Automotive Servicing NC III study plan

Diagram the three essentials of combustion (air, fuel, ignition/spark or compression heat) and trace how a fault in each produces a distinct driveability symptom

Build a symptom-to-system matrix covering no-start, hard-start, rough idle, misfire, overheating, and low power, listing at least three probable causes per symptom

Demonstrate a logical diagnostic sequence using the four-step method: verify the complaint, gather information, test by hypothesis, confirm the repair

Practice retrieving and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes and freeze-frame data on a scan tool or simulator, and state what each code does and does not prove

Measure and interpret battery voltage, cranking voltage drop, and parasitic draw, then decide whether each reading passes or fails against specification

Perform and record a cylinder balance or compression comparison test and explain how the results separate ignition, fuel, and mechanical faults

Trace an electrical circuit from a wiring diagram through fuse, relay, switch, and load, and predict readings at three test points

Explain how sensor inputs (crank, cam, MAP/MAF, oxygen, coolant temperature) influence fuel and spark control, and describe the default behaviour when one fails

Identify and sequence the major components and disassembly order of a gasoline and a diesel engine, noting where procedures diverge

Describe the correct measurement and inspection of cylinder bores, pistons, rings, valve seats, and valve clearance against service limits

Outline cylinder head removal, valve grind/seat replacement, and torque-to-yield head bolt tightening in the correct order and stages

Explain diesel-specific items: injector removal precautions, glow plug testing, compression testing method, and fuel system cleanliness rules

State the inspection criteria for a timing belt/chain and describe correct timing alignment before and after replacement

Measure and interpret brake component wear: pad thickness, disc thickness and runout, drum diameter, and brake fluid condition, against specification

Describe the correct procedure for hydraulic brake bleeding, including sequence, fluid type, and safety precautions for ABS-equipped vehicles

Explain the operation and testing of the main suspension and steering components (shock/strut, ball joint, tie rod end, wheel bearing, rack) and the symptom each produces

Perform or simulate a wheel alignment reading and explain how camber, caster, and toe each cause specific tyre wear patterns

Diagnose common brake complaints (pedal fade, pull, pulsation, noise) and link each to a probable cause and confirming test

Identify the internal components and power flow of a manual gearbox, automatic transmission, differential, and final drive, and state the function of each part

Describe the checks and adjustments for clutch operation (free play, release point, hydraulic actuation) and the symptoms of a worn clutch

Explain automatic transmission fluid level and condition checks, and interpret common shift complaints as hydraulic, electronic, or mechanical causes

Describe driveshaft, CV joint, and differential inspection: play, boot condition, backlash, and lubricant level

Outline the correct procedure for removing and refitting a transmission with attention to alignment, support, and fastener torque

Apply the hierarchy of hazard control to automotive shop tasks and identify the required personal protective equipment for each of five specific jobs

Explain safe handling, storage, and disposal of the shop's hazardous wastes: used oil, coolant, brake fluid, batteries, and solvents, and state the environmental rule behind each

Demonstrate correct use, inspection, and storage of hand tools and torque wrenches, and explain when a torque wrench must be recalibrated

Describe the safe setup and use of power tools and shop equipment (grinder, press, hoist, jack stands) including pre-use checks and guarding

Outline emergency response for fire, fuel spill, electrical shock, and vehicle falling from a lift

Convert between metric and imperial units for torque, pressure, length, and volume, and compute engine displacement and compression ratio from given bore, stroke, and chamber volume

Calculate electrical values using Ohm's law and power formula in three practical shop scenarios and check the answers against expected readings

Read a wiring diagram and a mechanical assembly drawing, and extract component names, connector pins, clearances, and torque values from them

Locate specified service information in a repair manual (torque table, fluid specification, diagnostic procedure, tightening sequence) and cite where each was found

Interpret a vehicle specification or data plate and explain what each field means for servicing

Write a complete repair order for a simulated job covering customer complaint in the customer's words, diagnosis, parts, labour, and final verification

Apply a quality-control check to a finished repair: verify the complaint is resolved, re-check torque and fluid levels, road test, and record the result

Explain how to communicate a diagnosis and cost estimate to a customer clearly, including how to handle a declined or additional repair

Complete a timed mixed-domain review of at least 60 practice items and list every weak area with a plan to close it before the exam

Assemble a personal reference sheet of the values, formulas, and procedures you most often got wrong during the eight weeks