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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. Describe how an automotive heating, ventilation, and air-conditions system works.
  2. Discuss the refrigerants used and their impact on the environment.
  3. Explain airflow management and sensors and actuators used.
  4. Comprehend the refrigerant recycle importance and effects on the environment.
  5. Discuss engine constructions, energy and power of an engine.
  6. Discuss compression ratio, torque and horsepower.
  7. Discuss synthetic engine oils and their advantages.
  8. Discuss hybrids engine precautions.
  9. Learn theory and principles of computerized engine controls, automotive exhaust emissions, and fuel injection and ignition systems.
  10. Working knowledge of the brake system and component identification.
  11. Basic knowledge of the diagnostic process of the brak system.
  12. Working knowledge of the suspension system and component identification.
  13. Working knowledge of the alignment equipment and basic adjustments.
  14. Principles of late model automatic transmissions, transaxles and sub-assemblies.
  15. Operation of automotive manual transmissions and transaxles, differential, transfer case, drive line, and constant velocity joints.
  16. Diagnose and repair automotive electrical and electronic systems to industry standards (*ASE/NATEF).
  17. Use multi-meters, scopes, test lights, etc. properly to perform repairs and diagnostics.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

The Automotive Technology program prepares students for employment in many areas of the automotive field including dealerships, independent garages, fleet shops, service stations and specialty shops which cover areas such as tune-ups and brakes. Students may enter the program only in the first quarter. The one-year certificate requires completion of any three quarters of the Automotive Technology program and the four related classes identified in footnote 1 of the Automotive Technology AAS degree. This flexible schedule also enables students to receive short-term certificates while pursuing their degree. Students must complete all courses with a 2.0 grade or better before advancing to subsequent quarters.

Automotive Technology students must enroll in and attend the full quarter in order 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. 

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 8


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
AUTO 129
Theory of Manual Drive Train/Transmissions  
5
AUTO 130
Application of Manual Drive Train/Transmission  
3
Total Credits
 
8

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 1,021
$ 1,471
$ 2,625
Books
$ 0
$ 0
$ 0
Course Fees
$ 57
$ 57
$ 57
Institutional Fees
$ 104
$ 104
$ 524
Total Costs
$ 1,182
$ 1,633
$ 3,207

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.

Alaynah Hardesty

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

 

Ashley Purdin

Division Dean
Ashley.Purdin@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7065

 

Brandon Livingston

Associate Division Dean
Brandon.Livingston@scc.spokane.edu
509-992-7023

 

Corinna Donnerberg

Academic Counseling Liaison
Corinna.Donnerberg@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8037

 

Kira Fredricks

Pathway Specialist
Kira.Fredricks@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8306

 

Paul Petretee

Department Chair
Paul.Petretee@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7097

 

Stacey Rogers

Department Chair
Stacey.Rogers@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7103