Course Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Evaluate and determine needed repairs to A/C system.
- Diagnose the temperature control problems in the heater/ventilation system.
- Determine needed repairs.
- Evaluate and determine mechanical failures in the HVAC system.
- Evaluate and determine electrical failures in the HVAC system.
- Describe refrigerant storage, labeling, testing and recycling.
Explanation of Course Alignment:
The student will describe the theory of heat transfer, forms of matter, refrigerant cycle, and operating principles of certain hardware peculiar to the automotive air conditioning system. The student will apply these fundamentals in testing, repairing, disassembling, and assembling exercises on components of these systems in the automotive laboratory. System refrigerants R-12 , R134a YF1234A will be covered. Tasks and learning will be in relationship to ASE testing area A7 Heating and air conditioning.
Course Goals and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will:
1. Evaluate and determine needed repairs to the A/C system.
2. Diagnose the temperature control problems in the heater/ventilation system; determine needed
repairs.
3. Evaluate and determine mechanical failures in the HVAC system.
4. Evaluate and determine electrical failures in the HVAC system.
5. Describe refrigerant storage, labeling, testing and recycling.
Faculty Contact Information
Half hour before class.
James Stafford
JStafford@kcc.edu
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Evaluate and determine needed repairs to A/C system.
- Diagnose the temperature control problems in the heater/ventilation system.
- Determine needed repairs.
- Evaluate and determine mechanical failures in the HVAC system.
- Evaluate and determine electrical failures in the HVAC system.
- Describe refrigerant storage, labeling, testing and recycling.
Required Materials
Textbook(s) CDX Fundamentals of Automotive Technology and online coded package,
Safety Glasses: Eye injury is one of the more common injuries associated with the Automotive repair field. It is also one which is often irreversible. Therefore, it is mandatory that safety glasses be worn at all times in the auto lab.
Prescription glasses are allowed to be worn along with a face shield while grinding, cutting or cleaning any item or material!
Safety Glasses must be clear NO DARK GLASSES must be of Z87 grade.
Shop appropriate clothing - students will be sent home if not appropriately dressed for shop.
Evaluation
Homework 35 %
Hands on tasks 35%
Quizzes and tests 30%
A = 94 – 100% Midterm /Final Exam 30%
B = 84– 93% Lab Scores 35%
C= 77-84% Quizzes/ Homework 35%
D = 70 -76% Attendance 8%
F = 69 % and Below
Based on the emphasis our industrial society places on such qualities as aptitude, attitude, cooperativeness, responsibility, and work habits, a part of each individual’s grade will be based on these attributes.
Grade scale is based on Automotive Industry standards. All certifying bodies for the Automotive industry require a minimum passing score of 80 percent.
Summative testing questions may come from homework, quizzes, reviews, lecture, or lab.
Business, Technology & Human Services
Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650
Course Policies – Automotive Technology
1. Attendance & Punctuality – Critical to Your Success
Your attendance is one of the most important factors in this course. Automotive technology is hands-on, and skills are learned by doing — you cannot make up the experience of missed class time.
You are expected to be present for every class, on time, and ready to participate.
Class starts promptly at the scheduled time.
Each tardy results in a half-grade deduction.
If you arrive late during a quiz or test, you must wait outside until all students are finished. You will not be allowed to make up the quiz or test unless approved for extraordinary circumstances.
Missing more than one hour of class time counts as a full absence.
If your total absences exceed the credit hours of the course (3 hours for this class), the instructor may record a failing grade.
Failure to attend class does not constitute withdrawal — you must officially withdraw through the Office of Admissions and Records.
Bottom line: Show up, be on time, and stay for the full class — it’s the only way to succeed in this course.
2. Professionalism & Conduct
Attendance, attitude, cooperation, responsibility, and work habits all factor into your grade.
Cell phones must be silenced and stored away during class.
No headphones or earbuds in the classroom or shop.
Smartwatches are treated as cell phones and are not to be used.
Bring required materials to every class: pencil, notebook, textbook, notes, and handouts.
Students must have appropriate PPE for the shop. Closed toe shoes, safety glasses, traditional length t-shirts are the minimum.
3. Auto Tech Lab – Shop Safety Rules
Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the shop..
Obtain instructor approval before using shop equipment, cutting tools, or abrasive tools.
Inform the instructor of any leftover parts after a job.
Clean, arrange, and return all tools and manuals after use.
Get instructor permission before bringing a vehicle into the shop.
Place keys on the driver-side dashboard when finished with a vehicle. Never place tools or keys in your pocket.
Check battery state of charge after servicing; leaving a dead battery will result in a lab grade penalty.
4. Lab Conduct & Responsibilities
Leave your work area spotless, regardless of its condition when you began.
Report all accidents and broken tools immediately.
Smoking is prohibited in all KCC buildings, including the lab. This includes electronic versions as well.
Always connect an exhaust hose to running vehicles to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Disconnect the battery before performing any service on the vehicle.
Jacks are for lifting only — always use jack stands before working underneath a vehicle.
5. Specific Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will:
Practice safe and efficient use of automotive tools and equipment.
Demonstrate knowledge of relevant physical, chemical, and mathematical concepts.
Show the ability to work cooperatively while taking initiative in completing tasks.
Plan, problem-solve, and execute repair and maintenance tasks independently.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy – Automotive Technology
Purpose
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, Copilot, etc.) can be valuable for learning, research, and problem-solving. In the Automotive Technology program, these tools must be used responsibly to support—not replace hands- on skills, critical thinking, and independent learning.
Acceptable Uses
Students may use AI for:
Summarizing textbook material or technical manuals to aid study.
Generating practice questions for ASE-style exam preparation.
Reviewing industry terminology or concepts.
Drafting outlines for lab reports, presentations, or assignments (must be rewritten in the student’s own words).
Checking grammar or formatting.
Unacceptable Uses
Students may not use AI for:
Submitting AI-generated work as their own without revision or proper citation.
Using AI to fabricate data, measurements, or diagnostic results.
Bypassing assigned reading, research, or lab work by relying solely on AI-generated answers.
Using AI during closed-book exams, quizzes, or hands-on performance tests (unless explicitly allowed).
Inputting confidential customer, vehicle, or proprietary information into AI tools.
Ethical and Academic Standards
All AI use must comply with the college’s academic integrity policy.
Students should not utilize AI for finding vehicle service information.
Students must develop and demonstrate hands-on skills independently; AI is not a substitute for practical experience.
Consequences for Misuse
Violations of this policy will result in:
Loss of credit for the assignment.
Additional remedial work to demonstrate independent competency.
Referral for academic integrity review under college policy.
Guiding Principle
AI should be used as a supplemental tool—like a scan tool, service manual, or multimeter—not as a replacement for learning, practicing, and thinking for yourself.
Student Expectations
Students are expected to arrive on time and fully prepared for every class session and lab period. Punctuality is essential for maintaining a productive learning environment and ensuring all students receive the full benefit of instruction.
Collaboration is an important part of this course. All students are expected to work respectfully and effectively with their classmates, contribute to group tasks, and maintain a positive, professional attitude in all interactions.
Safety is the highest priority in the shop. Students must follow all shop safety rules, wear required personal protective equipment, and use tools and equipment only as instructed. Any unsafe behavior, horseplay, or disregard for safety protocols may result in removal from the lab and additional disciplinary action.
All assigned homework, quizzes, and chapter assessments must be completed by midnight the night before class. Late work disrupts the learning process and will not be accepted unless previously approved.
Attendance is mandatory. Students who miss a class will receive a minimum penalty of one full letter grade deduction, regardless of the reason, unless arrangements have been made with the instructor in advance.
By being punctual, completing all assigned work on time, collaborating with peers, and adhering to strict shop safety standards, students contribute to a professional, safe, and successful learning environment.
Course Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dates: March 17 – May 5, 2026
Platform: CDX Automotive Technology
All assigned chapters must be completed by midnight the night before class. Quizzes and tests for each chapter are also due at that time.
| Week | Date | In-Class Topics | Assignments Due Before Class | Assessments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Mar 17 | Syllabus review, CDX setup, HVAC safety, system overview, Pretest | (No assignments — first week) | Pretest |
| Week 2 | Mar 24 | HVAC instruction and discussion | Chapter 20 — Coolant | Ch. 20 quizzes and tests |
| Week 3 | Mar 31 | HVAC cooling system service | Chapter 21 — Coolant Service | Ch. 21 quizzes and tests |
| Week 4 | Apr 7 | HVAC fundamentals | Chapter 66 — HVAC Fundamentals | Ch. 66 quizzes and tests |
| Week 5 | Apr 14 | HVAC service procedures | Chapter 67 — HVAC Service | Ch. 67 quizzes and tests |
| Week 6 | Apr 21 | HVAC electrical and control systems | Chapter 68 — HVAC Control Systems | Ch. 68 quizzes and tests |
| Week 7 | Apr 28 | HVAC troubleshooting, system flow, diagnostics | ASE 609 Study/Preparation Material | 609 Review Activities |
| Week 8 | May 5 | Final Review and ASE 609 Certification Test | (No new chapter assigned) | Final Exam + ASE 609 Test |
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.