Automotive Technology
Dutchess BOCES offers a career pathway to become an automotive technician. This consists of both instruction and hands-on learning. The Automotive Technology career pathway is broken into three separate modules:
- Auto 1: Basic Systems
- Auto 2: Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
- Auto 3 : Advanced Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Module 1 is a prerequisite for module 2 and 3.
Automotive Technology 1: Basic Systems
Students will learn beginning techniques in auto maintenance and repair. This includes engine theory and operation, brakes, alignment, transmissions, inspections, charging, fuel, ignitions, heating and cooling, and more. Safety glasses will be provided.
Automotive Technology 2: Diagnosing/Troubleshooting for Basic Systems
This is the second course in a series of automotive courses. This class reviews the basic systems taught in "Automotive Technology 1: Basic Automotive Systems," and introduces system repairs. Participants will be provided with opportunities to practice problem solving protocols to troubleshoot and repair systems, bringing them back to working order. After a review of basic shop safety and tools, participants will learn about engine design and classification, then begin system design, testing and repair for multiple systems. The class will progress to electric principles, including wiring diagrams, repairs and tools, then proceed to computer system fundamentals and end with fuel system fundamentals. Students will be required to participate in both theory and lab work. Students are required to wear appropriate clothing and shoes in the shop.
Pre-requisite: This course is open to students who have previously taken and successfully passed "Automotive Technology 1," or with the instructor’s permission.
Automotive Technology 3:
In this course, students will learn the principles of electricity and how it applies to automotive technology. Students will perform electrical operations and repairs and will be required to perform electrical performance exams to demonstrate an understanding of the principles and operations. Operations include, but are not limited to: Ohms Law, Series and Parallel Circuits, Amperage, Voltage, and Wattage. Students will also be required to operate a DVOM, understand its functionality as well as how it applies to automotive technology, and use it for diagnostic purposes.
Students will also be instructed on further automotive system diagnostics. They will understand the proper diagnostic steps, including what to ask clients when determining a customer concern and what steps to take to perform ‘Fix It Right the First Time’ repairs. Students will be educated on their overall presentation, resume building, and submissions to mannerisms within a professional shop environment. Students will also be instructed on the diagnosis of vehicle system warning lights, and how and what steps are necessary, in proper order to resolve them.
Students will perform various tasks that the instructor will set forth including diagnosis of purposely placed “bugs” as well as identifying the Condition, Cause, and Correction of vehicle concerns.
To register or for more information about our Automotive Program, please contact a Career Counselor at 845-486-4800, ext. 6130 or email ali@dcboces.org