The wiring, electronics, and control systems of a vehicle, including the battery, alternator, and starter.
Electrical fundamentals: The basics of electricity, including volts, amps, resistance, and power.
Circuit theory: Understanding circuit diagrams, circuit analysis, and circuit components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
Ohm’s Law: A simple equation that describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit.
Electrical safety: Understanding the dangers of electrical shock and how to safely work with electrical systems.
Wiring diagrams: Understanding the symbols and layout of wiring diagrams for automotive electrical systems.
Batteries: How automotive batteries work, their capacity, and how to test and replace them.
Charging systems: How alternators work, their components, and how to diagnose and repair faults.
Starting systems: How starters work, their components, and how to diagnose and repair faults.
Ignition systems: The different types of ignition systems used in automotive engines, including distributor and distributorless systems.
Lighting systems: Understanding the different types of lighting used in vehicles, including headlights, taillights, and interior lighting.
Sensors and actuators: How sensors and actuators work in automotive systems, including their function, operation, and common faults.
On-board diagnostics (OBD): Understanding the OBD system used in modern vehicles and how to use diagnostic equipment to diagnose faults.
Wiring repairs: How to diagnose, repair, and replace damaged wiring in automotive electrical systems.
Power distribution: How power is distributed throughout a vehicle’s electrical system, including fuses, relays, and switches.
Accessories: Understanding the different accessories that can be added to a vehicle’s electrical system, such as audio systems, alarms, and GPS tracking devices.
Starting and charging systems: These systems consist of a battery, alternator, starter motor, and related wiring and connectors. The battery supplies power to start the vehicle and the alternator maintains the battery's charge while the vehicle is running.
Lighting systems: These systems include headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights and interior lighting. These systems are powered by the battery and controlled by switches and relays.
Ignition systems: These systems provide high voltage electrical current to the spark plugs, which ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. The ignition system typically consists of a distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, and related wiring and connectors.
Fuel injection systems: These systems deliver precise amounts of fuel to the engine based on sensor inputs such as air flow, temperature, and throttle position. The most common types of fuel injection systems are throttle body injection, port fuel injection, and direct injection.
Emissions control systems: These systems reduce the amount of pollutants emitted by the engine by using sensors and actuators to control fuel injection, ignition timing, and exhaust gas recirculation.
Climate control systems: These systems regulate the temperature inside the vehicle and include air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems.
Audio and entertainment systems: These systems include car stereos, speakers, amplifiers, and video displays.
Navigation and telematics systems: These systems provide real-time traffic data, GPS navigation, and connectivity to mobile devices.
Safety systems: These systems include airbags, anti-lock braking systems, traction control, and stability control. These systems use sensors and electronic control units to anticipate and mitigate potential safety hazards.
Engine management systems: These systems control various aspects of the engine's operation, including fuel delivery, ignition timing, and emissions. Engine management systems are typically controlled by an onboard computer (ECU) and various sensors placed throughout the engine.