The demand for good automotive technicians is increasing as automobiles become technologically advanced. During this 18 month Automotive Service Excellence certified program students are trained to service and repair domestic, foreign, old, new, simple, and complex vehicles. Second year students are instructed on employability skills that involve computer word processing. Students also learn on the same equipment used in the work force.

Students have the option of working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. Salina Tech has articulation agreements with several degree granting institutions.

AUT 105 Automatic Transmission / Transaxle
Students will learn to diagnose, remove, disassemble, inspect and determine needed parts or repair, and reassemble and then install automatic transmissions and transaxles. Theory of hydraulic systems and power flow are part of the instruction. Torque converters and clutch materials and operation along with all other aspects of modern automobile automatic transmissions/transaxles are well covered in this course. Each student will be given the opportunity to practice skills taught in an actual automotive shop setting.

AUT 106 Engine Repair
This course uses the information taught in the engine fundamentals course and goes into the diagnosis, measuring and reconditioning of internal engine parts. Students will be involved in "hands on" projects or exercises to practice the skills taught. Domestic and imported car and light truck internal combustion engines of all kinds are part of the instruction.

AUT 107 Manual Transmission / Transaxle
Manual transmission/transaxle theory and operation is covered along with diagnosis, removal, disassembly, inspection, reassembly, adjustment and installation. Clutch theory diagnosis and repair are taught in this course also. Students will practice their skills and prove their ability in the shop on actual automobiles.

First Year/Second Semester
AUT 108 Automotive Heating / Air Conditioning
Diagnosis and repair of any automotive heating or air conditioning problem is covered in this course. Students are taught theory of A/C and heater systems in addition to chemical handling and component diagnosis and replacement. All students will practice using the equipment involved and practice in an actual shop setting.

AUT 101 Brakes
Theory and operation of modern automobile braking systems are covered in this course. Hydraulics, disc and drum brake diagnosis and overhaul, power systems and antilock systems are all included in the instruction. Students will apply the skills learned with "hands on" practice in the shop.

AUT 215 Transfer Case/Driveline
This course covers the rest of the driveline beyond the transmission. It includes drive shaft/U-joint diagnosis and repair. Front wheel drive axles, joints and differential theory, diagnosis and repair, and transfer case theory are also part of the instruction. Students will work on projects in the shop on actual cars involving all of these areas.

AUT 235 Employment/ASE Testing
Students will learn job-seeking skills such as developing a resume, job interview skills, and the expectations an employer would require of a good employee. They also will learn about the ASE certification process and do practice tests for the ASE exam.

Second Year/First Semester
AUT 102 Basic Electricity / Electronic Systems
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of electricity and will advance that learning to apply it to automotive electrical systems. Basic testing of electrical circuits will be a part of this course.

AUT 103 Basic Engine Performance
In this course students will be taught about the external components that are required for an engine to operate. These would include fuel delivery systems and ignition systems. Students will begin with older simpler systems, tuning and repairing, and advance to more complex and modern ignition and fuel systems.

AUT 202 Advanced Electricity / Electronic Systems
This course is a continuation of the Basic Automotive Electrical course. In it the students will become more involved in the major electrical devices of a car. Those would include starters, generators (alternators), and batteries.

AUT 203 Advanced Engine Performance
Students will use their Engine Performance skills and advance them to learn about fuel injection systems, advanced ignition systems, emissions systems and OBD II (on board diagnostics second generation) electronic engine controls. The students will use their shop time diagnosing and repairing the most modern and complex electronic engine controls systems.

Second Year/Second Semester
AUT 104 Steering & Suspension
This course is a thorough study of modern automobile suspension systems. Students will learn about springs, shock absorbers and all the other components related to the suspension system. Diagnosis and repair of vehicles in the shop will be part of the curriculum.

AUT 222 Alignment Technology
Students will learn the science of automotive alignment angles. Modern automobiles have more complex suspension systems than ever before. In this course students will learn about these systems, perform 4-wheel alignments, and make adjustments to compensate for various condition

AUT 312 Automotive Electronics
This is the third course of the series on electrical systems. In it students will become involved in the electronics systems of the automobile. They will learn about the various diagnostic tools and procedures for modern powertrain systems. Students will be involved in the diagnosis and repair of automotive electronic and electrical systems in their shop exercises.

AUT 314 Automotive Body Electronics
As more complex automotive electronic systems have evolved, this fourth course has been implemented to meet the need for education on body electronics. Systems that are covered in this course are body computers, electronic suspension controls, safety systems such as anti-lock brakes and air bag systems, and entertainment electronics.

Career Opportunities & Placement
Each student who completes a program will be assisted by the department instructors in securing desirable, entry level employment. While Salina Tech graduates have historically enjoyed a high rate of placement, the school makes no guarantees regarding career placement. Career opportunities include:

• General Mechanic   
• Front End Specialist      
• Transmission Specialist
• Parts Person         

Salina Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, handicap, and veteran status on admissions, educational programs, and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972.