Automotive Servicing NC II study plan
Automotive Servicing NC II · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Workplace communication, safety, and housekeeping & Engine mechanical and cooling system servicing
Memorize the 5S housekeeping sequence and demonstrate it by organizing a simulated workbench layout on paper with labeled tool positions
List the personal protective equipment required for engine work (gloves, goggles, safety shoes, hearing protection) and match each item to the specific hazard it controls
Trace the four-stroke cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust) and label valve position and piston direction for each stroke on a hand-drawn diagram
Identify the main engine mechanical components (cylinder head, block, pistons, rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, timing belt/chain) and state one function and one common failure mode for each
Your checkpoint
A one-page labeled engine cutaway sketch plus a 20-item component-function-failure table, self-scored at 80% or better
Engine mechanical and cooling system servicing & Use of hand tools, measuring instruments, and test equipment
Describe the cooling system flow path from water pump through block, head, thermostat, radiator, and back, and explain the role of the pressure cap and coolant expansion
Diagnose three written cooling-system scenarios (overheating at idle, coolant loss with no visible leak, heater blowing cold) and state the first two tests you would run for each
Demonstrate correct use of a micrometer and vernier caliper by recording readings from practice measurements and converting them to the nearest 0.01 mm
Explain how to perform a cylinder compression test and a cooling system pressure test, including engine temperature, throttle position, and pass/fail interpretation
Your checkpoint
A diagnostic worksheet covering the three cooling scenarios with test sequence, expected readings, and a pass/fail threshold for each
Engine lubrication and fuel system servicing & Engine mechanical and cooling system servicing
Map the lubrication circuit from oil pan through pickup, pump, filter, galleries, and drain-back, and explain what happens when the pressure relief valve sticks
Compare the properties and service intervals of conventional, semi-synthetic, and full-synthetic engine oil using the viscosity grade and API/ILSAC service category
Trace the fuel delivery path for both carbureted and electronic fuel injection systems and distinguish the function of pump, filter, regulator, injector, and return line
Perform valve clearance measurement and adjustment procedures on paper for a specified engine, listing the tools, feeler gauge steps, and torque values needed
Interpret a written oil-pressure complaint (gauge low at idle, normal at speed) and list five possible causes ranked by likelihood
Your checkpoint
A lubrication and fuel system flow diagram with a 10-question self-test on oil selection and injector diagnosis, answered at 80% or better
Electrical and electronic system servicing (charging, starting, lighting)
Explain the charging system circuit from battery through alternator, voltage regulator, and warning lamp, and state the expected charging voltage range at idle and at 2,000 rpm
Describe how to test a battery with a hydrometer and a load tester, and interpret state-of-charge and cold-cranking-amp results
Diagnose a no-crank condition by ordering the checks from battery terminals through ignition switch, starter relay, and starter solenoid
Trace a headlight and turn-signal circuit including fuse, switch, relay, and ground, and explain how to locate an open circuit with a test light or multimeter
State the safety precautions for handling batteries and alternators, including hydrogen gas, acid, and disconnecting the negative terminal first
Your checkpoint
A charging and starting system diagnostic flowchart plus a recorded practice reading set (battery voltage, cranking voltage, charging voltage) with interpretation notes
Brake system servicing & Use of hand tools, measuring instruments, and test equipment
Identify the components of drum and disc brake systems and explain the hydraulic principle of force multiplication through the master cylinder and caliper pistons
Describe the correct sequence for bleeding a brake system and explain why air in the lines causes a spongy pedal
Measure brake pad thickness and rotor thickness with a micrometer and compare results to a stated minimum specification
Diagnose three written brake complaints (pulling to one side, pulsation during braking, pedal sinking slowly) and list the likely cause and confirmatory test for each
Explain the function of the proportioning valve, residual check valve, and ABS modulator in the hydraulic circuit
Your checkpoint
A brake inspection checklist with measurement recording fields and a written diagnosis for the three brake complaints
Suspension, steering, and wheel alignment servicing & Use of hand tools, measuring instruments, and test equipment
Identify suspension and steering components (MacPherson strut, control arm, ball joint, tie rod, rack and pinion, stabilizer bar) and state the function and wear symptom of each
Explain camber, caster, and toe, and describe the handling symptom produced by a misadjustment in each angle
Describe how to check for play in a ball joint and tie rod end using a pry bar and wheel-rock test, and state the pass/fail criteria
Interpret a written tire wear pattern (inner edge wear, cupping, center wear) and match it to a likely alignment or inflation cause
Explain the purpose of wheel balancing and the difference between static and dynamic imbalance
Your checkpoint
An alignment angle reference sheet with a symptom-to-angle table and a tire wear interpretation guide, both self-tested to 80% accuracy
Transmission, clutch, and drivetrain servicing & Engine lubrication and fuel system servicing
Trace power flow through clutch, manual transmission, propeller shaft, differential, and drive axles, and explain the function of each stage
Describe how to inspect and replace a clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing, including flywheel inspection and alignment tool use
Explain the operation of an automatic transmission torque converter and planetary gear set at a conceptual level, and list the checks for fluid level and condition
Diagnose three written drivetrain complaints (clutch slip, gear whine in one gear only, vibration at speed) and list the likely cause and confirmatory test for each
State the safety precautions for working under a vehicle supported on stands, including wheel chocking and stand rating
Your checkpoint
A drivetrain power-flow diagram with a clutch service procedure checklist and written diagnoses for the three complaints
Workplace communication, safety, and housekeeping & Use of hand tools, measuring instruments, and test equipment & Engine mechanical and cooling system servicing & Engine lubrication and fuel system servicing & Electrical and electronic system servicing (charging, starting, lighting) & Brake system servicing & Suspension, steering, and wheel alignment servicing & Transmission, clutch, and drivetrain servicing
Complete two full-length timed practice sets covering all eight domains and record the score per domain
Re-study the two lowest-scoring domains by rewriting the missed concepts into a one-page summary sheet each
Rehearse the 5S and PPE routine and the safe-handling rules for batteries, brake fluid, and lifting equipment until they can be stated without notes
Review all prior deliverables and correct any errors found, noting the corrected fact beside each item
Your checkpoint
A domain score tracker from both practice sets showing improvement, plus two corrected summary sheets for the weakest domains
Milestones
Week 2: Can label every major engine mechanical and cooling component and state its function without notes, and can take a micrometer reading within 0.02 mm of the true value
Week 4: Scores 80% or better on a self-made 30-question quiz covering domains 1 through 4, with no domain below 70%
Week 6: Correctly diagnoses all six written brake and suspension complaint scenarios and explains the confirmatory test for each
Week 8: Scores 80% or better overall on both timed practice sets, with no single domain below 70% and all eight deliverables completed and corrected