 221 | Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles | 3.0 |
| AUT 231 | Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains | 3.0 |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 1 credit of the following: | 1.0 | |
| Automotive Servicing I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Automotive Servicing 2 | ||
| Suspension & Steering Lab | ||
| Basic Transportation Electrical Lab | ||
| Total Credits | 44 | |
Automotive Systems Technology Certificates (C60160)
- Automotive Systems Technology Certificate Specialization in Transportation Service and Repair (C60160-20)
- Automotive Systems Technology Certificate Specialization in Transportation Welding and Alternative Fuels (C60160-25)
- Automotive Systems Technology Certificate Specialization in Basic Hybrid Vehicle Technology (C60160-30)
Automotive Systems Technology Certificate Specialization in Transportation and Repair (C60160-20)
| Major Requirement | ||
| Introduction to Transport Technology | ||
| Pc Skills for Transportation | ||
| Basic Transportation Electricity | ||
| Basic Transportation Electrical Lab | ||
| Transportation Climate Control | ||
| Transportation Climate Control Lab | ||
| Total Credits | 14.0 | |
Automotive Systems Technology Certificate Specialization in Transportation Welding and Alternative Fuels (C60160-25)
| Major Requirements | ||
| TRN 110 | Introduction to Transport Technology | 2.0 |
| TRN 170 | Pc Skills for Transportation | 2.0 |
| TRN 180 | Basic Welding for Transportation | 3.0 |
| TRN 180A | Basic Welding for Transportation Lab | 1.0 |
| ATT 115 | Green Trans Safety and Service | 2.0 |
| ATT 140 | Emerging Transportation Technology | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Automotive Systems Technology Certificate Specialization in Basic Hybrid Vehicle Technology (C60160-30)
| Major Requirements | ||
| TRN 110 | Introduction to Transport Technology | 2.0 |
| TRN 120 | Basic Transportation Electricity | 5.0 |
| TRN 120A | Basic Transportation Electrical Lab | 1.0 |
| TRN 170 | Pc Skills for Transportation | 2.0 |
| AUT 113 | Automotive Servicing I | 2.0 |
| ATT 115 | Green Trans Safety and Service | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Automotive Systems Technology Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2023-2024 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| TRN 110 | Introduction to Transport Technology | 2.0 |
| TRN 170 | Pc Skills for Transportation | 2.0 |
| AUT 116 | Engine Repair | 3.0 |
| AUT 116A | Engine Repair Lab | 1.0 |
| TRN 120 | Basic Transportation Electricity | 5.0 |
| TRN 120A | Basic Transportation Electrical Lab | 1.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| AUT 151 | Brake Systems | 3.0 |
| AUT 151A | Brakes Systems Lab | 1.0 |
| AUT 141 | Suspension & Steering Systems | 3.0 |
| TRN 140 | Transportation Climate Control | 2.0 |
| TRN 140A | Transportation Climate Control Lab | 2.0 |
| MAT 110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy or Quantitative Literacy or Statistical Methods I or Precalculus Algebra | 3.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C60160-20. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term III | ||
| WBL 112 | Work-Based Learning I | 2.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Term IV | ||
| AUT 181 | Engine Performance 1 | 3.0 |
| AUT 163 | Advanced Automotive Electricity | 3.0 |
| AUT 231 | Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains | 3.0 |
| COM 110 or COM 231 | Introduction to Communication or Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| WBL 122 | Work-Based Learning II | 2.0 |
| ATT 115 | Green Trans Safety and Service or Basic Welding for Transportation and Basic Welding for Transportation Lab | 2.0 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term V | ||
| AUT 183 | Engine Performance 2 | 4.0 |
| TRN 145 | Advanced Transportation Electronics | 3.0 |
| AUT 221 | Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles | 3.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| WBL 132 | Work-Based Learning III | 2.0 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 68 | |
Courses
AUT 113. Automotive Servicing I. 2.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course is a lab used as an alternative to co-op placement. Emphasis is placed on shop operations, troubleshooting, testing, adjusting, repairing, and replacing components using appropriate test equipment and service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform a variety of automotive repairs using proper service procedures and to operate appropriate equipment.
AUT 114A. Safety and Emissions Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course is an optional lab that allows students to enhance their understanding of North Carolina State Emissions Inspection failures. Topics include evaporative, positive crankcase ventilation, exhaust gas recirculation and exhaust emissions systems operation, including catalytic converter failure diagnosis. Upon completion, students should be able to employ diagnostic strategies to repair vehicle emissions failures resulting from North Carolina State Emissions inspection.
AUT 114. Safety and Emissions. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the laws, procedures, and specifications needed to perform a North Carolina State Safety and Emissions inspection. Topics include brake, steering and suspension, lighting, horn, windshield wiper, tire, mirrors, and emission control devices inspection. Upon completion, students should be able to perform complete and thorough North Carolina State Safety and Emissions inspections.
AUT 116. Engine Repair. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the theory, construction, inspection, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion engines and related systems. Topics include fundamental operating principles of engines and diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.
AUT 116A. Engine Repair Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include diagnosis, inspection, adjustment, and repair of automotive engines using appropriate service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic diagnosis, measurement and repair of automotive engines using appropriate tools, equipment, procedures, and service information.
AUT 141. Suspension & Steering Systems. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers principles of operation, types, and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.
AUT 141A. Suspension & Steering Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.
AUT 151. Brake Systems. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers principles of operation and types, diagnosis, service, and repair of brake systems. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock and parking brake systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.
AUT 151A. Brakes Systems Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum-boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock, parking brake systems and emerging brake systems technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.
AUT 163. Advanced Automotive Electricity. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers electronic theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.
AUT 181. Engine Performance 1. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the introduction, theory of operation, and basic diagnostic procedures required to restore engine performance to vehicles equipped with complex engine control systems. Topics include an overview of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.
AUT 183. Engine Performance 2. 4.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course covers study of the electronic engine control systems, the diagnostic process used to locate engine performance concerns, and procedures used to restore normal operation. Topics will include currently used fuels and fuel systems, exhaust gas analysis, emission control components and systems, OBD II (on-board diagnostics) and inter-related electrical/electronic systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair complex engine performance concerns using appropriate test equipment and service information.
AUT 212. Auto Shop Management. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the principles of management essential to decision-making, communication, authority, and leadership. Topics include shop supervision, shop organization, customer relations, cost effectiveness and work place ethics. Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic automotive shop operation from a management standpoint.
AUT 213. Automotive Servicing 2. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is a lab used as an alternative to co-op placement. Emphasis is placed on shop operations, troubleshooting, testing, adjusting, repairing, and replacing components using appropriate test equipment and service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform a variety of automotive repairs using proper service procedures and to operate appropriate equipment.
AUT 221. Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of automatic transmissions/transaxles. Topics include hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical/electronic operation of automatic drive trains and the use of appropriate service tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operational theory, diagnose and repair automatic drive trains.
AUT 221A. Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical/electronic operation of automatic drive trains and the use of appropriate service tools and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair automatic drive trains.
AUT 231A. Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains Lab. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course is an optional lab for the program that needs to meet NATEF hour standards but does not have a co-op component in the program. Topics include manual drive train diagnosis, service and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and repair manual drive trains.
AUT 231. Manual Transmissions/Transaxles/Drive Trains. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course covers the operation, diagnosis, and repair of manual transmissions/transaxles, clutches, driveshafts, axles, and final drives. Topics include theory of torque, power flow, and manual drive train servicing and repair using appropriate service information, tools, and equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operational theory, diagnose and repair manual drive trains.
AUT 281. Advanced Engine Performance. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course utilizes service information and specialized test equipment to diagnose and repair power train control systems. Topics include computerized ignition, fuel and emission systems, related diagnostic tools and equipment, data communication networks, and service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform diagnosis and repair.