Automotive Technology

About our author Jim Halderman brings a world of experience, knowledge and talent to his work. His automotive service experience includes working as a flat-rate technician, a business owner and a professor of automotive technology at a leading U.S. community college. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Northern University and a Master’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Jim also holds a U.S. patent for an electronic transmission control device. He is an ASE-certified Master Automotive Technician (A1–A8), plus A9, F1, G1, L1 and L3. Jim is the author of many automotive textbooks, all published by Pearson. Jim has presented numerous technical seminars to national audiences, including the California Automotive Teachers (CAT) and the Illinois College Automotive Instructor Association (ICAIA). Jim was also named Regional Teacher of the Year by General Motors Corporation and is a member of the advisory committee for the department of technology at Ohio Northern University. Jim was also named MVP at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference in 2013. Jim and his wife, Michelle, live in Dayton, Ohio. You can reach Jim by email.

Automotive Background and Overview
Careers in the Automotive Service Industry
Starting a Career in the Automotive Industry
Working as a Professional Service Technician
Technician Certification
Shop Safety
Environmental and Hazardous Materials
Fasteners and Thread Repair
Hand Tools
Power Tools and Shop Equipment
Vehicle Lifting and Hoisting
Measuring Systems and Tools
Scientific Principles and Materials
Math, Charts, and Calculations
Service Information
Vehicle Identification and Emission Ratings
Preventative Maintenance and Service Procedures
Gasoline Engine Operation, Parts, and Specifications
Diesel Engine Operation and Diagnosis
Coolant
Cooling System Operation and Diagnosis
Engine Oil
Lubrication System Operation and Diagnosis
Intake and Exhaust Systems
Turbocharging and Supercharging
Engine Condition Diagnosis
In-Vehicle Engine Service
Engine Removal and Disassembly
Engine Cleaning and Crack Detection
Cylinder Head and Valve Guide Service
Valve and Seat Service
Camshafts and Valve Trains
Pistons, Rings, and Connecting Rods
Engine Blocks
Crankshafts, Balance Shafts, and Bearings
Gaskets and Sealants
Engine Assembly and Dynamometer Testing
Engine Installation and Break-in
Electrical Fundamentals
Electrical Circuits and Ohm's Law
Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits
Circuit Testers and Digital Meters
Oscilloscopes and Graphing Multimeters
Automotive Wiring and Wire Repair
Wiring Schematics and Circuit Testing
Capacitance and Capacitors
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Electronic Fundamentals
CAN and Network Communications
Batteries
Battery Testing and Service
Cranking System
Cranking System Diagnosis and Service
Charging System
Charging System Diagnosis and Service
Lighting and Signaling Circuits
Driver Information and Navigation Systems
Comfort and Convenience Accessories
Security and Immobilizer Systems
Airbag and Pretensioner Circuits
Autonomous Vehicles: Operation and Service Procedures
Audio System Operation and Diagnosis
Heating and Air-Conditioning Components and Operation
Air Management System
Automatic Air-Conditioning System Operation
Heating and Air-Conditioning System Diagnosis
Heating and Air-Conditioning System Service
Gasoline
Alternative Fuels
Diesel and Biodiesel Fuels
Ignition System Components and Operation
Ignition System Diagnosis and Service
Computer Fundamentals
Temperature Sensors
Throttle Position (TP) Sensors
MAP/BARO Sensors
Mass Air Flow Sensors
Oxygen Sensors
Fuel Pumps, Lines, and Filters
Fuel-Injection Components and Operation
Gasoline Direct-Injection Systems
Electronic Throttle Control System
Fuel-Injection System Diagnosis and Service
Vehicle Emission Standards and Testing
Evaporative Emission Control Systems
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Systems
Positive Crankcase Ventilation and Secondary Air-Injection Systems
Catalytic Converters
On-Board Diagnosis
Scan Tools and Engine Performance Diagnosis
Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid Vehicle High-Voltage Batteries
Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid Safety and Service Procedures
Fuel Cells and Advanced Technologies
Braking System Components and Performance Standards
Braking System Principles and Friction Materials
Brake Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic Valves and Switches
Brake Fluid and Lines
Brake Bleeding Methods and Procedures
Wheel Bearings and Service
Drum Brakes
Drum Brake Diagnosis and Service
Disc Brakes
Disc Brake Diagnosis and Service
Parking Brake Operation, Diagnosis, and Service
Machining Brake Drums and Rotors
Power Brake Unit Operation, Diagnosis, and Service
ABS Components and Operation
ABS Diagnosis and Service
Electronic Stability Control Systems
Tires and Wheels
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire and Wheel Service
Suspension System Principles and Components
Front Suspensions and Service
Rear Suspensions and Service
Electronic Suspension Systems
Steering Columns and Gears
Steering Linkage and Service
Hydraulic Power Steering Systems
Electric Power Steering Systems
Wheel Alignment Principles
Alignment Diagnosis and Service
Clutches
Manual Transmissions/Transaxles
Drive Shafts and CV Joints
Drive Shafts and CV Joint Service
Drive Axles and Differentials
Four-Wheel-Drive and All-Wheel Drive
Vibration and Noise Diagnosis and Correction
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Principles
Hydraulic Components and Control Systems
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis and In-Vehicle Service
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Unit Repair