Automotive Technology

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 70 credits (4 semesters)

This degree provides you with the entry-level technical skills you need to test, diagnose and repair the complex mechanical and electronic equipment found in today’s automobiles. This includes an understanding of the principles associated with engines and drive trains, brakes and alignment, steering suspension, electricity and electronic systems, HVAC systems and engine management including fuel, ignition and emission control systems.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 27 credits (2 semesters)

This certificate includes all of the classes from the General Automotive Maintenance and Repair Certificate plus an additional 12 credits taken in the second semester of the program. Students completing this certificate will have a solid foundation for gaining entry-level employment and have an understanding of basic automotive systems that include: electricity, starting and charging, brakes, steering and suspension, HVAC systems and general engine service.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 54 credits (4 semesters)

This certificate includes all of the automotive classes found in the AAS degree without any electives or general education classes. Students completing this certificate would be qualified for entry-level work in all automotive systems but would need to take additional classes to qualify for the AAS degree.

This certificate would be a good choice for students who are only interested in automotive courses and do not want to take the additional non-automotive courses that make up the degree.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 13 credits (2 semesters)

This certificate studies the operating principles and repair procedures relating to axle-shaft and universal joints, automotive differentials and four-wheel and all-wheel drive units. You'll perform minor adjustments on an automatic transmission and transaxle. You'll also learn diagnosis, principles of hydraulics, principles of electronic components, power flow, theory of operation, removal of transmission/transaxle, tear down, replacement of components, measurement and subsequent adjustment of components and replacement of transmission/transaxle.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 10 credits (1 semester)

This certificate covers the basic operation of automotive braking systems, including the operation, diagnosis and basic repair of disc brakes, drum brakes and basic hydraulic systems. You'll be prepared to work on modern automotive braking systems, including anti-lock braking systems, power assist units and machine operations.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 12 credits (1 semester)

This certificate teaches students basic electrical concepts and how to use a multimeter to measure voltage, current and resistance in a circuit. It also covers the operation and diagnosis of basic electrical circuits such as lighting, wipers, windows and power accessories. You'll also learn about the operation, testing and servicing of the vehicle battery; starting and charging systems; and the diagnosis, service, adjustments and repair of various automotive ignition systems. Typical computerized engine control systems are inspected and tested.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 16 credits (2 semesters)

This certificate provides an overview of electrical systems, general engine operation and mechanical diagnosis, ignition systems diagnosis and repair, emissions systems, fuel injection and exhaust systems. You'll use diagnostic scan tools, oscilloscopes, lab scopes, multi-meters and gas analyzers to diagnose live vehicle drivability problems.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 14 credits (2 semesters)

This certificate focuses on the removal and installation procedures of the automotive engine from and into front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles. You will disassemble, diagnose and reassemble an automotive engine. You'll also learn diagnostic and repair procedures for the engine block and head assemblies, as well as the operation, diagnosis and repair of cooling and lubrication systems.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 15 credits (1 semester)

This general certificate provides you with safety instruction in the shop and on the automobile, and an overview of automotive brakes, electrical, suspension and steering, and engine systems.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 7 credits (2 semesters)

This certificate prepares you to diagnose and service vehicle heating and air conditioning systems and their components.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 11 credits (1 semester)

This certificate introduces you to U-joint and axle shaft service, manual transmissions/transaxles and clutches, differentials and four-wheel and all-wheel-drive service.

Program Locations: Larimer, Westminster

Total Credits: 11 credits (1 semester)

This certificate program prepares you to diagnose and service suspension and steering systems and related components including electronic suspension and power steering systems. Tire mounting, balancing and wheel service is also included in this certificate.