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Certificate of Achievement
Automotive Technology - Safety, Comfort, and Convenience Systems

The courses listed in this certificate compile a comprehensive list of job-related skills needed to enter the automotive field. The  skills acquired during class will help one complete the ASE Certification Test in the areas of A-5 Brakes, A-6 Electrical/ Electronic Systems, and A-7 Heating & Air Conditioning.  The certificate is designed to prepare an individual for entry-level employment as an Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes Systems, and/or a Heating & Air Conditioning Service/Repair Technician.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
AUTO 103 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Undercar ServiceM3.0
Notes:
Pre-requisite to certificate courses.

AUTO 103 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Undercar Service (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This is an introductory course designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the drive train, steering, suspension, and brake systems of the 21st century automobile. Students have access to training vehicles to complete required tasks by which they learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic repair and maintenance operations. This course is required for the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. It is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 101 and AUTO 106, and is one of the three prerequisite courses for AUTO 107. Students are encouraged to complete all three courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in this subject.

AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic ProceduresM3.0
Notes:
Pre-requisite to certificate courses.

AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic Procedures (3.0 units)

Advisory:AUTO 101 or AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This introductory course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the electrical systems of the 21st century automobile. Emphasis is placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, batteries, starting, charging, ignition, and lighting systems. Students learn the proper use of automotive electrical tools and equipment and how to safely perform basic vehicle electrical repair and maintenance operations. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is required for the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. It is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 101 and AUTO 103, and is one of the three prerequisite courses for AUTO 107. Students are encouraged to complete all three courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in this subject.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
2nd Semester
AUTO 140 - Body and Chassis Electrical SystemsM4.0
AUTO 140 - Body and Chassis Electrical Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 106
Advisory:Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the 21st century automobile’s electrical system as related to the body and chassis of the vehicle. The course covers the theory of operation, operational characteristics, and methods of problem diagnostics and repair of systems including lighting; instruments; windshield wipers; power windows, seats, and mirrors; convertible tops; safety restraints; and audio, anti-theft, and supplemental restraint systems (S.R.S). This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A-6 exam and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

AUTO 240 - Heating and Air ConditioningM4.0
AUTO 240 - Heating and Air Conditioning (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers the operating principles of common automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Topics include new service equipment, contamination issues, servicing and diagnosing manual and automatic systems, retrofitting R-12 refrigeration systems to R-134a, and Air Quality Management District (A.Q.M.D.) and Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) rules. Students who take the course also have the opportunity to earn their certification license (E.P.A. Rule 1411). Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
3rd Semester
AUTO 148 - Vehicle Safety, Comfort and Convenience SystemsM3.0
AUTO 148 - Vehicle Safety, Comfort and Convenience Systems (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 106
Transfer to:CSU

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of automotive safety, comfort, and convenience systems related to the advanced drivers assistance systems (ADAS) in modern automobiles. Students learn how to use specific tools and equipment, and how to perform basic repair and maintenance operations safely. Emphasis is placed on the lane change assist, crash avoidance, adapted cruise control, camera and ultra-sonic sensors, keyless entry, supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbag, anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control, air-conditioning and heating, lighting, and theft deterrence systems. Service information systems, electrical circuits, symbols and circuit diagrams, and other, related topics are also discussed. This course requires students to have a solid background regarding the technical knowledge of basic automotive electrical and electronic systems.

AUTO 211 - Anti-lock Brakes/Traction Control SystemsM3.0
AUTO 211 - Anti-lock Brakes/Traction Control Systems (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 103
Advisory:AUTO 210
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students wanting to work in the automotive sector or automotive technicians needing to improve their skills and knowledge in modern Anti-lock and/or Traction Control systems. This course will provide instruction in automotive anti-lock brake systems, traction control systems and vehicle stabling assist (VSA), including diagnosis, operation and maintenance of ABS/ TCS/VSA. The course will include the use of scanners, DVOM meters and lab-scopes in diagnosis of various ABS/TCS/VSA systems; both 2 wheel and 4 wheel systems will be covered.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Total Units for Automotive Technology - Safety, Comfort, and Convenience Systems COA program 20.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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