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Automotive Technology

Spokane Community College’s automotive technology program is an industry leader in training technicians for successful careers in the automotive field.

In this program, you’ll learn, for example, tune-ups, brake repair, automotive electrical system repairs, Transmission Repair, Heater and A/C diagnosis and repair and so much more. Much of your learning will take place as you work on actual project cars in our fully equipped, on-campus shop. Courses prepare you for ASE certification.

Whether you want to work at a dealership, independent garage, fleet shop, specialty shop, etc., this program provides the skills needed for a broad range of opportunities in the transportation field.

  1. Understanding High Voltage Risks: Recognize the dangers associated with high-voltage systems in EVs, Hybrids, and the importance of using appropriate PPE to mitigate these risks.
  2. Safety and Compliance: Learn the safety measures and compliance requirements for performing insulation resistance tests, including proper shutdown procedures and the use of PPE.
  3. Identification and Inspection: Identify the type of battery and inspect it for any signs of damage or leakage before handling.
  4. Thermal Management: Be aware of the battery's temperature. Batteries should be kept within their recommended temperature range to avoid thermal runaway, which can lead to fires or explosions.
  5. Use Certified Equipment: Use charging equipment that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. This ensures the equipment meets safety standards.
  6. Measuring Insulation Resistance:  Learn how to measure the insulation resistance of high-voltage components in hybrid and EVs to ensure they are properly insulated and safe to operate.
  7. Understanding Low-Resistance Measurements: Learn how to measure very low resistances accurately, which is crucial for diagnosing the integrity of electrical connections and components in hybrid and EV systems.
  8. Diagnosing Motor Windings and Generator windings: Gain the ability to test the resistance of motor windings in hybrid and EV drive motors, identifying potential issues such as short circuits or open circuits.
  9. Interpreting Results: Develop skills to interpret milliohm meter readings to determine the health of electrical components, ensuring they meet manufacturer specifications.
  10. Energy Recovery Principles: Understand the fundamental principles of regenerative braking, including how kinetic energy is converted back into electrical energy and stored in the vehicle's battery

These courses are perfect for those who are curious about electric and hybrid vehicles but aren't sure where to start. It covers a range of basic essential topics, including:

  • Fundamentals of Electrical Laws: Refresh your understanding of Ohm's Law and Watt's Law.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Learn how to use and test PPE effectively.
  • Motor and Generator Basics: Gain a basic understanding of motors and generators, including testing procedures.
  • Power Factor: Understand power factor and its impact on vehicle range.
  • Battery Disassembly and Testing: Disassemble a Prius battery, perform load tests on multiple blocks, conduct power tests, and analyze the results. Learn how to configure, charge, retest, and evaluate each battery stick.
  • Transmission Disassembly: Disassemble a transmission, describe its functions, and test the motor and generator to ensure proper operation.
  • Mathematical Equations: Apply basic mathematical equations related to AC power.
  • EV Power Flow. Set the parameters on an EV vehicle and visually see the power flow of the circuit from Charging the battery, to acceleration to regenerative braking.
These courses will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and work with electric and hybrid vehicles.

Automotive Technology students must enroll in and attend the full quarter to obtain any certificate(s) for the quarter. The certificate(s) option is offered only if space is available and priority for space is given to students seeking the two-year AAS degree. 

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Total Program Credits: 12


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AUTO 215
Introduction to Hybrid and Electrified Vehicles (EV)  
10
AUTO 216
Introduction to Hybrid & Electrified Vehicles (EV) Diagnosis  
2
Total Credits
 
12

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 1,450
$ 1,926
$ 3,540
Books
$ 0
$ 0
$ 0
Course Fees
$ 0
$ 0
$ 0
Institutional Fees
$ 112
$ 112
$ 532
Total Costs
$ 1,562
$ 2,038
$ 4,072

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

Have a question? Let's hear it.

Kira Fredricks

Pathway Specialist

Corinna Donnerberg

Academic Counseling Liaison

Alaynah Hardesty

Workforce Transition Specialist
Alaynah.Hardesty@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7398

Jeff Coffee

Program Lead

Steve Mack

Department Chair

Rob Deyo

IBEST Instructor
Rob.Deyo@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8262

Michelle Grover

APLED Department Chair
Michelle.Grover@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7191