MITO Light Auto L3 study guide
MITO Light Auto L3 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 3) - often shortened to MITO Light Auto L3 - is a national qualification for people building a career servicing and repairing light vehicles. It sits at Level 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and is built around on-job learning, so most candidates are employed in a workshop while they study. The MITO Light Auto L3 study guide has 6 sections and about 1,796 words.
01Workshop Safety, Tools and Environmental Procedures
Workshop safety is assessed as behaviour, not memorised slogans. Candidates must recognise hazards, select PPE, inspect hand and power tools, and control lifting, fire, chemical and waste risks.
325 words, about 2 min02Engine and Driveline Systems
A technician should understand the four-stroke cycle, air-fuel ratio, ignition or compression ignition, valve timing, lubrication and cooling. Know how intake, compression, power and exhaust events relate to camshaft and crankshaft position, and why timing belts or chains, tensioners and variable valve systems matter.
316 words, about 2 min03Transmission and Final Drive Systems
Understand how manual gearboxes use input shaft, countershaft, synchros and selector forks, and why clutch release, cable or hydraulic actuation and pedal free play matter. Automatic transmissions use a torque converter, planetary gear sets, clutches and bands, valve body and hydraulic pressure; modern units add electronic solenoids and adaptive learning.
308 words, about 2 min04Braking Systems
Know how hydraulic pressure transmits force, why pedal ratio and bore size affect feel, and how master cylinders, proportioning valves, ABS hydraulic units, calipers, pads, discs, drums and parking brakes work together. Understand brake fluid hygroscopic behaviour, boiling point, bleeding and contamination.
291 words, about 1 min05Steering and Suspension Systems
Candidates must understand steering geometry-toe, camber, caster, steering-axis inclination and thrust angle-and how each affects wear, stability and steering effort. Know common layouts: MacPherson strut, double wishbone, multi-link, live axle; springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, bushings, ball joints, tie rods and wheel bearings.
275 words, about 1 min06Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems
Understand Ohm’s law, series and parallel circuits, voltage drop, resistance and current flow. Know battery construction and testing, charging and starting systems, fuses, relays, grounds, switches and multiplexed networks.
281 words, about 1 min