DESL 1003 Diesel Fundamentals Syllabus 010 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 2 Clinical/Lab Hours 2
Type of Credit
CIP Code
47.0605
Course Meeting Time

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 8:00 am - 9:50 am

Course Description
This course introduces the student to KCC's Diesel Program, focused on diesel power overview, shop safety, tools, equipment, courses, overall layout and expectations for courses and program. The student will be introduced to diesel engines, repairs, brakes, electrical, suspension and transmissions as well as employment options in transportation and agriculture. The course is a mixture of textbook, videos, lecture, hands-on exercises, and on-site instruction at a local diesel repair facility.
Explanation of Course Alignment

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to: 

1. Identify tools, equipment, & fasteners used in truck repair.

 2. Identify and explain how the truck repair industry is structured. 

3. Identify and explain operation of the major systems of the trucks. 

4. Identify and explain what EPA, CAFÉ, FMCSR, CDL, and NHTSA regulations are and how they affect the transportation industry. 

5. Perform complete FMC annual inspection of tractors and trailers. 

6. Examine maintenance requirements and procedures for heavy duty trucks.

 7. Perform CDL pre-trip inspections 

Topical Outline

 Safe shop and equipment practices·

 Oil and lubrication requirements  

Maintenance procedures and requirements  

Component inspection procedures

·Federal Motor Carrier Regulations usage ·

 Annual Federal Vehicle Inspection requirements 

 Pre-trip inspections

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Brad Rechkemmer
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
815-405-5612
Faculty Office Number
MT 04
Faculty Student Support Hours

Thursdays 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Faculty Information

Brad Rechkemmer 815-802-8892 brechkemmer@kcc.edu MT04  

 Academic Division: Business, Technology & Human Services

Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu

 Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify proper shop safety practices while in the labs.
  2. Identify tools, equipment, and fasteners used in truck repair.
  3. Identify and explain how the truck repair industry is structured.
  4. Identify and explain operation of the major systems of the trucks.
  5. Identify and explain what EPA, CAFÉ, FMCSR, CDL, and NHTSA regulations are and how they affect the transportation industry.
  6. Perform complete FMC annual inspection of tractors and trailers.
  7. Examine maintenance requirements and procedures for heavy duty trucks.
  8. Change oil and filters and lubricate the complete chassis.
  9. Perform CDL pre-trip inspections.
  10. Perform the CDL air brake leak down safety test and inspection.
Topical Outline
  • Safe shop and equipment practices
  • Oil and lubrication requirements
  • Maintenance procedures and requirements
  • Component inspection procedures
  • Federal Motor Carrier Regulations usage
  • Annual Federal Vehicle Inspection requirements
  • Pre-trip inspections
  • Air brake leak down test requirements
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Additional Textbook/s and Course Materials

 Textbook(s) CDX Medium/Heavy Duty Commercial Vehicle Systems Second Edition ONLINE + Medium/Heavy Duty Diesel Engines ONLINE 

As part of your course materials you will be required to Log onto KCC portal It is your responsibility to have YOUR passwords and log in information available at all times during class. 

You will be given a log in for your textbooks, as well as other websites used for training in this class. Again, it's YOUR responsibility to have access to YOUR Log in USERNAME and PASSWORDS Peterbilt Training Academy will be used as part of your training, 

You will be granted access to the PTA and will need to save your log in info NC3 Tool Identification and Safety will be included in this course and you will be responsible for your log in to NC3 

"Safety Glasses are required when working in lab / shop area" it is mandatory that safety glasses be worn at all times in the shop lab. Prescription glasses are allowed to be worn along with a face shield while grinding cutting or cleaning any item or materials! Safety Glasses, (Side shields are allowed if prescription lenses are needed). Safety Glasses must be clear NO DARK GLASSES!

 "Safety Toe shoe / boot are required "

"Required tool set via Snap On / Blue Point / MATCO "

 Tool Cart with included hand tools $2400.00 

Qty 1 Tool Cart

Combo Wrenches 

Standard & Metric

1/4" 3/8" 1/2" drive chrome socket sets

Plyer Set

Screwdriver Set

Pry Bar Set

Hammer

Methods of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation

 Evaluation A = 94– 100% 

B = 85 – 93% 

C = 77-84% 

D=70-76% 

F = 69 % and Below

Academic Division

Business, Technology & Human Services

Dean, Paul Carlson; 815-802-8858; V105; pcarlson@kcc.edu; Division Office – W102; 815-802-8650

Course Policies

Course Policies
Attendance: Regular attendance at all scheduled class sessions is expected. If a student has missed more class hours than the number of credit hours to be earned in the class, the instructor may record the grade of “F” for the course.
Failure of the student to attend class does not constitute withdrawal. The student must make a formal written withdrawal through the Office of Admissions and Records.

 Attendance is taken at the beginning and end of class.

 Attendance for the entire class period is mandatory. If you know you will not be in class, the student must inform the instructor prior to that class. Informing the instructor does not excuse the absence it only gives you the right to make it up. Makeup work must be done at the mutually scheduled time agreed upon between the student and instructor.
TARDINESS: Points will be heavily deducted from the student’s grades if the student arrives in class any time after the scheduled class time; Down to and including “0” points for that day. Late Is Late
IT IS MANDATORY THAT ALL STUDENTS WEAR JEANS AND WORK BOOTS TO EVERY CLASS AND HAVE ALL REQUIRED EQUIPMENT WITH THEM.

Withdrawals
When necessary to withdraw from a course or from the college, a student may do so on or before the withdrawal date stated on the syllabus without receiving a punitive final grade. Change of Schedule forms (used to add or drop a course)
are available in Student Services and the student must obtain the required signatures prior to submitting the Change of Schedule form to an adviser in Student Services. Students may submit Change of Schedule forms through the mail, but
they must be postmarked no later than the withdrawal date. 

No withdrawals are allowed by phone. 


 

Expectations for Classroom and Online Behavior

16.0 Code of Conduct
Students need to adhere to the Code of Conduct located in the college catalog.
16.1 (i) Illicit drugs and controlled substances.
In accordance with local, state, and federal laws, violation includes the use, unlawful manufacture, sale, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs and controlled substances.
Anyone suspected, in the judgment of KCC faculty/administrators/security, to be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other behavior-altering substances may be tested without notice according to board approved procedures. Violation also includes failure to comply with college procedure for testing.

Course Calendar

Tuesday Wednesday Thursdays

Starting January 13th, 2026

Final Exam February 5th, 2026

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

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. 

Resources

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.