Punjab PSEB Sr. Sec. NSQF Automotive (Four Wheel Service Technician) study plan

Sketch and label the four-stroke cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust) for both petrol and diesel engines, stating valve positions and piston direction at each stroke.

Identify on a real or diagrammed engine the major components: cylinder block, head, piston, rings, connecting rod, crankshaft, camshaft, flywheel, and timing drive, and state the function of each in one sentence.

Explain valve timing and valve clearance, and describe the effect of incorrect clearance on compression and noise.

List workshop safety rules for engine work: isolation of ignition/battery, hot-surface and rotating-part hazards, correct lifting of heavy components, and safe handling of coolants and oils.

Demonstrate correct use of a torque wrench and describe why torque sequences and torque-to-yield bolts matter on cylinder heads.

Describe the lubrication and cooling systems circuit by circuit: oil pump, filter, galleries, sump, water pump, thermostat, radiator, and fan, and state the failure symptom of each.

Measure cylinder bore, piston diameter, and ring end gap using a bore gauge, micrometer, and feeler gauge, and record readings against a specification.

Perform and record a compression test and a cylinder leakage test, and interpret the results to name likely faults.

Explain the construction and operation of the fuel and air path on a petrol engine: air filter, throttle body, intake manifold, injector, and exhaust manifold.

Service a cooling system: pressure-test for leaks, test a thermostat, and bleed air from the system.

Explain the basics of vehicle electrical circuits: voltage, current, resistance, series and parallel circuits, and apply Ohm's law to a simple lamp circuit.

Use a digital multimeter to measure voltage, resistance, current, and continuity on a live 12 V circuit, and state which measurement mode is unsafe to apply where.

Trace a battery-to-load circuit through fuses, relays, switches, and earth points, and diagnose an open circuit and a short circuit.

Describe the construction, rating, testing, and charging procedure of a lead-acid battery, including safety precautions for acid and hydrogen gas.

Explain the operating principle and testing of a starter motor and an alternator, and state the charging-system voltage a healthy alternator should produce.

Explain ignition system operation from coil to spark plug, and describe how to test a spark plug, ignition coil, and crank position sensor.

Describe the function of common sensors (MAP, MAF, coolant temperature, oxygen, throttle position) and predict what a driver would notice if each failed.

Explain the three-way catalytic converter, EGR, PCV, and evaporative emission control systems, and state the pollutant each controls.

Outline the legal emission standards and the purpose of a periodic emission test for petrol and diesel vehicles, and list common causes of a failed test.

Compare petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG, and electric powertrains for fuel delivery, emissions, and servicing implications.

Describe the construction and operation of a single-plate dry clutch and list the symptoms of a worn release bearing, worn friction plate, and faulty cable or hydraulic actuation.

Explain the purpose of each gear in a manual gearbox, the role of synchromesh, and the function of the final drive and differential.

Inspect and service a driveshaft and CV joint: check boots, grease, and play, and identify the noise signature of a worn CV joint.

Identify suspension types (MacPherson strut, double wishbone, leaf spring, torsion bar) and inspect shock absorbers, springs, and bushes for wear.

Explain steering geometry: camber, caster, toe, steering axis inclination, and the effect of each on tyre wear and handling.

Describe hydraulic braking system components (master cylinder, wheel cylinder, caliper, proportioning valve, brake fluid) and explain bleeding procedure and fluid hygroscopy.

Inspect brake pads, discs, drums, and shoes for wear against limits, and measure disc thickness and runout.

Explain ABS operation and describe how to read an ABS warning lamp and test a wheel speed sensor.

Explain tyre construction, size markings, load and speed ratings, tread depth limits, and the causes of uneven tread wear.

Perform a wheel alignment reading and interpret camber, caster, and toe values against specification, and describe wheel balancing and its symptoms.

Build a periodic maintenance schedule for a typical four-wheel vehicle covering daily checks, and services at 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 km intervals.

Perform a systematic pre-service and post-service vehicle inspection and record findings on a standard job card.

Apply a structured diagnostic method: confirm the complaint, gather symptoms, form a hypothesis, test, and verify the repair.

Diagnose three simulated faults (no-start, overheating, brake noise) using the structured method and write the reasoning chain for each.

Describe safe disposal of used oil, coolant, batteries, and tyres, and the environmental and legal responsibilities of a workshop.

Revise all nine domains using the fault-to-symptom table, measurement records, and case write-ups produced in earlier weeks.

Take two full-length timed mock tests and score each domain separately to identify weak areas.

Re-study the two weakest domains and re-test only those areas until scores improve.

Recite safety rules, tool names and uses, and key specification terms from memory without notes.

Practise explaining five common faults aloud in exam-style answers within time limits.