Associate in Applied Science
Automotive Technology
The purpose of the Automotive Technology program is to train students for employment in automotive service and repair. The laboratory phase of courses uses modern tools and equipment while performing actual “live” service and repairs on automobiles. The classroom phase includes discussion of principles on the operation of automotive systems and components, demonstration of repair techniques, textbook assignments, and quizzes. Basic mechanic hand tools, supplies, books, and working clothes are required for enrollment. A tool list is available from the instructor.
The Automotive Technology program prerequisite requires placement at English 22 or higher, or consent of instructor, for all Automotive Technology courses except AMT 80 and AMT 100. Students must maintain a valid driver’s license throughout the duration of the Automotive course of study.
The Automotive Technology program offers two different pathways towards certificates and degrees, Automotive Technology (AMT) and Auto Body Repair and Painting (ABRP).
The Automotive Technology program curriculum is aligned with the accrediting bodies of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Graduates are eligible to take the ASE Certification test. The State of Hawaiʻi requires both the repair shop and the mechanic to be licensed. Additional requirements for automotive technicians include two years of on-the-job training or one year of on-the-job training and a two-year degree in automotive repair to qualify for certification. State certification information can be found at the ASE certification site: https://ase.com/ase-certification-tests
Call the Program Coordinator, Lawrence Martinson, at (808) 984-3678 or by emailing lkmartin@hawaii.edu for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Diagnose, service, and repair the electrical system.
- Diagnose, service, and repair the fuel system.
- Diagnose, service, and repair the emission system.
- Diagnose, service, and repair the ignition system.
- Diagnose, service and repair the heating and air conditioning system.
- Diagnose, service, and repair the steering and suspension system.
- To be able to write customer repair orders and estimates.
- To be able to orally communicate, to customer, management, parts person and other technicians.
- To be able to use computer to retrieve information for repairs and estimates.
- To be able to write resumes and be able to use job interview techniques.
Degrees and Certificates
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Automotive Technology (AAS), -
Automotive Technology - Auto Body Repair and Painting Concentration (AAS), Associate in Applied Science -
Automotive Technology (CA), Certificate of Achievement -
Automotive Technology - Auto Body Repair and Painting (CA), Certificate of Achievement -
Automotive Technology (CO), Certificate of Competence
Course Descriptions
AMT 80: Small Engine Repair
Explores the theory and practice in the operation, repair, and maintenance of small displacement internal combustion engines including two-cycle and four-cycle types found on single cylinder lawn mowers, power plants, garden tillers, and chain saws.
AMT 100: Introduction to Automotive Technology
Introduces principles for the operation of automotive systems. Explains the selection and use of basic automotive tools, equipment, and procedures for the preventive maintenance and minor repair service. Includes lectures, demonstrations, and lab work on shop training units and “live” service vehicles. (Formerly AMT 20)
Recommended Prep
Placement at ENG 21 or higher.
Prerequisites
Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies, or consent.
AMT 129: Engines Repair
Covers shop safety, tools, and all components found in the modern internal combustion engine. Designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental operation and construction of internal combustion engines. Instruction includes theory and laboratory(shop) activities in which students learn how to inspect, service, maintain, diagnose, and repair automobile engine malfunctions. This course includes live work. Students are required to have a valid driver's license. (Formerly AMT 30)
Recommended Prep
At least 10th grade reading skill.
Prerequisites
AMT 100 and AMT 141, both with grade C or better; and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 141: Electrical/Electronics Systems I
Examines principles of operation, diagnosis, service and repair of the electrical/ electronic system. Covers the electron theory, circuits and schematics, batteries, starting and charging system. Explains use of automotive tools and testing equipment. (Formerly AMT 40C)
Prerequisites
AMT 100 with grade C or better(or concurrent), and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 144: Heating and Air Conditioning
This course provides an understanding of the theory, diagnosis, service, safety handling of refrigerant and repair of automotive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The course presents the operation and function of vacuum, electrical, refrigeration circuits, and computer controls. Training is provided on the use of tools and equipment while performing diagnostics, repairs, and service on HVAC systems. (Formerly AMT 43)
Prerequisites
AMT 100 with grade C or better, and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 145: Manual Drive Trains and Axles
Examines principles of operation, diagnosis, and repair of standard transmissions and transaxles, clutches, drive shafts, and drive axles. Explains use of automotive tools and testing equipment. (Formerly AMT 46)
Recommended Prep
At least 10th grade reading skill, or consent.
Prerequisites
AMT 100 with grade C or better(or concurrent), and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 149: Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
Examines principles of operation, diagnosis, and repair of automatic transmissions and transaxles. Explains use of automotive tools and testing equipment.
(Formerly AMT 50)
Recommended Prep
At least 10th grade reading skill, or consent.
Prerequisites
AMT 241 with grade C or better(or concurrent), and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 152: Brake Systems
Examines principles of operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of drum, disc, and power brake systems. Explains use of automotive tools and testing equipment. (Formerly AMT 53)
Recommended Prep
At least 10th grade reading skill, or consent.
Prerequisites
AMT 100 with grade C or better(or concurrent), and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 154: Suspension and Steering Systems
Examines principles of operation, theory, design, and repair of standard and power steering systems, front and rear suspension, tires, wheels, alignment, and balancing. Explains use of automotive tools and testing equipment. (Formerly AMT 55)
Recommended Prep
At least 10th grade reading skill, or consent.
Prerequisites
AMT 100 with grade C or better(or concurrent), and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 240: Fuel & Emission Systems
Examines principles of operation, diagnosis, and repair of fuel systems and emission systems. Explains fuel injection, direct injection supercharging, turbocharging, fuel pumps, electronic control systems, and emission controls. Explains use of automotive tools and testing equipment. (Formerly AMT 40B)
Recommended Prep
ENG 21; and QM 107C or MATH 100 or higher.
Prerequisites
AMT 241 with grade C or better, or consent.
AMT 241: Electrical/Electronics Systems II
This course covers essential theories and practical skills in diagnosing and repairing automotive accessory circuits such as power windows, power door locks, power antennas, power mirrors, audio systems, anti-theft systems, power seats, horns, blower fan, and wiper/washer. Also covered are conventional instrumentation, digital instrumentation, and supplemental inflatable restraint (SRS). (Formerly AMT 41C)
Recommended Prep
At least 10th grade reading skill, or consent.
Prerequisites
AMT 141 with grade C or better, and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 246: Ignition Systems
Examines principles of operation, diagnosis, service, and repair of the ignition and computer systems. Explains the use of automotive tools and equipment.
(Formerly AMT 40G)
Recommended Prep
At least 10th grade reading skill; or consent.
Prerequisites
AMT 241 with grade C or better, and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 250: Engine Performance
Provide students with an introduction to the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Engine Performance Test (A6). This course is designed to provide the student with the ability to retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes, diagnose drivability concerns and make the necessary repairs. Course content includes diagnostic and repair strategies in Electrical and Electronic Systems, Engine Performance and Emissions systems. This course is also intended for the student as a test preparation course for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6 and A8 certification exams. The simulator training will be based on the "Composite Vehicle" by the use of simulator boards and computer-based training methods prior to live vehicle work. This is an introductory study of computerized engine controls and diagnosis as it pertains to the function and control of the engine, fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. Emphasis will be placed on system components and their operational characteristics. Basic troubleshooting techniques of the engine, fuel, ignition, and emission control systems will be demonstrated. (Previously AMT 240 and AMT 246.)
Recommended Prep
At least 10th grade reading skill.
Prerequisites
AMT 100, AMT 129 (or concurrent), and AMT 141 (or concurrent), all with grade C or better; and ENG 19 with grade C or better, or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout the duration of the automotive course of studies.
AMT 262: Advanced Diagnostic and Repair
Applies diagnostic skills and techniques in advanced automotive mechanics technology with emphasis on realism in lab and shop operations. Includes students being prepared to take the ASE certification exam in the following areas: suspension and steering, electrical/electronics, engine performance, automatic transmission/ transaxle, manual drive train and axles, brakes, heating and air conditioning, and engine repair. (Formerly AMT 60)
Prerequisites
AMT 100, 129, 141, 144(or concurrent), 145, 149, 152, 154, 240, 241, and 246, all with grade C or better; and ENG 19 with grade C or better or placement at least ENG 22, or consent. Student must maintain a valid Driver’s license throughout duration of the automotive course of studies.