College Catalog

Students develop the skills necessary to repair and maintain diesel-powered highway, industrial, and marine vehicles and equipment. Advanced diesel maintenance techniques and principles are applied in diagnosing malfunctions and prescribing corrective action. The course work emphasizes diesel service management, as well as the theory and skills of refrigeration, electronic and mechanical fuel injection, chassis maintenance, vehicle inspection, tune-up, engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake service, and handling hazardous waste. The curriculum provides exposure to all facets of the industry with specific emphasis on problem solving and transferability of skills. Graduates are prepared to take the Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection examinations, National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE) examinations in heavy truck mechanics, Stationary Refrigeration exam (608), Motor Vehicle Air-conditioning exam (609), Allison Transmission certification, and Level I Eaton Hybrid certification.

Career Opportunities

Heavy duty truck technician for truck dealership, independent garage, truck fleet, leasing company or contractor; the natural gas industry; technical service representative for diesel engine manufacturer or distributor; and diesel service occupations such as service writer, warranty writer, parts manager, service manager, transport refrigeration technician, and automated driveline and fuel system specialist.

Recommended High School Subjects

Four years of English, two years of algebra, and two years of science.

Special Equipment Needs

See the Tool List for this major.

Remediation Strategies

All students must remediate by end of the first year. The order of remediation will be math, reading, and English.

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• practice approved safety procedures in various work situations.
• read and interpret vehicle and component service manuals and write clear, accurate, and complete service reports.
• diagnose and repair mechanical and electronic fuel injection malfunctions.
• demonstrate the correct use of basic hand tools, special tools, and testing equipment.
• perform vehicle safety inspections as required by state and federal laws.
• overhaul and tune up diesel engines.
• test, adjust, and align truck suspension systems.
• diagnose and repair common malfunctions to brakes, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
• interpret schematics and wiring diagrams, test starting, charging, lighting, and accessory systems.
• understand the potential health and safety hazards in the work place and how to properly document and perform corrective action.
• apply basic electronic principles to engine control and data storage.

Curriculum

Accreditation

Accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).