About the Program
The Butte College Automotive Technology program is an ASE/NATEF certified school and is designed to prepare students for employment as automotive technicians in both dealerships and independent garages. All automotive classes are offered at the Skyway Center in Chico. The Skyway Center is a modern facility and completely outfitted with the power and hand tools needed to hone the student's skills. The goal of the department is to train highly-skilled entry-level technicians with work habits that will make them successful. The Automotive Department has partnered with American Honda and Subaru. This allows for make specific training and certification via the PACT Program (Honda and Acura) and Subaru.
Automotive career opportunities are offered nation wide along with paid internships for Honda PACT students. Help with job placement is available for successful students. For Career information please refer to our website: www.butte.edu/departments/careertech/automotive
Program Requirements
For current program requirements -> 2024-2025
Program Goal: Career
GE Pattern(s): Butte Local
Program Code: 01323.00AS
Program Learning Outcome(s):
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
Explain the principles of operation and maintenance required to repair all systems of the modern automobile.
Safely and correctly maintain, diagnose and repair specific areas of the vehicle.
Unit(s): 5.50
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
68.00 hours Lecture
/ 76.50 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 144.50
This course teaches students the fundamentals of electricity and electronics, including semi-conductors and microcomputers, as they are used in the automotive industry. Electrical measuring devices, wire repair, circuits, schematics and practical diagnostic procedures are emphasized. Microcomputer inputs, processing, outputs, testing, and operation will be explained. Students will acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills to diagnose and service modern automotive electrical and electronic systems.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 7
Unit(s): 2.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
35.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 35.00
This course introduces the theory, operation, and repair in the areas of electrical/electronics systems. Battery function and diagnosis including hybrid vehicle battery function and charging are covered. Topics also include vehicle lighting systems, starting and charging systems, and the electrical accessories that function in a modern vehicle.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 6
Unit(s): 2.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 105.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 105.00
In this course students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills needed to repair automotive electrical/electronics systems. Topics include verification, diagnosis and repair of vehicle charging and starting systems, lighting systems, and electrical accessories, including hybrid vehicles.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 9
Unit(s): 2.50
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
45.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 45.00
This course covers the operation, design, construction, fault diagnosis, service and repair procedures of the internal combustion engine.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 8
Unit(s): 2.50
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 135.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 135.00
In this course students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills needed to repair the internal combustion engine and related components. Students will learn the proper use of hand and power tools and test equipment used in the automotive industry.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 21
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
50.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 50.00
This course introduces the theory, operation, and repair in the areas of base brake systems, anti-lock brake systems, and steering and suspension systems. Topics include: the application of Pascal's Law, disk brake systems and their related components, drum brake systems, anti-lock brake system operation and repair, suspension system operation and repair including electronic suspension and steering systems.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 20
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 150.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 150.00
In this course students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills needed to verify, diagnose and repair vehicle systems, sub systems, and components. Topics include: brake systems including both drum and disc brake systems, Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS), steering and suspension systems, and electronic steering and suspension systems.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 23
Unit(s): 2.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
40.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 40.00
In this course students study the theory and principles of operation of automotive Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as engine cooling system operation and repair. Basic laws of heat transfer, refrigeration and compression/expansion of liquid/vapor are introduced.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 22
Unit(s): 2.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 120.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 120.00
In this course students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills required to diagnose, adjust, repair and maintain modern automotive Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and engine cooling systems. Students will use modern test equipment for diagnosis. Specific skills are developed by the use of special tools used in servicing and repair of automotive HVAC and engine cooling systems.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 53
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
50.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 50.00
This course provides theory and principles of operation in automatic transmissions/transaxles, to include diagnostic, testing and repair of each system.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 52
Unit(s): 3.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 150.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 150.00
This course enhances skills in diagnosing, testing, and repair procedures of automotive transmissions/transaxles, drive lines and axles. Shop practice includes diagnostics, testing, and repairing of each system.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 57
Unit(s): 2.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
35.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 35.00
This course provides theory and principles of operation in automotive manual transmissions/transaxles, drive lines and axles. Shop practice includes diagnostics, testing, and repairing of each system.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 56
Unit(s): 2.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 105.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 105.00
This course provides theory and principles of operation in manual transmissions and transaxles, front and rear axles, drive lines and transfer cases. Shop practice includes diagnostics, testing, and repairing of each system.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 31
Unit(s): 5.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
85.00 hours Lecture
Total Course Hours: 85.00
This course introduces the theory, operation, and repair of the ignition, fuel, engine management, and emission control systems. This course is designed to help prepare the student to take the California State Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Licensing exams.
Prerequisite(s): AUT 41 (or concurrent enrollment)
Corequisite(s): AUT 30
Unit(s): 5.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 1
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
0.00 hours Lecture
/ 255.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 255.00
In this course, students will develop and demonstrate the hands-on skills needed to diagnose and repair the ignition, fuel, engine management, and emission control systems used in today's vehicles. The student will also perform various emission control inspections (Smog Check) and perform diagnosis and repair of Smog Check failures, as per California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) standards. This instruction will help prepare the student to take the California State Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Licensing Exams.
Unit(s): 4.00
Recommended Prep: AUT 41
Transfer Status: CSU
Contact Hours:
34.00 hours Lecture
/ 102.00 hours Lab
Total Course Hours: 136.00
This course covers the theory of operation and service of alternative fuel and hybrid powered cars and light trucks. Topics include fuel tank and battery inspection service, regenerative braking systems, motor/generator and transmission, and fuel cell technologies. Emphasis is placed on safety precautions necessary when servicing hybrid and alternative fueled vehicles. Students will be working on and around the high voltage electrical system on hybrid vehicles. Due to the potential for electrical shock, students must demonstrate an understanding of electrical theory and safety by successfully passing the AUT 60 entrance exam with a score of 70% or more on the first day of class. Students who do not pass the AUT 60 entrance exam will be disenrolled from the course.
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Contacts
Rob Holt, Chair
(530) 895-2549
Department Office: SC 115 (530) 895-2549
(530) 895-2549
Counseling and Advising:
(530) 895-2378
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